Business pathways

The Business Investor Visa (BIV)

New Zealand’s newest residence pathway for experienced businesspeople seeking to invest in, and actively operate, an established business in New Zealand. Designed to support business succession, employment and growth, the BIV enables businesspeople to contribute capital, skills, and global connections to New Zealand’s business landscape.

Policy Background

The BIV was introduced in November 2025, replacing the long-standing Entrepreneur Visa Category. The new policy responds to calls for a more practical, transparent, and impactful business migration pathway and one that supports business continuity, especially as many New Zealand business owners approach retirement. The BIV is part of the Government’s broader refresh of business and investor visa settings and complements the successful Active Investor Plus visa.

Business Investment Pathways

Standard Pathway

Minimum investment: NZ$1 million in the purchase of an established business
Pathway to residence after 3 years of business ownership and operation

Fast-Track Pathway

Minimum investment: NZ$2 million in the purchase of an established business
Pathway to residence after 1 year of business ownership and operation

Applicants may purchase a business outright or acquire at least 25% ownership, provided the minimum investment threshold is met. This minimum investment cannot include any real estate component, but any real estate portion of the business purchase can be in addition to the minimum investment (NB: any real estate purchase may require additional regulatory approval).

Key Features & Requirements

Business Criteria:

Have operated in New Zealand for at least 5 years
Employ at least 5 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff (can be visa holders or NZers)
Be able to create at least 1 new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident
Not be an excluded business (e.g., franchises, fast food, convenience stores, gambling, drop-shipping, tobacco/vaping, immigration advisory)

Applicant Criteria:

Have a minimum of 3 years business ownership, or suitable senior management, experience
Be aged 55 years or younger
Meet the English language requirement (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent)
Evidence ownership of the business investment funds and that these funds have been originally lawfully earned
Evidence ownership of an additional NZ$500,000 in reserve funds
Meet good health and character requirements

Once the business has been purchased the applicant must:

Maintain ownership and be actively involved in the business operation
Spend at least 184 days a year in New Zealand

Application Process

Pathways® to assess business experience, English language, funds, health & character etc
Applicant to locate a business to purchase and Pathways® to assess business suitability to support a BIV application
Applicant to undertake required due diligence on the business and, if favourable, to enter into a purchase agreement conditional on BIV approval and other conditions as appropriate
Apply for the Business Investor Work Visa
Application can include any partner and dependent children under 20 years
Establishment Stage: within 12 months of BIV approval, complete purchase and begin operating the business
Operating Stage: continue to actively own and operate the business, and meet employment and compliance requirements
Residence Stage: after 3 years (Standard), or 12 months (Fast-Track), if all requirements are met, apply for Business Investor resident visa. NB: Fast-Track residence is subject to conditions that can be removed after a total of 3 years of suitable business ownership and operation

Why Choose Pathways®?

Pathways® has longstanding experience and expertise in managing business and investor visa applications, and can provide:

Expert guidance through every stage of the BIV process
Introductions to accountants, business brokers, banks, and legal professionals as required
Ongoing support and assistance from the beginning of the BIV process through until residence, and permanent residence, is obtained

Ready to Get Started?

For a confidential, no-obligation discussion about the Business Investor Visa, your eligibility, and to request further information please enquire below.