New Zealand is rolling out its Business Investor Visa (BIV)—a revamped immigration channel aimed at attracting seasoned investors who are prepared to actively manage and grow existing local businesses. This move comes as the government phases out the Entrepreneur Work Visa, which suffered from limited uptake and muted economic impact (Immigration New Zealand).

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What’s Changing?

Effective from November 2025, applications for the new Business Investor Visa will be accepted . This visa offers two clearly defined investment paths:

1. NZ$1 million investment in an existing business → three-year work‑to‑residence pathway
   
   
2. NZ$2 million investment in an existing business → 12‑month fast‑track to residence 

Under both paths, applicants may either buy a business outright or acquire at least 25% ownership, as long as they meet the minimum capital threshold.

Why the Shift?

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford explains that the BIV is designed to attract experienced, hands-on investors—those capable of injecting capital and managing operations to foster business growth and employment.

This marks a deliberate pivot from the now-retired Entrepreneur category, which endured low application volumes, high rejection rates, and failed to deliver strong economic returns.

What’s Needed to Apply?

According to media reporting, key applicant requirements include (but may not be limited to) the following:

• Proven business experience and the capability to operate a business
  
  
• English language proficiency
  
  
• Age limit of 55 years or younger
  
  
• Hold at least NZ$500,000 in additional funds for personal and family support
  
  
• Spend at least 184 days per year in New Zealand to retain visa status
  
  

Additional criteria have been reported—such as restrictions excluding certain sectors like convenience stores, fast-food franchises, and adult entertainment—but these specifics await confirmation in formal guidelines.

The following are also expected:

• Immigration fee roughly NZ$12,380 (inclusive of immigration levies)
  
  
• Inclusion of family members: partners and dependent children likely eligible for residence rights.

Timeline, Expectations & Context

The BIV application window opens in November 2025, with detailed guidance—including comparisons to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa—anticipated in October 2025 

Projected uptake is modest; officials estimate around 100–150 applications in the first year.

This visa is part of a broader government strategy to refine business-related immigration options—including updates to the AIP visa and foreign investment fund frameworks—aimed at bolstering economic growth through targeted capital and expertise inflows.

How It Compares to Other Pathways

The BIV is much more structured and lower‑threshold than the high‑capital AIP visa, which still requires investments of NZ$5 million or NZ$10 million across its growth or balanced categories. Additionally, recent relaxations to the AIP pathway have already spurred notable interest, especially from U.S. applicants drawn by New Zealand’s stability and quality of life.

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The BIV, with its leaner requirements and faster residency tracks, should broaden the appeal to mid-to-high net-worth individuals ready to play an operational role.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

The Business Investor Visa presents a smart, targeted immigration pathway—designed to bring not just money, but active business leaders capable of creating jobs and driving growth in New Zealand. The clear criteria, varied investment tiers, and anticipated streamlined processes mark a shift toward more impactful and accessible business immigration.

For ongoing updates and official application details, keep an eye on the Immigration New Zealand announcement: Business Investor Visa offers new immigration options for investors.

For more investment visa information and assistance, click HERE.