The New Zealand Business Migration programme provides various pathways for applicants to secure Residence through investing in New Zealand. The Investor Visa category of current immigration policy provides two separate streams of investment, depending on the level of investment you can make, and the time you have to invest.
Invest in a new life in New Zealand
Investing in New Zealand is often seen as a streamlined process to secure Residence, however with strict adherence to anti-money laundering rules and some fairly complex criteria in terms of investment types and timeframes, these Visas require significant thought and planning to secure.
Investor Visa Policy
New Zealand’s investor visa policy provides two separate pathways to securing Residence, depending on the value you can invest, the type of investment you are looking to make and the timeframe you want to invest for.
Growth Investment - NZD$5.0 million invested in direct investments or managed funds for a period of three years. 21 days spent in NZ over the investment period.
Balanced Investment - NZD$10.0 million invested in a variety of investment options, including bonds, listed equities, certain property types and philanthropic investments. Investment timeframe is five years. 105 days spent in NZ over the investment period (can be reduced with increased investment).
There are also various transfer timeframes involved which require applicants to move their nominated funds to NZ within a set period of time (six months with a possible further six month extension). This policy will be released on 01 April 2025, with additional details to follow.
Applicants under this category will be given priority and well documented and prepared applications are likely to be processed within a matter of a few months or less.
Business Investor Visa
The Business Investor Visa, offers those looking at investing in or buying a New Zealand business (and actively being involved in that business) an alternative pathway to securing residence. This visa is made up of two stages, the first being a temporary visa to invest in and operate your business, and then the second stage being an application for residence.
If you are looking to invest at least $1 million in to New Zealand, then you can either purchase a New Zealand based business entirely or secure at least a 25% shareholding to secure a three year Work Visa initially. That Work Visa will then allow you to transition to residence at the end.
If you are able to invest $2 million in to New Zealand, under the same criteria as above, you can secure a 12 month temporary Work Visa, and residence can be applied for at the end of that timeframe - essentially a fast-track to residence.
There are very specific requirements over the types of business you can by, and you need to be no older than 55, meet a certain standard of English and also health and character requirements.
How Our Team Can Help…
The process of applying for Residence under the Investor or Entrepreneur category can be lengthy and confusing and INZ takes a very cautious approach when it comes to scrutinizing your funds and experience. Our specialist team can advise on the best approach to this process to avoid delays and ensure a seamless transition to life in New Zealand.
If an Investor Visa isn’t right for you, we also offer assistance with a range of other residency categories as well as temporary visa applications.
Your immigration specialists
Jackie Qi - Licensed Adviser
Sejoo Han - Licensed Adviser
