On 27 August, the New Zealand government opened a new Business Investor Visa (BIV) that made the existing Entrepreneur work visa redundant. Although the objective for both visas is to allow foreign investors to invest in New Zealand businesses and contribute to the country's economic growth, the old visa policy, formed in 2014, was intended to provide a pathway to residence for people establishing businesses that are innovative, high-growth, or have export potential; but it was not delivering on any objectives. The new Business Investor Visa provides the flexibility to invest in existing businesses without many limitations.
It is important to know that the Business Investor Visa only allows investors to invest in existing businesses and not to start a new business in New Zealand.
Migrant is a migrant. Visa policies do not distinguish between onshore and offshore migrants. However, with the strict financial requirements to invest $1M or $2M, the applicant may be required to travel to their home countries to manage their finances.
The Business Investor Work Visa will open for applications in November 2025 and offer 2 investment options:
• NZD $1 million investment in an existing business, for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway
• NZD $2 million investment in an existing business, for a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway
Applicants can purchase a business outright on either visa pathway or acquire at least 25% of the business, provided they meet the minimum $1 million or $2 million investment thresholds.
Applicants may also include their partner and dependent children in their application. Both options lead to eligibility to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa, which could be granted for up to 4 years.
The BIV replaces the less effective entrepreneur visa, which had a low applicant number and limited economic contribution. Overall, in my opinion, the BIV policy seems faster and more transparent. Its investment-driven approach with concrete capital thresholds makes the eligibility more predictable, especially for those with business mindsets.
Another positive attribute is that partners and dependents can be included in the application, providing a clear pathway to residence for families who invest in and actively run a business in NZ.
This visa is more structured to bring substantial foreign investment into established businesses, ensuring continuity and growth. Businesses like accommodation (such as motels), manufacturing, and the services sectors would be most likely to benefit under this new visa policy.
While BIV is a strong new pathway, the cost involved is steep. The INZ fee for the Business Investor Work Visa is set at NZD $12,380 (non-refundable even if the application is declined). This makes it one of the most expensive categories, so please ensure that you meet all the requirements before applying.
The funds you would be investing must be legally earned, verifiable, and transferred through acceptable banking channels. Only certain types of established businesses (5+ years old, 5+ employees, financially stable) will qualify; therefore, finding the right business that fits both the criteria and your skills must be carefully considered.
Working with experienced advisers who conduct a thorough assessment of your eligibility can save you time and money. Your Licensed Immigration adviser will ensure that your application addresses all INZ requirements clearly and avoids common pitfalls.
They act as a strategic partner, ensuring your investment, migration goals, and residence pathway align—while minimising risks in one of the most expensive and complex visa categories INZ has ever introduced.
Shivani Uberoi is a Licensed Immigration Adviser in New Zealand
SHIVANI UBEROI
Director/Licensed Immigration Adviser
BA, PGDBA, GDNZIA | IAA Licence # 202100062
+64 9 8693205
shivani@visawisenz.com
15 Osterley Way, Level 3, Manukau City, Auckland 2104
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