With the changes in the global economic situation and the dynamic development of New Zealand’s domestic market, the New Zealand Immigration Service announced a new business investor visa policy (BIV) today (August 27, 2025). The purpose of this policy is to attract overseas entrepreneurs to invest in New Zealand. The implementation of this policy will positively impact New Zealand’s economic and real estate markets, while providing new opportunities for iNZvest’s customers.
New Zealand’s Business Investor Visa – The main contents of Business Investor Visa
The BIV for commercial investors will be opened for application in November 2025, and two investment options will be provided:
NZD $1 million investment in an existing business, for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway. Investing NZD $1million in existing enterprises, will provide for a three-year work transfer and residence route.
NZD $2 million investment into an existing business, will provide for 12-month fast-track to residence pathway.
If the value of the enterprise exceeds 1 million or 2 million New Zealand dollars, investors need to invest at least 25% of the total value of the enterprise.
Some industries are excluded, including adult entertainment, convenience stores, fast food chains, gambling and immigration agencies.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced a new visa policy today (2025.8.27). Immigration Minister Erica Stanford is announcing the new visa today. Photo / Alyse Wright
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said on the radio program “Mike Hoskin’s Breakfast” this morning that she expected 100 to 150 successful applicants in the first year.
“We are launching a more targeted path for senior business people who have capital investment and practical business experience and skills. The path setting is clearer, which is easy for the applicant to understand and the New Zealand Immigration Bureau to handle, aiming to bring real economic benefits.
“The business investor visa is an integral part of our more extensive update of the business visa setting, and also includes our improved active investor visa.”
“At present, visa channels are also being developed for start-up entrepreneurs with scalable and innovative business ideas, aiming to supplement the existing system and improve the overall plan.” Our government focusses on intelligent, flexible and meticulous immigration solutions to help stimulate the New Zealand economy.
The role of iNZvest
iNZvest prepared over 20 business plans for clients applying for the preceding ‘Entrepreneur Visa’ – all of which were approved. While the Entrepreneur Visa had a very low rate of approved applications overall, applications were successful if they were professionally prepared and the fundamental business plan and applicant were creditable. We envisage the new BIV to have a higher success rate, and support its inclusion alongside the AIP Visa in attracting foreign capital and talent to New Zealand.
iNZvest can assist you locate investable businesses, and prepare the business plan that crucial to a successful application.
Conclusion
The New Zealand government’s new business investor visa policy provides more options for foreign entrepreneurs, which undoubtedly injects new vitality into New Zealand’s economic development.
If you are interested in more information on the BIV and investment opportunities in New Zealand, please feel free to contact us.