Investor visa and foreign buyer rules

The story so far

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the visa would replace the entrepreneur work visa and could allow investors to gain residence in as little as 12 months by buying an existing firm and hiring at least one more staff member.^{27 Aug 2025} The minister said the pathways aim to create jobs and maintain employment, and applications were expected to open in November.^{27 Aug 2025} On 1 September the Government announced an exemption to the foreign buyers' ban, allowing wealthy investors with investor residence visas, including golden visa holders, to buy or build one home valued at a minimum of $5 million.^{1, 2 Sep 2025} Eligible properties could include houses in Remuera, Devonport and Queenstown, apartments in Tauranga and large land plots. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said easing the ban was necessary because New Zealand was not attractive enough for investment.^{2 Sep 2025}

Latest

On 1 September the eased foreign buyer rules for golden visa holders were confirmed, with the policy aimed at growing the economy and addressing house-flipping.^{2 Sep 2025}

What's next

Applications for the new Business Investor Visa are expected to open in November.^{27 Aug 2025}

Key moments

1. 27 Aug 2025Government announces Business Investor Visa to attract migrants who invest in businesses.
2. 27 Aug 2025New visa to replace entrepreneur work visa; residence possible within 12 months.
3. 1 Sep 2025Foreign buyers' ban exempted for investor visa holders buying homes worth $5 million or more.
4. 2 Sep 2025Golden visa holders may buy one home valued at a minimum of $5 million.
5. 2 Sep 2025Peters says easing ban needed as New Zealand not attractive enough for investment.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.