The Minister of Immigration recently announced the new Business Investor Visa (BIV), expected to launch in November 2025.

Full policy details are still pending, however it’s shaping up to be an excellent addition to New Zealand’s developing suite of investment and business visa products aimed at attracting more foreign direct investment into the NZ economy.

The Business Investor Visa (BIV) is part of a three-tiered strategy:

1. Active Investor Plus Visa (launched April 2025): focused on investment capital.
2. Business Investor Visa: combines investment and human capital for the purchase and improvement of an existing business.
3. Upcoming third visa: focus on human capital and new-business creation.

What makes the BIV different?

The BIV is designed for experienced businesspeople looking to buy and grow existing New Zealand businesses.

It aims to:

• Preserve jobs by maintaining current employment.
• Create new jobs for New Zealanders.

Key (anticipated) features:

• Investment requirement: NZD $1m (standard pathway) or NZD $2m (fast-track), excluding land value.
• Additional funds: NZD $500k to support business growth.
• Age limit: under 56, ensuring long-term business continuity.
• English proficiency: IELTS 5.0 – enough to operate in an English-speaking environment.
• Tax residency: applicants must spend at least 184 days each year in New Zealand and actively work in the business.
• Job creation: must maintain existing jobs and create at least one new full-time role for a Kiwi.

Retirement options - a win-win solution

Many small-to-medium (SME) New Zealand businesses are owned by founders nearing retirement, some without succession plans. One in four SMEs is predicted to come up for sale in the next 10 years.

The BIV opens the door for international buyers to step in, ensuring these businesses continue to thrive and grow with the application of a fresh adjustment to the operation of the business.  It’s a win for retiring owners and the NZ economy. The BIV fills a crucial gap between the high-capital Active Investor Plus Visa and the upcoming new business creation visa. 

Migrants seeking a meaningful path to residency who cannot apply for an Active Investor Plus Visa but have sufficient funds to acquire a business and can apply their skill set to the continuity and growth of the NZ business.

It’s expected to attract 50–100 applicants in its first year, growing up to 500 as the policy develops and matures.

The BIV could be a major win for New Zealand’s immigration and economic landscape.

For more information about this visa or if you have questions on how to apply for this visa, reach out to Steve.