The program will allow business migrants to access a pathway to residency
A major new visa program has been announced, aimed at driving investment in local businesses by offering a fast-track residency pathway.
Announcing the new Business Investor Visa (BIV), Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the program would provide a pathway to residence for business migrants ready to invest in or operate established businesses.
The new visa option comes as the government announced it would end the Entrepreneur Work Visa due to low applications, high decline rates, and lack of economic impact.
“This new visa will bring overseas investment to maintain and create jobs, grow incomes, and breathe new life into existing businesses across the country,” Stanford said.
To qualify for the new visa, which opens from November, applicants will need to invest $1 million in an existing business, with the incentive of a three-year work-to-residence pathway, or $2 million to access a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway.
“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,” Stanford said in a statement.
“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.”
Two new seasonal visa pathways
Earlier this month, the New Zealand government unveiled two new visa pathways to support employers looking for seasonal workers during peak periods – the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).
Stanford said the two new visa pathways would help fill critical roles in industries where employers struggle to find enough workers at peak times.
“These visas are designed to reflect the realities of seasonal work and the diverse range of skill levels involved,” Stanford said in a statement at the time.
And in June, the government announced 10 new trades occupations would be added to the Green List's Work to Residence pathway from August 2025, in a bid to address talent shortages in the country's manufacturing industry.
“This requires a migrant to have two years of work experience in the relevant occupation in New Zealand and be working for an Accredited Employer when they apply for residence,” Stanford said in a statement at the time.
The occupations added include:
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Metal Fabricator
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Metal Machinist (First Class)
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Fitter (General)
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Fitter and Turner
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Fitter-Welder
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Pressure Welder
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Welder
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Panel Beater
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Vehicle Painter
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