Out with the old, in with the new: INZ scraps the Entrepreneur work visa in favour of its new Business Investor visa
In a significant reshaping of New Zealand’s immigration strategy for business investment, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has announced the new Business Investor Visa (BIV) on 27 August 2025.
This new category will be open for applications in November 2025 and replaces the outgoing Entrepreneur Work Visa, a change that is well overdue and signals a more transparent category than its predecessor. It is set to target investors who wish to operate and scale existing businesses within New Zealand, via two investment options.
The two investment options available
NZ$1 million investment into an existing business; this option comes with a three‑year work‑to‑residence pathway.
NZ$2 million investment into an existing business; this option offers a fast‑tracked 12‑month pathway to residence
Applicants under this new category have the option to either acquire an existing business outright or obtain at least 25% equity, provided the business meets strict eligibility standards, such as employing a minimum of five full‑time staff, remaining financially sound, and meeting the investment thresholds mentioned above.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must be 55 years or younger.
Applicants must provide sufficient evidence of business experience, and meet generic health and character requirements,
Applicant must be competent in English language (e.g. IELTS 5.0)
Applicants must have at least NZ$500,000 in additional funds to support themselves and any included family members upon arrival.
Applicants must invest in an acceptable business, with businesses involved in drop-shipping, gambling, adult entertainment considered unacceptable, amongst others, such as convenience stores, fast food outlets, or franchised businesses.
The reason for change?
The Entrepreneur Work Visa had notably low applications numbers yet high decline rates, thus limiting the positive economic benefits it was able to provide. This, coupled with the challenges in applying the unwieldy and complex policy, has prompted its retirement. The new BIV is designed with more transparent settings and complements the Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP) which was refreshed in April 2025. These changes are intended to attract active, skilled investors who can create tangible benefits through talent and international connections.
Further details on the BIV, along with an official comparison between the BIV and AIP, will be released by Immigration New Zealand in October 2025 and it is understood that further announcements from the Minister in this space are due later this year, with the Minister intimating that there is another new policy on the horizon for ‘new’ entrepreneurs, which may well fill the gap the incoming BIV and immediate retirement of the Entrepreneur work visa category creates, for those wanting to create or bring new business ideas to life in New Zealand.
If you require assistance to determine your eligibility under this new category, or the existing AIP category, please contact us.