NZ Immigration Shake-Up: New Business Investor Visa Replaces Entrepreneur Visa
- Sabrina Zhu
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
Clearer Investment Pathways, Faster Routes to Residence: New Zealand Opens Its Doors to Global Investors!
On August 27 this week, the New Zealand government officially announced a major adjustment to its business immigration policies: the closure of the current Entrepreneur Work Visa and the introduction of a new Business Investor Work Visa. This initiative aims to attract more experienced investors to actively operate businesses and contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth.
New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stated: “The Business Investor Visa (BIV) will provide a pathway to residence for business migrants who are ready to invest in, operate and grow established businesses here”.
Highlights of the New Policy: Two Clearly Defined Investment Pathways
The new Business Investor Visa will officially open for applications in November 2025, offering two distinct options for potential investors:
🚀 Fast-Track to Residence (12 months):
● Investment amount: NZD $2 million
● Investment method: Direct investment in an existing business or acquisition of at least 25% equity
● Residence timeline: Eligibility for residence within 12 months
⏳ Work to Residence Pathway (3 years):
● Investment amount: NZD $1 million
● Investment method: Direct investment in an existing business or acquisition of at least 25% equity
● Residence timeline: Eligibility for residence after 3 years
Applicants may either outright purchase a business or acquire a minimum of 25% ownership, provided they meet the respective minimum investment thresholds. Both pathways lead to eligibility to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.
To be eligible for the Business Investor work visa, applicants must:
● meet the minimum investment threshold
● show they have at least NZD $500,000 to support themselves (and their family if they are including them in their application) while establishing their business
● be aged 55 or younger when they apply
● meet English language requirements (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent)
● meet health and character requirements
● meet business experience requirements
● invest in a business that meets the financial threshold and employs at least 5 full-time equivalent staff.
Which Businesses Are Not Eligible? — The “Negative List” at a Glance
Under the new visa policy, not all types of businesses qualify as eligible investments. The government has explicitly outlined a “negative list.” If your proposed business falls into any of the following categories, your application will not be approved:
● Low-skilled retail: e.g., convenience stores, dollar shops, discount outlets
● Simple trading: e.g., drop-shipping or reselling without holding inventory
● Restricted industries: e.g., gambling, tobacco and vaping product manufacturing, adult entertainment
● Standardized operations: e.g., fast-food outlets, franchise businesses
● Home-based operations: businesses run solely from a residential address
● Businesses that offer immigration advisory services, or that were purchased from a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), or where an LIA is materially involved
Policy Background: Why This Reform?
This policy adjustment is part of the New Zealand Government’s comprehensive update of its business migration framework, designed to better attract investment, talent, and international resources. The new Business Investor Work Visa complements the refreshed Active Investor Plus Visa (effective from April 2025), together forming a more complete investment migration system for New Zealand.
The new policy demonstrates a high degree of openness and investor-friendliness, in sharp contrast to the previous Entrepreneur Visa, which imposed strict limitations on investment sectors. By removing most industry restrictions, the reform significantly broadens the scope of eligible investment areas, providing applicants with more diverse and flexible business opportunities.
It is worth noting that while applicants are still required to demonstrate the legitimacy of their funds, the scrutiny and transfer requirements under the new framework are expected to be less stringent compared to traditional investor visa policies. This further lowers both the entry threshold and procedural complexity.
Entrepreneur Category closure
The Entrepreneur Category is now closed to new applications for the Entrepreneur Work Visa.
If you have applied for an Entrepreneur Work Visa
If you have recently submitted an application for an Entrepreneur Work Visa, we will process it following the rules that were in place when you applied.
If you withdraw your application, you will not be eligible for a refund of any fees or levies already paid, regardless of the reason for your withdrawal.
If you currently hold an Entrepreneur Work Visa
Entrepreneur Work Visa holders will still be able to apply for residence, as the Entrepreneur Resident Visa will remain open.
If you need more time to meet Entrepreneur residence requirements, you can still apply for an Entrepreneur Work Visa renewal to maintain your pathway to residence.
Conclusion: A New Opportunity for Investment Migration to New Zealand
This reform reflects the New Zealand Government’s determination to attract high-quality investment and offers global investors a clearer and more diversified pathway to residency. With well-defined investment thresholds and residency timelines, the new Business Investor Visa provides business-minded individuals with a more reliable route to migration through investment and enterprise.
Minister Erica Stanford concluded: “Our Government is focused on delivering smarter, more flexible, and better-targeted immigration solutions to stimulate New Zealand’s economy. These changes will create a brighter future for all New Zealanders.”
For those considering immigration to New Zealand through investment, now is the best time to begin preparing and planning. Applicants are encouraged to closely follow updates on the Immigration New Zealand official website and seek advice from professional immigration consultants to ensure readiness for the visa applications opening in November.
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