Purchasing a New Zealand business, whether in its entirety or just a stake, is a key step in your BIV journey.

The New Zealand market is dominated by small- to medium-sized enterprises, many of which are owner-operated. Seasonal volatility, limited financial disclosure and unrecorded tax or employment obligations are common. These factors can affect business value, profitability, and ultimately, the strength of a visa application.

As part of the application, Immigration New Zealand requires valuation and due diligence documentation for the nominated business, prepared by a qualified statutory accountant.

A CA ANZ Business Valuation Specialist is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. This recognition is awarded to experts who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in valuing businesses. We must follow strict ethical and professional standards, and our work is subject to ongoing training and review. For you, this means the valuation is independent, credible, and trusted by immigration authorities, regulators and banks.

At Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, our specialists have decades of experience and are well recognised for our insights and practical approach.

We can support you with your BIV application and ensure that you:

• Avoid overpaying
• Understand how steady the profits are; and key risk areas
• Negotiate transaction terms and protections based on robust financial insights
• Are well-prepared for working capital needs and capital expenditure requirements immediately after you have invested

These insights provide you with the clarity, confidence and control needed to execute a successful investment. They also help foster a more positive relationship with the seller, who may remain involved in the business after the transaction.

Our packaged services

We offer a dedicated BIV investment review service designed to simplify the process for BIV applicants. This integrated service combines Financial Due Diligence, Tax Due Diligence and Business valuation into one comprehensive package. 

Our BIV investment review package covers:

• Initial screening of up to three businesses.
• Financial and Tax due diligence and valuation for one business selected as part of the BIV application.

Deliverables: The BIV applicant will receive a high-level report summarising:

• An indicative valuation range for the nominated business.
• Significant financial, tax or operational risks identified as part of the due diligence process.
• Quantified impacts of key findings where possible.

Timeline: Typical turnaround time is approximately two weeks from receipt of substantial information required from the business for valuation and due diligence.

Fees: Total packaged fee is NZ$20,000 – $25,000 plus GST and disbursements. For most BIV applicants, GST will be zero-rated.

Why Baker Tilly Staples Rodway?

Globally, we are part of Baker Tilly International, a Top 10 accounting network with more than 43,500 professionals in 698 offices across 143 territories.

In New Zealand, we have eight offices in Auckland, Waikato, Tauranga, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Christchurch.

We have been one of New Zealand's most trusted full-service accounting firms for more than 80 years. Building strong relationships with our clients is important to us. Some clients have worked with us across four generations.