Understanding New Zealand’s New Business Investor Visa (BIV) — A Pathway for Hands-On Investors

JessieCHEN
Oct 20
3 min read

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released the detailed policy for the new Business Investor Visa (BIV), which will open for applications on 24 November 2025. This marks a major shift in New Zealand’s business migration framework. The BIV is designed for investors who want to actively manage and grow a real New Zealand business, not simply hold passive capital.

Why a New Business Investor Visa?

The BIV replaces the former Entrepreneur Work Visa (EWV) and aims to attract investors who contribute through direct ownership, job creation, and long-term local presence. It moves New Zealand’s investment migration focus from “capital placement” toward “enterprise leadership”.

For qualified investors with genuine business management experience, this is a structured and transparent route toward residence through real enterprise operation.

Two-Stage Structure

Stage 1 — Business Investor Work Visa

Valid for up to 4 years.
Allows the applicant to purchase and operate an eligible NZ business.
Within 12 months, the business must be acquired and operating under the applicant’s management.

Stage 2 — Business Investor Residence Visa

Granted after the business has been successfully operated for the required period.
Confirms long-term residence once the business demonstrates stability, compliance, and job creation.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Business criteria:

Minimum purchase price of NZ $1 million (excluding real estate and GST).
Applicant must hold at least 25 percent ownership.
Business must have operated in NZ for 5 years or more and employ at least 5 full-time staff (FTEs).
Must not be an excluded business type (e.g. franchise, fast food, convenience store, gambling, vaping, immigration services, drop-shipping).

Applicant criteria:

At least 3 years of acceptable business ownership or senior management experience in a firm with ≥ 5 FTE and ≥ NZ $1 million turnover.
Age 55 or under.
English proficiency at IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent PTE or TOEFL score).
Must invest lawfully earned, unencumbered funds and retain NZ $500,000 in reserve capital for living and operations.
Must create at least one new permanent full-time job for a NZ citizen or resident.

Path to Residence

To qualify for residence, the applicant must hold a valid BIV Work Visa and have operated the same business:

Standard Path: Operate for at least 3 years after purchase of NZ $1 million or more.
Fast-Track Path: Operate for at least 12 months after purchase of NZ $2 million or more.
Business must remain financially sound, lawful, and compliant with tax and employment law.
Must continue to employ 5 staff and maintain at least 1 new permanent job for a NZ citizen or resident.
The principal applicant must reside in NZ for at least 184 days per year.

Excluded Industries

BIV applications cannot be based on the following types of businesses:Commercial sexual services, gambling, labour hire, tobacco or vaping manufacture, immigration advice services, drop-shipping, franchise or fast food operations, convenience stores, discount shops, or any residential-address business.

Key Policy Dates

Effective Date: 24 November 2025
Replaces: Entrepreneur Work Visa (now closed to new applications)
Family Members: Partners and dependents receive linked visas of the same duration

How Greaton Immigration Can Help

At Greaton Immigration Consultancy Limited, we support investors through every step of the BIV process:

Structured eligibility assessment and business fit analysis
Coordination of legal and financial due diligence with NZ-qualified professionals
Guidance on funds verification and capital structure
Ongoing compliance advice during business operation phase
Access to our exclusive BIV Eligibility & Compliance Checklist

Next Steps

If you’re considering New Zealand as your next destination to live and build a business:

Book a structured consultation to discuss your investment background and objectives.
Request our BIV Compliance Checklist to evaluate your readiness.
Begin exploring eligible business opportunities that meet INZ criteria.
Prepare financial documentation, English evidence, and business plans early.

Final Thought

The Business Investor Visa opens a clear pathway for entrepreneurs who want to own and operate a genuine business in New Zealand. With strong planning and compliance support, this can be a powerful route toward long-term residence and economic growth.