The Business Investor Visa (BIV) opened on 24th November 2025. This dual part Visa (Work then Residence) offers a clear path to New Zealand residency for experienced business people ready to buy, operate, and grow an existing New Zealand business.
Business Investor Work Visa
Business Investor Work VisaThe work visa is the initial step and is divided into an Establishment Stage (first 12 months) and then an Operating Stage.
Key Applicant Requirements
- Age: 55 or younger when applying.
- Experience: Minimum three years of acceptable business experience.
- English: Must meet the minimum standard of English (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).
- Funds:
- Capital Investment: Sufficient funds to purchase the nominated business for at least $1 million.
- Reserve Funds: Acceptable reserve funds of a minimum of NZ$500,000.
- Fit & Proper: Must meet fit and proper person requirements.
Key Nominated Business Requirements (for purchase):
- Investment: Credible purchase price of at least NZ$1 million (excluding real estate).
- Ownership: Purchase must result in no less than 25% ownership of the business by the applicant.
- Staff: Must employ at least five full time equivalent (FTE) staff (excluding owners).
- Operation: Must be currently operating and have operated in New Zealand for at least five years immediately prior to the application.
- Exclusions: Must not be an excluded business (e.g., fast food, franchise, convenience store, drop-shipping, immigration).
Business Investor Resident Visa
Business Investor Resident VisaApply for residence after operating the New Zealand business for the required time.
The Two Pathways to Residence
Key Requirements at Time of Resident Visa Application:
- Work Visa: Must have held a Business Investor work visa for the minimum operating period.
- Ownership: Retained at least the same proportion of ownership as approved for the work visa.
- Time in NZ: Spent at least 184 days in New Zealand for each 12-month period since beginning to operate the business.
- Employment:
- Maintained at least five FTE employees (excluding owners and family).
- Created one additional New Zealand FTE (citizen or resident) and maintained this employment for at least 12 months.
- Business Standing: Business is solvent and has complied with tax, financial, employment, and immigration laws.
Partner and Dependent Children
Partners may be granted a work visa, and dependent children may be granted a student or visitor visa, for the same duration as the principal applicant. They must meet residence health and character requirements.
Talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser
Planning ahead is crucial.
To discuss which are best to you and your personal circumstances, you can talk to one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers.
Email our adviser team or call 021 711 071 .
