New Zealand Launches NZ$1M Investor Visa, Retires Struggling Entrepreneur Program

The new Business Investor Visa has two investment options, one of which provides a fast track to permanent residency within 12 months.

New Zealand has abandoned its entrepreneur immigration program in favor of a new visa targeting wealthy business investors who are willing to invest capital in existing companies. 

The Business Investor Visa (BIV), which the government will launch in November 2025, requires minimum investments starting at NZ$1 million is a part of the government’s “broader refresh of business visa settings.”

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford framed the change as necessary economic modernization. “The Business Investor Visa will provide a pathway to residence for business migrants who are ready to invest in, operate, and grow established businesses here,” Stanford explained. The new program will offer two distinct pathways: 

• NZ$1 million investment provides a temporary residence permit with a three-year route to permanent residency.
• NZ$2 million investment provides a temporary residence permit with a fast track to permanent residency within oneyear.

The decision reflects the government’s frustration with the outgoing Entrepreneur Work Visa, which Stanford acknowledged “had low application volumes, high decline rates, and didn’t deliver strong economic impacts.” That program, which targeted individuals starting new businesses, attracted few applicants and approved even fewer.

The program shifts focus toward established investors rather than start-up founders. Applicants must purchase existing businesses outright or acquire at least 25% stakes, provided the target companies employ a minimum of five full-time staff. 

The government has explicitly excluded certain sectors from eligibility, including convenience stores, fast food outlets, franchised businesses, and adult entertainment venues.

Stanford emphasized the hands-on nature of the program, noting it attracts “experienced businesspeople with capital to invest and the hands-on experience and skills necessary to run a successful business.” 

Applicants must:

• Meet English language requirements
• Demonstrate relevant business experience
• Be 55 years or younger
• Hold at least NZ$500,000 in additional funds to support themselves and their families, and
• Spend at least 184 days each year in New Zealand to maintain their status

The visa application fee is $12,380, including immigration levies. Family members can join successful applicants. Partners and dependent children are eligible for residence rights. 

Stanford anticipates conservative uptake, projecting between 100 and 150 applicants during the first year.

This represents one element of New Zealand’s business immigration redesign. The country refreshed its Active Investor Plus Visa in April 2025 and is planning a future program for startup entrepreneurs with innovative concepts. 

Stanford positioned these changes as part of the government’s focus on “smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions to help stimulate the New Zealand economy.”

The timing coincides with ongoing political debates over foreign investment in New Zealand. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has signaled potential changes to the country’s foreign buyer restrictions on residential property, though coalition partner New Zealand First has resisted such moves.

Current Entrepreneur Work Visa holders retain pathways to permanent residence, and Immigration New Zealand will process pending applications under existing rules. The agency plans to release detailed guidance in October 2025, including comparisons between the new Business Investor Visa and other investment programs.

Stanford characterized the overhaul as targeting real economic impact rather than theoretical business plans. She hopes “this new visa will bring overseas investment to maintain and create jobs, grow incomes, and breathe new life into existing businesses across the country.”