New Business Investment visa announced today

The Government has announced the discontinuation of the Entrepreneur Work Visa and has introduced a New Business Investor Visa to attract seasoned investors who will contribute to the growth of New Zealand’s economy by actively managing businesses. This is a positive attempt to attract experienced business people from across the Globe and and to help grow New Zealand's future

As per Hon. Erica Stanford, the Immigration Minister - “The Business Investor Visa (BIV) will provide a pathway to residence for business migrants who are ready to invest in, operate and grow established businesses here.”

“This new visa will bring overseas investment to maintain and create jobs, grow incomes, and breathe new life into existing businesses across the country.”

About the Business Investor Visa

The Business Investor Work Visa will open for applications in November 2025 and offers two

investment options:

• NZD $1 million investment in an existing business, providing a 3-year work-to-residence pathway

• NZD $2 million investment in an existing business, offering a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway

Applicants can either purchase a business outright on either visa pathway or acquire at least 25% of the business, as long as they meet the minimum $1 million or $2 million investment thresholds.

Both options lead to eligibility to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.

The Business Investor Work Visa complements the Active Investor Plus Visa, which was updated in April 2025, as part of a broader revision of business immigration settings to attract investment, talent, and international connections.

This is a more targeted pathway for experienced business people with their own capital to invest, and with the right skills & hands on experience to run a skilful business .

The Business Investor Work Visa will be available for applications starting in November 2025, offering 2 investment options:

• Invest NZD $1 million in an existing business for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway.

• Invest NZD $2 million in an existing business for a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway.

  
  

Applicants can either fully purchase a business or acquire at least 25% ownership, as long as they meet the minimum investment amounts of $1 million or $2 million. Applicants can include their partner and dependent children in their application. 

Both the investment options make applicants eligible to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa which can be issued for up to 4 years.

Whats the cost?

The cost of the Business Investor Work Visa is NZD $12,380, which covers the visa application fee and immigration levy. 

Eligibility 

To qualify for the Business Investor work visa, one must:

• satisfy the minimum investment criteria as above

• demonstrate possession of at least NZD $500,000 for personal and family support (if family members are included in the application) during the business setup phase

• be 55 years old or younger at the time of application

• fulfill English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent)

• comply with health and character standards

• satisfy business experience criteria

• invest in a business that meets the financial criteria and employs a minimum of 5 full-time equivalent staff.

Business investment requirements

The following business types are not acceptable business investments under this visa:

• businesses involved in:

  • drop-shipping (online business with part shipping)

  • gambling

  • the manufacturing of tobacco or other nicotine-based products, including vaping

  • adult entertainment

• convenience stores (eg. corner dairies)

• discount or value stores (for example, NZD $2 shops)

• fast food outlets

• franchised businesses

• home-based businesses (businesses only operating from a residential address).

Closure of the Entrepreneur Category

The Entrepreneur Category is now closed for new applications for the Entrepreneur Work Visa.

If you have applied for an Entrepreneur Work Visa

If you have recently submitted an application for an Entrepreneur Work Visa, it will be processed under the regulations that were in effect at the time of your application.

If you decide to withdraw your application, you will not be entitled to a refund of any fees or levies already paid, regardless of the reason for withdrawal.

If you currently hold an Entrepreneur Work Visa

Holders of the Entrepreneur Work Visa can still apply for residence, as the Entrepreneur Resident Visa will remain available.

If you require more time to fulfill the Entrepreneur residence requirements, you can apply for a renewal of your Entrepreneur Work Visa to retain your pathway to residence.

Keen to take the next step. Please register your details with us so that we can collaborate and work with you towards your first step in the NZ journey