BI2.1 Summary of requirements

1. An application for a Business Investor resident visa will be approved if a business immigration specialist is satisfied that:
   1. the principal applicant held a Business Investor work visa at the time the resident visa application was made; and
   2. the principal applicant has successfully operated a single business in New Zealand for at least:
      • three years and meet the requirements set out in BI2.5; or
      • 12 months and meet the requirements set out in BI2.10; and
   3. the principal applicant has retained at least the same proportion of ownership of the business which was approved under the Business Investor work visa instructions; and
   4. the principal applicant meets the fit and proper person requirements (see BM1); and
   5. the principal applicant has professional or occupational registration in New Zealand if registration is required for operating the business; and
   6. the principal applicant has been in New Zealand for at least 184 days for each 12-month period since they began operating the business; and
   7. the business operated by the principal applicant employs at least five people in full time equivalent positions (see BD9.35); and
   8. the business operated by the principal applicant has created ongoing, full time equivalent employment for one additional New Zealand citizen or resident (see BD9.40) and maintained that employment for at least 12 months at the time the resident visa application was made; and
   9. the business operated by the principal applicant complies with specific immigration, employment and business standards (see BD9.10); and
   10. the business is solvent (see BD9.65) and complies with all financial, tax and legal obligations.
2. In addition to (a) above, the principal applicant and any partner and/or dependent children included in the application must meet residence health and character requirements (see A4 and A5).
3. In addition to (a) and (b) above any partner and/or dependent children included in the application must meet the same English language requirements that apply to secondary applicants included in a Skilled Residence application (see SR2.10).

Effective 24/11/2025