01/09/2025
New Zealand opens the door to a new investor program.
The Government has announced the Business Investor Visa (BIV) – to attract experienced business people ready to invest, operate, and grow established businesses in New Zealand.
* NZ$1 million investment → three-year work-to-residence pathway
* NZ$2 million investment → 12-month fast-track to residence
The new BIV will be launched November 2025. As Immigration Minister Erica Stanford highlighted:
“This new visa will bring overseas investment to maintain and create jobs, grow incomes, and breathe new life into existing businesses across the country.”
The BIV also forms part of a wider refresh of business visa settings, alongside improvements to the Active Investor Plus visa, and the retirement of the outdated Entrepreneur Category. Work is also underway to create a visa pathway for startup entrepreneurs with scalable, innovative ideas.
Whilst Australia has narrowed its visa investment programs, these changes show a smart, flexible, and forward-thinking approach to immigration policy—helping to unlock global talent and capital, while driving growth and opportunity for all New Zealanders.
The Minister’s announcement can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g9CQJyzG
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