From 6 July 2026, Immigration New Zealand made three rule changes to the Business Investor Work Visa: applicants can now invest in qualifying franchise businesses, purchase a business through a New Zealand resident entity, and fund the investment with lawfully earned gifted capital. The visa still offers a NZD 1 million option (3-year work-to-residence) or NZD 2 million option (12-month fast-track to residence), replacing the closed Entrepreneur Work Visa.
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NZ eases Business Investor Work Visa: franchises and gifted capital now allowed
Why this matters for founders
A founder wanting to bring in an offshore co-founder or investor to buy into or start a NZ business can now structure the deal through a franchise or a NZ resident company and use gifted funds, widening who can qualify. Check eligibility on Immigration NZ before committing capital.
Source: Immigration New Zealand
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