The New Business Investor Visa
We now have full details of the recently announced Business Investor Visa (BIV), which is set to open on the 24 November 2025.
The BIV offers experienced business professionals the opportunity to invest in New Zealand, providing a pathway to residency while encouraging investment in established businesses nationwide.
Applications will open for the BIV on 24 November 2025.
This visa is valid for up to four years and permits applicants to include their partner and dependent children in their application.
INZ Summary:
There are 2 investment options:
NZD $1 million: offers a 3-year work-to-residence pathway.
NZD $2 million: offers a fast-track pathway to residence after 12 months.
Eligibility for Business Investor Work Visa
To qualify for a Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must:
invest in a business that has been operating for at least 5 years
meet the minimum investment amount of either NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million
show they have at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves and their family
demonstrate business experience, such as owning a business with at least 5 full-time employees or generating NZD $1 million in annual revenue
be 55 years or younger
meet English language requirements, and
pass health and character checks.
Some types of businesses are not eligible for investment under this visa. These include:
convenience stores
discount shops
drop-shipping operations
fast food outlets
gambling
tobacco-related businesses, including vaping
adult entertainment
home-based businesses
franchised businesses
immigration advisory services.
Eligibility for Business Investor Resident Visa
Once the business has been successfully operated for the required period, applicants may be eligible for the Business Investor Resident Visa.
To qualify, they must:
be actively involved in running their business in New Zealand
continue to meet the same level of ownership
maintain at least 5 full-time equivalent jobs
create and maintain at least 1 new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident that lasts at least 12 months
show the business is solvent
meet time-in-New Zealand requirements (184 days in each of the previous 3 years), and
meet health and character requirements.
(Source: Immigration New Zealand)
Email Arno for more information about the Business Investor Visa at arno@nothandco.com.
