The government of New Zealand has announced the launch of a new Business Investor Visa, aimed at attracting international entrepreneurs and investors, including those from Pakistan, who wish to establish and operate businesses in the country.
The newly introduced visa will officially open for applications in November 2025 and is designed to replace the Entrepreneur Work Visa, which has now been closed to fresh applications. Holders of the old visa will still be able to renew or apply for permanent residence under the previous framework.
Under the new scheme, investors will be offered two main investment pathways. Those who commit NZ$1 million (approximately Rs180 million) to an existing New Zealand business can qualify for a three-year work-to-residence route. Alternatively, applicants investing NZ$2 million (around Rs360 million) will be eligible for a fast-tracked residence pathway within 12 months.
For applicants from Pakistan, eligibility extends to either purchasing a business in full or acquiring at least 25 percent ownership in an existing enterprise, provided the minimum investment requirements are fulfilled. The visa itself will be valid for up to four years and carries a fee of NZ$12,380 (about Rs2.2 million), which includes the application charge and levy. Successful applicants can also bring their spouses and dependent children.
Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Investors
To qualify, Pakistani applicants must:
- Be 55 years of age or younger.
- Meet English language requirements, such as IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
- Demonstrate proof of at least NZ$500,000 (roughly Rs90 million) in available funds to support themselves and their families during the initial business setup phase.
- Provide evidence of prior business experience.
- Fulfil health and character checks.
- Create local employment by hiring a minimum of five full-time workers.
However, certain businesses are excluded under this visa category. These include drop-shipping, gambling ventures, tobacco or vaping production, adult entertainment, corner shops, immigration consultancy firms, discount outlets, fast food chains, franchises, and home-based businesses.
According to New Zealand officials, the Business Investor Visa is part of wider immigration reforms intended to strengthen the economy by attracting skilled global investors. The programme will work alongside the existing Active Investor Plus Visa. Authorities confirmed that further details and comparisons between the two schemes will be released in October 2025.
The initiative is being seen as a significant opening for Pakistani investors, offering structured pathways to residency while encouraging contributions to job creation and business growth in New Zealand.
