Business Investor Work Visa
Buy and run an established NZ business for NZD $1M–$2M and earn permanent residency. A hands-on pathway for experienced business operators who want to build a life in New Zealand.
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The Business Investor Work Visa (BIV) is New Zealand's newest business immigration pathway, launched in November 2025 to replace the Entrepreneur Work Visa. It's designed for experienced business people who want to buy and actively operate an established New Zealand business, not start one from scratch. There are two tiers: invest NZD $1 million for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway, or NZD $2 million for a fast-track 12-month pathway to residence.
The business you acquire must be an established NZ company that's been trading for at least 5 years, employs at least 5 full-time equivalent staff, and has a purchase value of NZD $1 million or more (excluding property and GST). You can buy a business outright or acquire at least 25% of it, provided you meet the investment threshold. Certain business types are excluded, including franchises, fast food outlets, gambling, and labour-hire companies.
You'll also need at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support yourself and your family while running the business. This visa is ideal for hands-on operators who want to be actively involved in growing a New Zealand business, not passive investors. Concord helps you identify eligible businesses, structure the acquisition, and manage the visa process from application through to residence.
Who is it for?
The BIV is built for experienced business operators, people who've run or managed businesses before and want to bring that expertise to New Zealand. You're a strong candidate if you have significant business management experience, at least NZD $1 million to invest in an acquisition, and NZD $500,000 in reserve funds. You need to be genuinely hands-on: Immigration New Zealand expects you to actively run the business, not just own it.
It's also a compelling option for entrepreneurs who've been considering New Zealand but were put off by the old Entrepreneur Work Visa's slow processing and uncertain outcomes. The BIV is more structured, with clearer requirements and a defined path to residence. If you're the kind of person who'd rather buy a proven business than build from zero in a new country, this visa was designed for you.
What are the requirements
Minimum investment of NZD $1M
You must invest at least NZD $1 million (standard pathway) or NZD $2 million (fast-track) in an established NZ business. The purchase value excludes property and GST.
Established business criteria
The business must have been trading for at least 5 years, employ at least 5 FTE staff, and comply with all immigration and employment standards.
NZD $500K reserve funds
You must have at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support yourself and your family while you run and grow the business in New Zealand.
Business management experience
You must demonstrate significant experience in business management or ownership. Immigration NZ expects you to actively operate the business, not be a passive investor.
Visa Timeline
Concord Processing Time
Premium Processing Time
USCIS Processing Time
Concord helps you identify eligible NZ businesses and confirms the target acquisition meets all visa requirements (5+ years trading, 5+ FTE staff, compliant).
~2-6 weeks
Complete business due diligence, negotiate acquisition terms, and structure the purchase to meet the NZD $1M or $2M threshold requirements.
~4-8 weeks
Concord prepares and lodges your BIV application with Immigration New Zealand, including source-of-funds evidence, business plan, and management experience documentation.
~4-8 weeks
12 months or 3 years
12 months or 3 years
~3-6 months (to visa grant)
The Concord
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