New Zealand to launch the New Business Investor Visa (BIV): A New Chapter for Global Entrepreneurs articles
Date
24 Oct 2025
Related Expertise
From Monday 24 November 2025, applications will open for the new promising Business Investor Visa (BIV), a streamlined pathway to work and residence for global investors seeking to acquire and grow established New Zealand businesses.
This follows the Minister of Immigration’s announcement in August 2025 1 of a major overhaul to New Zealand’s business immigration framework. The BIV replaces the poorly performing Entrepreneur Work Visa which faced challenges including low application volumes, high decline rates and limited economic impact – and will operate alongside the revamped Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa, under which applicants can obtain residence by investing NZ$5 million or NZ$10 million in acceptable investments and meeting the minimum time-in-country requirements.
The BIV is part of a 3-tiered strategy designed to attract diverse forms of capital and entrepreneurial talent:
- Active Investor Plus Visa: Focused on high-value investment capital (NZD$5 million – NZD$10 million)
- Business Investor Visa: Combines investment and human capital for the purchase and improvement of an existing business.
- Upcoming third visa: A category for new business-creation with scalable and innovative ideas. Further details are yet to be released.
The BIV targets hands-on investors – those who actively participate in business operations, create jobs, sustain businesses, and strengthen the economy.
Biggest win
The biggest win under the new BIV is the removal of the points system and the requirement that the business be ‘innovative’, ‘high growth’ and ‘export potential’. This removes the old discretion that made Entrepreneur Visa applications unpredictable.
Essentially, the BIV provides two investment routes:
- NZD$1 million investment into an existing business, offering a three-year work-to-residence pathway.
- NZD$2 million investment, which grants a fast-track pathway to residence within 12 months.
Why the BIV matters
The BIV fills a crucial gap between the high-capital Active Investor Plus Visa and the upcoming new business creation visa. It is expected to attract 50 to 100 applicants in its first year, and up to 500 as the policy matures2.
With many New Zealand business owners considering succession or capital partnerships, the BIV offers a timely solution — enabling entrepreneurs to build a future in New Zealand while supporting local business continuity, job creation, and investment
Sectors to watch
Initial analysis shows that New Zealand businesses listed for sale and seeking offers between NZD$1 million and NZD$2 million are concentrated in:
- Accommodation (e.g motels)
- Manufacturing
- Trades & Services
Key features
The BIV pathway begins with a 4-year work visa, structured in two stages:
- Establishment stage (first 12-months): Applicants must provide satisfactory evidence of purchasing and commencing operating the nominated business within 9 months, failure do so mean the work visa will expire after the 12-month period.
- Operating stage (remaining period): Ongoing business operation and compliance.
| Requirement | Details |
| Investment type and amount (excluding real estate & GST) | NZD $1million (standard) or NZD $2 million (fast-track) Funds must be legally earned or acquired and generally unencumbered |
| Business Type | Lawful business enterprise, not excluded3 and currently operating in New Zealand |
| Operating History | Business must have operated in New Zealand for at least 5 years immediately prior to the visa application. |
| Age Limit | Under 56 years |
| Business Experience | At least 3 years’ acceptable business experience in self-employment (NZD$1million turnover) or senior management (NZD$5 million turnover) Experience is assessed on a full-time basis (at least 30 hours per week). |
| Capital Transfer | Must be transferred via New Zealand banking system within 9 months of the Establishment stage |
| English Language | IELTS 5.0 or equivalent |
| Job Creation Requirement | Maintain 5 full-time jobs (excluding owners) and create at least 1 new job for a New Zealander maintained for at least 12-months |
| Reserve Funds | Minimum NZD$500,000 in assets or funds |
| Time in New Zealand | 184 days for each 12-month period since business start date |
| Family | Include partner and dependent children under 24 years old |
| Health and Character | Have an acceptable standard of health, and good character |
| Requirements to qualify for Business Investor Resident Visa | An applicant can apply for residence after: – 12 months with the NZD $2 million or more fast-track option (granted with section 49(1) conditions) – 3 years with the NZD $1 million or more standard option During this period, the applicant must show: – They retained ownership of at least the same proportion of the business that was originally approved – Created and maintained for at least 12 months, at least 1 new full-time job for a New Zealander – Maintained employment of 5 full-time staff – Spent at least 184 days a year in New Zealand – Kept the business solvent and adhered to all tax, financial obligations. – The business complied with all legal obligations – Continued to meet all the conditions of the Business Investor Work Visa |
New mandatory Due Diligence
The BIV introduces a new requirement whereby applicants must complete financial and legal due diligence on the nominated business, confirmed by:
- A New Zealand qualified statutory accountant (financial and formal valuation of the nominated business)
- A New Zealand lawyer (legal)
While this protects investors, it may introduce additional cost, time, and complexity.
Step in the right direction, but time will tell
Compared to the retired Entrepreneur Visa, the BIV is a step in the right direction offering greater clarity and reduced risk — a welcome development for investors. However, navigating the investment, employment, and compliance requirements especially the mandatory due diligence and exclusion criteria makes professional advice invaluable.
While the Business Investor Visa offers a promising pathway, several practical concerns remain:
- Visa processing: Investments and visa applications tied to live business transactions are time-sensitive. Can Immigration New Zealand handle applications swiftly enough to prevent deals from falling through due to delays?
- Business Viability: Are small New Zealand businesses realistically able to sustain six full-time employees – five existing plus one new — over a three-year period?
- Risk Exposure: What protections exist if a business fails due to circumstances outside the investor’s control?
We are assured that the Minister has directed its officials to undertake a review of the BIV after 12 months of operation. This will hopefully ensure the changes are fit for purpose and provides an opportunity to review any untended consequences
Early preparation is key – Contact Us
Now is the time to explore whether the Business Investor Visa aligns with your goals. Whether you’re a business owner planning succession or an investor seeking a foothold in New Zealand, early preparation is key.
Stace Hammond combines immigration and commercial law, covering all aspects of business and property investment, business structuring and protection and financial transactions including FinTech. We work closely with trusted brokers, accountants, and advisors to help clients identify the right business opportunities, manage risk, and navigate the visa and investment process with clarity and confidence.
To arrange an initial free consultation, contact Diana Bell or reach out to Here to Help – Stace Hammond.
- https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-business-investor-visa-support-growth ↩︎
- Cabinet Paper, Changes to refresh New Zealand’s business immigration settings, 28 August 2025 ↩︎
- Excluded Businesses include Adult entertainment; Gambling; Labour hire; Manufacturing tobacco or other nicotine-based products (including vaping); Businesses that provide immigration advice; Drop shipping; Franchised businesses; convenience stores, discount/value stores, and fast-food outlets and businesses operating from a residential address. ↩︎
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