A New Horizon for Business Leaders: Unlocking New Zealand Residency with the Business Investor Visa
A Strategic Shift in Business Immigration
New Zealand has introduced the Business Investor Visa (BIV) — a landmark change in its business immigration system. This new pathway is designed for experienced business leaders with proven skills and investment capital who can help grow established New Zealand businesses.
The BIV replaces the Entrepreneur Visa, which failed to deliver strong results. Instead of focusing on high-risk startups, the emphasis now shifts to acquiring and growing existing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creating jobs, and achieving a sustainable economic impact.
Why This Matters: A Smarter, Lower-Risk Approach
The vision is clear: attract seasoned international investors who will bring fresh capital and expertise into stable New Zealand businesses.
Unlike its predecessor, the BIV requires:
Acquisition of a business operating for at least five years.
A staff base of five or more employees.
Creation of at least one new full-time job.
This model ensures stability for investors and measurable job growth for New Zealanders.
Two Pathways to Residency
The BIV offers flexibility, with two routes depending on your capital and settlement goals:
Fast-Track NZD $2M - apply for residence after 12 months
Standard NZD $1M - apply for residence after 3 years
Both options require investors to manage or oversee the business while meeting visa conditions actively.
Key Eligibility: Investor and Business Criteria
To qualify, both the investor and the business must meet strict conditions:
For Investors:
Demonstrated business management experience.
English language proficiency.
For Businesses:
Must be established (5+ years).
Employ at least five full-time staff.
Must remain financially sound.
Create at least one additional job.
The biggest challenge lies in meeting undefined financial thresholds, which requires careful due diligence to avoid visa refusal.
The Bigger Picture
The BIV is part of a wider suite of investment visas:
Active Investor Plus Visa (NZD $5M–$10M): for high-net-worth individuals seeking more passive investments.
Upcoming Startup Visa: for entrepreneurs with scalable, innovative ideas.
Together, these visas offer tailored pathways for different investor profiles — from established operators to disruptive innovators.
Partner with Success Global
The Business Investor Visa provides access to both investment opportunities and residency in New Zealand. However, success depends on careful planning, thorough due diligence, and meticulous application preparation.
At Success Global, we help investors:
Assess eligibility.
Identify suitable businesses.
Prepare strong applications that meet Immigration New Zealand’s expectations.
📩 Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards building your business and future in New Zealand.