Government relents on Business Investor Work Visa criteria

After identifying a specific, blanket exclusion of franchises when the Business Investor Visa was introduced last year, the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ) engaged extensively with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), including making a formal submission, attending stakeholder briefings, and advocating for the exclusion to be removed.

MBIE say they are broadening the range of eligible investments and increasing flexibility within the Business Investor Work Visa requirements, aligning visa settings more closely with real-world investment practices.

From 6 July 2026, applicants can invest in franchise businesses that meet existing requirements, widening the range of eligible opportunities. Applicants can also now purchase businesses through a New Zealand resident entity, and are now allowed to use gifted capital for the purchase, where it has been lawfully earned.

Katrina King, CEO of FANZ said in a release today, "The Association is extremely pleased with today’s announcement, which recognises the significant contribution franchising makes to New Zealand’s economy and opens further investment opportunities for the franchising sector. The Association would also like to thank its members whose fees help fund this important advocacy work."

The 4 year Business Investor Work Visa requirements include the following:

• investment of at least NZD $1 million in an acceptable established New Zealand business that the applicant intends to actively run/operate
• a minimum additional NZD $500,000 to support the applicant and their family while running and growing the business
• applicants must be aged 55 years or younger
• business experience requirements
• an ability to speak and understand English

The full requirements and application process can be found on the government's immigration website at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/business-investor-work-visa/