The New Zealand Government has confirmed the closure of the Entrepreneur Work Visa and announced the launch of a new Business Investor Visa, aimed at drawing in seasoned investors to help strengthen the economy through direct involvement in local businesses.
The Business Investor Work Visa will open to applicants in November 2025 and provides two investment routes. The first option requires a NZD $1 million investment into an existing business, offering a three-year work-to-residence pathway. The second requires a NZD $2 million investment, which grants a fast-track pathway to residence within 12 months.
Successful applicants will have the option to either purchase a business outright or acquire at least 25% ownership in a company, provided the minimum investment thresholds are met. Both routes lead to eligibility for the Business Investor Resident Visa.
The visa may be issued for a period of up to four years. The cost of applying is set at NZD $12,380, covering both the application fee and the immigration levy.
Family members may be included in applications, with partners and dependent children able to apply alongside the main investor.
The Government says the new visa is designed to complement the Active Investor Plus Visa, which was updated earlier in April 2025. Together, these changes form part of a wider review of business immigration policies intended to attract investment, skilled business operators, and international links.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Business Investor Work Visa must demonstrate they can meet a set of eligibility criteria. This includes:
- Making the minimum qualifying investment.
- Showing access to at least NZD $500,000 in funds to support themselves and their family while establishing the business.
- Being aged 55 or under at the time of application.
- Meeting English language standards (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).
- Meeting health and character requirements.
- Proving business experience.
- Investing in a company that both meets the financial threshold and employs at least five full-time equivalent staff.
Certain business categories will not be accepted under the scheme. These include firms involved in drop-shipping, gambling, tobacco or nicotine product manufacturing (including vaping), adult entertainment, convenience stores, immigration advisory services linked to Licensed Immigration Advisers, discount/value shops, fast food outlets, franchises, and home-based businesses.
Entrepreneur Work Visa closure
With the introduction of the Business Investor Visa, the Entrepreneur Category has been closed to new applications.
Applications already submitted for an Entrepreneur Work Visa will still be processed under the existing rules. However, applicants who withdraw will not be entitled to a refund of any fees or levies.
Entrepreneur Work Visa holders remain eligible to apply for residence through the Entrepreneur Resident Visa, which remains open. They may also apply for a visa renewal if more time is needed to meet residence requirements.
Anyone wishing to apply for the new Business Investor Work Visa must file a fresh application once the scheme opens and pay the applicable fees.
Official Statements
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford shed light on the new visa and the accompanying changes. “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,” she said.
“This new visa will bring overseas investment to maintain and create jobs, grow incomes, and breathe new life into existing businesses across the country.”
She noted, “We are introducing a more targeted pathway for experienced businesspeople with capital to invest and the hands-on experience and skills needed to run a successful business. It has clearer settings that are easier for applicants to understand and for Immigration New Zealand to process, and it’s designed to deliver real economic benefits.
“The Business Investor Visa forms part of our broader refresh of business visa settings, alongside our improved Active Investor Plus visa.”
“Work is also underway on a visa pathway for startup-entrepreneurs with scalable, innovative business ideas, designed to complement existing settings and complete the suite. Our Government is focused on smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions to help stimulate the New Zealand economy. These changes will help bring brighter days ahead for all Kiwis,” Ms Stanford added.
The overhaul marks a significant shift in New Zealand’s approach to business migration, replacing a scheme that has been in place for years with one that the Government hopes will bring clearer rules and stronger economic outcomes.
