New Zealand to Launch Business Investor Work Visa in November 2025 — Fast-Track Residency Available via Two Routes

The New Zealand Government has officially confirmed that a new Business Investor Work Visa (BIV) will open for applications on 24 November 2025.

This visa aims to attract experienced entrepreneurs and investors who want to buy and operate existing New Zealand businesses, while offering a clear pathway to permanent residency through two investment options.

🔹 Overview of the Business Investor Work Visa

• Visa name: Business Investor Work Visa (BIV)
• Application opens: 24 November 2025
• Visa duration: Up to four years, with the option to include immediate family members
• Residence pathways:
  
1. NZ $1 million investment – standard three-year work-to-residence route
2. NZ $2 million investment – 12-month fast-track route to residence

The BIV replaces the previous Entrepreneur Work Visa and forms part of New Zealand’s broader plan to modernize its business migration settings.

🔹 Purpose of the New Visa

According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), the programme is designed to bring in skilled businesspeople who will actively participate in running and expanding local enterprises.

Instead of focusing on passive investors, this new visa seeks hands-on entrepreneurs who can generate employment and contribute to regional growth.

🔹 Main Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy a range of financial, business, and personal criteria.

Key conditions include:

• Minimum investment: NZ $1 million (for the 3-year route) or NZ $2 million (for the fast-track route)
• Type of investment: purchase or acquisition of an established New Zealand business (for example, acquiring a significant shareholding)
• Settlement funds: proof of additional money for living and setup costs while establishing the business (commonly around NZ $500,000 – exact figure to be confirmed by INZ)
• Age limit: generally 55 years or under at the time of application
• English requirement: evidence of English proficiency, such as IELTS 5.0 or equivalent
• Health and character checks: medical and police certificates required
• Active management: applicant must demonstrate genuine day-to-day involvement in the business

Applicants should review the final policy on the official Immigration New Zealand website before lodging any application, as thresholds and evidence requirements may be updated.

🔹 Residency Pathways Explained

Investment Level	Residency Timeline	Notes
NZ $1 million	Eligible after 3 years	Must operate business actively and meet all work-to-residence criteria
NZ $2 million	Eligible after 12 months	Fast-track residence for higher-value investors meeting all obligations

This two-tier system allows flexibility: smaller investors can progress over time, while larger investors enjoy a quicker route to residency.

🔹 Preparation Before 24 November 2025

Prospective applicants are advised to begin early preparation:

1. Read official INZ guidance on the Business Investor Work Visa.
2. Prepare financial documentation — audited statements, bank letters, and source-of-fund proof.
3. Identify or assess potential business acquisitions in New Zealand.
4. Arrange supporting evidence — English language test results, medicals, and police clearances.
5. Seek professional advice from a licensed immigration adviser or lawyer experienced in investor visas.

🔹 How It Fits with Other Investor Options

The BIV complements the Active Investor Plus Visa, which targets much larger capital investments.

While the Active Investor Plus Visa focuses on passive investment portfolios, the Business Investor Work Visa is ideal for entrepreneurs who wish to own and manage real New Zealand businesses.

🔹 Key Takeaways

• Applications open 24 November 2025
• Two investment routes: NZ $1 million (3 years) or NZ $2 million (12 months fast-track)
• Designed for active business owners, not passive investors
• Offers a pathway to permanent residence
• Replaces the previous Entrepreneur Work Visa

🔹 Official Reference

All information in this article is based on updates published by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on its official website and confirmed in the government’s 2025 immigration policy announcements.

For the latest and most accurate details, visit:

👉 www.immigration.govt.nz

✅ Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only.

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on official INZ sources, applicants should always verify the latest visa rules and requirements directly from Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser before applying.