On August 27, 2025 (local time), Immigration New Zealand announced the launch of the new Business Investor Visa (BIV). This visa will officially accept applications starting from November 2025, providing a new immigration pathway for global investors. This marks another significant adjustment to the country's investment immigration policy following the introduction of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa this past April!
The new policy aims to attract high-caliber investors with strong financial resources and extensive business experience. By investing in existing New Zealand businesses, they will contribute to local economic development while gaining a clearer and faster pathway to residency. According to the latest policy released by Immigration New Zealand, applicants for the new Business Investor Visa must meet the following conditions:
• Standard Pathway: Invest NZD 1 million, successfully acquire and operate a business for 3 years to transition to New Zealand residency.
• Accelerated Pathway: Invest NZD 2 million, successfully acquire and operate a business for 1 year to transition to New Zealand residency.
Note: Applicants may choose to acquire a business in full or hold at least 25% equity in the business, provided that the investment meets the minimum threshold of NZD 1 million or NZD 2 million.
The launch of the BIV visa represents a major upgrade and precise optimization of New Zealand's investment immigration policy. As evidenced by the policy direction above, the New Zealand government is committed to attracting truly high-caliber investors.
It is worth noting that the investment threshold set for this BIV visa is at a historic low in recent years: only NZD 1 million is required to apply for the standard pathway, and NZD 2 million to open the accelerated pathway—far lower than the previous requirements which often reached millions or even tens of millions. For investors eager to establish a presence in New Zealand, preparations can begin now. WorldWay Group will continue to monitor the BIV program and share any new information as it becomes available.
Seizing opportunities is crucial when choosing your immigration path.
Wise applicants should take advantage of the current policy dividend period.
For investors with immigration intentions, the United States is an excellent choice. Currently, it is an opportune time to immigrate to the U.S. via the EB-5 program. Under the new policy, EB-5 investment immigration applicants born in mainland China do not currently face visa retrogression, making it an "express lane" for immigrating to the U.S. Investing in an EB-5 rural project under the reserved visa category offers exemption from retrogression and priority processing by USCIS. Investors are advised to submit their applications as early as possible to lock in their priority date and realize their American dream sooner.
Meanwhile, as several European countries have successively tightened their immigration policies, the once-wide gateway to Europe is gradually narrowing. For investors interested in immigrating to Europe, there is no time to lose in seizing the current low-threshold opportunities in Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus to enter the European Union!
In addition, if you wish to obtain a second passport, investment citizenship programs in Commonwealth countries such as Nauru and Saint Lucia are excellent choices, allowing your entire family to directly obtain Commonwealth citizenship and enjoy the rights of Commonwealth citizens.
For detailed inquiries, please contact Mainland China: 400-138-2929, Hong Kong Customer Service Center: (852)2802 8798