New Zealand · Startup Visa
New Zealand Founder and Business Investor Visas
New Zealand has no visa called a startup visa. The Entrepreneur Work Visa is closed to new applicants, and its replacement, the Business Investor Work Visa, rewards buying and running an established business rather than launching a new one.
- Startup route
- Business Investor Work Visa
- Minimum capital
- NZD 1 million in an established business
- Permanent residence
- Resident visa in 1–3 years; PRV after 2 more
- Citizenship
- 5 years as a resident, 240 days a year
Business Investor Work Visa
Announced on August 27, 2025 and opened in November 2025, the Business Investor Work Visa replaces the Entrepreneur Work Visa. Applicants aged 55 or younger invest at least NZD 1 million in an established New Zealand business and own at least 25% of it through the purchase. The business must have traded for at least five years, employ at least five full-time equivalent staff and cost at least NZD 1 million, excluding property and GST. Applicants also need NZD 500,000 in settlement funds, three years of business experience, English, and good health and character. Investing NZD 2 million or more opens a 12-month pathway to residence instead of three years. Sectors such as fast food outlets, franchises and drop-shipping are excluded.
- Validity
- Up to 4 years; the first 12 months are the Establishment stage
- Government fee
- From NZD 12,380
- Investment
- NZD 1 million standard; NZD 2 million for the 12-month route
- Settlement funds
- NZD 500,000 on top of the investment
- Age limit
- 55 or younger
- Family
- Partner may get a work visa; children may study
- Leads to
- Business Investor Resident Visa
Requirements
- Be 55 or younger and meet English, health, character and fit and proper person requirements.
- Invest at least NZD 1 million of lawfully acquired, unborrowed funds to buy at least 25% of an established business.
- Nominate a business that has traded for five years and employs at least five full-time equivalent staff.
- Hold NZD 500,000 in settlement funds accessible from New Zealand, in addition to the investment.
- Show three years of self-employment or senior management experience in a business of qualifying size.
- Intend to run the business and create at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.
How to apply
- Identify an eligible established business and agree the purchase terms.
- Apply online and pay the fee, with evidence of funds, experience, English, health and character.
- Within the first nine months, show that you have bought the business and are running it.
- Run the business for the required period, then apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.
Entrepreneur Work Visa
Status: Closed to new applications; closure announced on August 27, 2025
The Entrepreneur Work Visa allowed people to come to New Zealand to buy or set up a business, with a later path to the Entrepreneur Resident Visa. Immigration New Zealand announced on August 27, 2025 that the Entrepreneur category was closed to new applications as part of a refresh of business immigration settings. Applications already lodged are processed under the rules in place when they were filed, and withdrawing one does not bring a refund of fees or levies. Current holders can still apply for residence, including by showing at least NZD 500,000 invested and three new jobs created, and can seek one further work visa after three years if they need more time to qualify.
- Status
- Closed to new applications
- Pending applications
- Processed under the rules in force when lodged
- Current holders
- May still apply for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa
- Renewal
- One further work visa after 3 years, if justified
Why New Zealand moved away from a startup-style visa
The Business Investor Work Visa shifts the emphasis from new ventures to existing ones. Instead of a business plan for a new company, applicants nominate one that has traded for at least five years, employs at least five full-time equivalent staff and is lawful and compliant. A founder who wants to build something new in New Zealand therefore has no dedicated visa and would need to qualify under another category, or consider the Active Investor Plus Visa, which deploys capital without requiring the investor to run a business.
The new visa also tightens operating conditions. During the 12-month Establishment stage, the holder must show the purchase and active management within nine months, or the visa ends at 12 months instead of running to four years. Only one change of nominated business is allowed in that stage, and only if a sale falls through within the first six months for reasons beyond the applicant's control. Holders must stay self-employed in the business type named on the visa.
Questions and answers
Does New Zealand have a startup visa in 2026?
No. New Zealand has no visa called a startup visa, and the Entrepreneur Work Visa is closed to new applications. The Business Investor Work Visa, open since November 2025, requires buying at least 25% of an established business worth NZD 1 million or more, so it does not suit an early-stage startup.
Which businesses are excluded from the Business Investor Work Visa?
Business.govt.nz lists drop-shipping, gambling, tobacco or nicotine manufacturing including vaping, adult entertainment, convenience stores, immigration advisory services, discount stores, fast food outlets, franchises and home-based businesses as ineligible. The business must also have traded for five years and employ at least five full-time equivalent staff.
What happens to people who already hold an Entrepreneur Work Visa?
They keep their visa and can still apply for an Entrepreneur Resident Visa. Holders who need more time can apply for one further Entrepreneur Work Visa after three years on the first, if a business immigration specialist is satisfied they have run the business and still meet the requirements.
How long until residence on the Business Investor route?
With an investment of at least NZD 1 million, residence may be possible after three years of running the business. With NZD 2 million or more, the applicant may apply after 12 months, but must still run the business for a total of three years across the work and resident visas.
Official sources
- Business Investor Work Visa (Immigration New Zealand)www.immigration.govt.nz
- Business Investor visa offers new immigration options for investors (Immigration New Zealand)www.immigration.govt.nz
- Entrepreneur Work Visa (Immigration New Zealand)www.immigration.govt.nz
- Wanting to sell your business? New visa opens doors to overseas investors (business.govt.nz)www.business.govt.nz
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in New Zealand.
Startup visa
No startup visa; Business Investor Work Visa replaced the Entrepreneur route
02Temporary residence
Work visa of up to 4 years while running a business with 5+ FTE staff
03Permanent residence
Resident visa after 12 months or 3 years; PRV after 2 years as resident
04Citizenship
Grant after 5 years' residence with 1,350 days present; dual allowed