New Zealand Overview
New Zealand is one of the world’s most stable and well-governed nations and offers an attractive destination for investment, business and raising a family. With a population of approximately 4.5 million people, the country is consistently ranked in the top 10 in terms of protecting investors, starting a business and for ease of doing business. The United Nations ranks New Zealand 13thout of 187 countries on its 2016 Human Development Index. Compared to most countries in the world, New Zealand offers a great work-life balance with world-class education and healthcare systems.
Requirements
The Investor 1 and Investor 2 Resident Visa Programs allow applicants to live, work and study in New Zealand.
Applicants can include their spouse and dependent children aged 24 years and younger in their applications.
Investor 1 Resident Visa
- An applicant must invest NZD 10 million in New Zealand over a three-year period in order to apply for New Zealand residence
- No maximum age limit, no language requirement, and no business experience requirement
Investor 2 Resident Visa
- For experienced business people, aged 65 years or younger, who have a minimum of NZD 2.5 million in available funds or assets
- Applicant must invest atleast NZD 3 million in an acceptable investment in New Zealand, to be held for four years
- English language requirement: Applicants are required to have an English-speaking background; or an International English Language Testing System test report with an overall band score of three or more; or be a competent user of English
Acceptable Investments
- Investments that are capable of a commercial return; are not for the personal use of the applicant(s); is invested in New Zealand in NZD; are invested in lawful enterprises or managed funds and have the potential to contribute to the economy
- Include bonds issued by the New Zealand government or local authorities; firms traded on the New Zealand Debt Securities Market; firms with at least a BBB or equivalent rating; registered banks; or finance companies
- Investments can also be made in equity in New Zealand firms (public or private, including managed funds); registered banks, as well as residential property development(s) and commercial property
- Applicants can nominate a mix of funds and/or assets to invest into
Key Advantages
- High standard of living, multicultural and low population density
- Political, social and economic stability, least corrupt nation on the planet
- Solid legal system based upon English law
- New Zealand citizens enjoy visa-free access to 182 countries around the world
Procedures and Time Frames
The time frames and procedures for the Investor 1 and 2 Resident Visa Programs are reasonably straightforward with specialist assistance.
Investor 1 Resident Visa
- Applicants lodge an application directly to Immigration New Zealand for the Resident Visa, without the need for an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- An approval in principle is usually given within three months depending on the quality of information provided as well as security and health checks
- Immigration New Zealand will only approve in principle and will not issue the Resident Visa until the funds have been transferred and invested, and evidence of this is submitted to Immigration, after which the Resident Visa will be issued within two to four weeks
- Successful applicants can travel in and out of New Zealand for the first two years of the investment period. The main applicant has to accumulate 44 days in New Zealand in each of years two and three of the investment period. In some cases, there can be flexibility
- If all conditions that apply to the first two years of the investment period are met, the applicant can apply for a variation of conditions to allow travel in and out of New Zealand for another two years
- If conditions at the end of the three-year investment period are met, the applicant and family members can apply for permanent residence which is a resident visa valid for life
Investor 2 Resident Visa
- Expression of Interest (EOI) must be sent to Immigration New Zealand outlining the applicant’s personal details, business experience and investment funds
- If the EOI is successful, the applicant and any spouse and/or dependents are invited to apply for New Zealand residence — invites are generally issued within two weeks of selection of an EOI
- Once invited to apply, the applicant will have four months to submit the application
- An approval in principle is usually given within three to six months but is reliant on the quality of information provided as well as security and health checks
- Immigration New Zealand will only approve in principle — they will not issue the visa until the funds have been transferred and invested and evidence of this is submitted to Immigration, after which the Resident Visa may then be issued within two to four weeks
- Evidence that the invested funds have been maintained will be required at the end of the second and fourth years of the applicant’s residence in New Zealand
- The main applicant needs to accumulate 146 days in each of years two, three and four of the investment term