New Zealand Four-Year Investor Visa | A Verified Guide for Global Investors (IPA Special Report)

To apply, investors must show that they have meaningful business experience. This may include owning or operating a company, managing a team, or overseeing significant turnover. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependants, typically at least NZD 500,000 in liquid assets. There is an application fee of approximately NZD 12,380, and applicants must present a credible business plan outlining how the invested company will operate or grow.

New Zealand’s model stands out globally because it avoids passive real estate pathways and instead encourages productive investment in established businesses. This reduces the risks associated with speculative property markets and avoids the pitfalls seen in countries where real estate-driven Golden Visa schemes have inflated housing costs. By requiring investment into a functioning business, the BIWV directly stimulates economic activity and job creation while offering investors a more transparent and structured immigration route.

The visa appeals particularly to individuals who have entrepreneurial backgrounds, who prefer structured business investment over passive property acquisition, and who want a residency option in a highly stable, English-speaking country. It suits internationally mobile families seeking longterm security, individuals diversifying out of volatile markets, and business owners who are looking to expand into New Zealand’s economy. Those seeking a purely passive residency-byinvestment experience without business involvement may find this route less suitable.