Business Investor Visa
The new Business Investment Visa (BIV) is a work-to-residence pathway dedicated to experienced business owners and investors who are willing to manage and operate a business in New Zealand. The visa officially opened for applications on 24 November 2025.
The BIV replaces the former Entrepreneur Work Visa and offers a streamlined, points-based pathway, without the need for a lengthy business plan. The visa is designed to support business growth, job creation, and long-term economic benefits for New Zealand.
The BIV complements the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa, which reopened in April 2025, creating a more comprehensive, flexible, and diversified investment migration framework. Together, these visa options provide greater choice for investors with different backgrounds, investment objectives, and levels of business involvement.
BIV provides two residence pathways based on the level of investment:
01.
NZD $1 Million
Standard Pathway – 3-year
Invest NZD $1 million in an established business, and apply for a resident visa after 3 years of running the business
02.
NZD $2 Million
Fast-Track Pathway – 12-month
Invest NZD $2 million in an established business, and apply for a resident visa after 12 months of running the business
New Zealand offers flexibility, policy stability, and an excellent quality of life, making it an attractive destination for investor migrants.
Kingway’s New Zealand migration team includes former Immigration New Zealand officers and licensed immigration advisers, with experience dating back to the 1990s. Over the years, we have successfully helped many entrepreneurs secure New Zealand investor visas.
- Business Investor Work Visa
- Business Investor Resident Visa
- Age 55 or under
- Show having at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support the applicant (and any family members included in the application) while running and growing the business
- Have business management experience, such as operating a business with at least 5 full-time employees or annual revenue of at least NZD $1 million
- At least 3-year business experience
- IELTS 5.0 overall or equivalent
- Include eligible family members in the application
- Actively involved in running the business
- Maintain the same ownership percentage
- Employ at least 5 full-time equivalent staff
- Created and maintained at least 1 new full-time job (New Zealand citizen or resident for at least 12 months)
- Keep the business operating and solvent
- Meet the residence requirement: 184 days per year in New Zealand for the past 3 years