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      On 24 November 2025, the New Zealand Government through Immigration New Zealand, will open applications for a new Business Investor Work Visa. This initiative aims to attract experienced business people to invest in established New Zealand businesses and provides a pathway to residence.

      WHY THIS MATTERS

      For global mobility managers, HR leaders, and internationally mobile employees, the introduction of the Business Investor Work Visa presents a strategic opportunity for relocation and business investment in New Zealand.

      The program’s eligibility criteria, including minimum investment thresholds, business experience, and reserve funds, may affect the pool of qualifying candidates and influence organizational talent planning. Families can be included under this visa, affecting relocation planning, benefits structuring, and support needs. 

      Key Highlights

      Business Investor Work Visa

      Eligibility Criteria

      • The business has been operating for at least five years.
      • Minimum investment made of either NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million.
      • Applicant holds at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds.
      • The applicant is 55 years of age or younger, demonstrates English language proficiency, and successfully passes health and character checks.
      • Business experience is demonstrated either through ownership or revenue benchmarks.

      Excluded Business Types

      • Businesses such as convenience stores, discount shops, and drop-shipping operations.
      • Fast food outlets, gambling-related businesses, and those involved in tobacco or vaping.
      • Adult entertainment, home-based businesses, and franchises.
      • Immigration advisory services.

      Business Investor Resident Visa 

      Eligibility Criteria

      • The applicant is actively involved in running the business in New Zealand and maintains the same level of ownership.
      • The applicant continues to employ at least five full-time equivalent staff and also creates and sustains at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident, lasting a minimum of 12 months.
      • The business remains solvent.
      • The applicant has spent at least 184 days in each of the previous three years in New Zealand and meets health and character requirements.

      KPMG INSIGHTS

      Key Considerations

      In light of the upcoming Business Investor Work Visa, affected organisations and entities may wish to consider the following:

      • Review global mobility and talent acquisition strategies to identify potential candidates who might benefit from this visa.
      • Prepare support for applicants on documentation, eligibility assessment, and compliance with business operation benchmarks.
      • Communicate the exclusion of certain business types to avoid misdirected investment initiatives.
      • Inform employees and their families about the inclusion options and residence pathways.
      • Update their mobility policies to reflect the new residence pathways and associated requirements.

      If assignees and/or programme managers have any questions about the application process and their eligibility, they should consult with their qualified immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in Australia, which has responsibility for New Zealand immigration matters (see the Contact Us section).

      FOOTNOTE:

      1  New Zealand Immigration, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, New Business Investor Work Visa opens pathway to residence, published on 20 October 2025.

      Contacts

      Georgina Haines
      Georgina Haines

      Senior Manager

      KPMG Australia

      More Information

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      Disclaimer

      * Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

      **Please note also that the KPMG International member firm in Australia is currently providing New Zealand immigration services.

      The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Australia.

      GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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