NEW ZEALAND
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. The country is consistently ranked in the top 10 in terms of protecting investors, starting a business, and ease of doing business.
INVESTMENT
Minimum investment of NZD 5 million
KEY BENEFIT
Eligibility for citizenship after five years of residence
NEW ZEALAND ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS VISA PROGRAM
New Zealand’s new Active Investor Plus Visa was announced in September 2022, replacing its previous investor visas. Designed to attract valuable investors and encourage investment that delivers benefits to the local economy, the Active Investor Plus Visa allows applicants to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely, as long as they have met all the investment and time-in-country requirements.
BENEFITS OF NEW ZEALAND RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT
High standards of living, multicultural population, and low population density
Residence applicable to a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 24
Excellent schools and universities. Henley & Partners Education can assist in securing the best educational opportunities for your family
Political, social, and economic stability
Solid legal system based on English law
No gift, estate, or wealth tax, and no capital gains tax
REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW ZEALAND ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS VISA PROGRAM
1. Growth Category
Requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million in managed funds and direct business investments, both of which must be approved by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
Investments must be held for a period of three years
Investors must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over this period
2. Balanced Category
Requires a minimum investment of NZD 10 million across a broader range of eligible investment options, including equities, bonds, managed funds, direct business investments, property development, and philanthropy
Investments must be held for a period of five years
Investors must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over this five-year period, though this requirement may be reduced with a higher investment
PROCEDURES FOR NEW ZEALAND RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT
Applications must include completed application forms and should be accompanied by the appropriate fees and supporting documents.
After maintaining the investment for the required period (three years for the Growth category and five years for the Balanced category) and meeting the physical presence requirements, investors become eligible to apply for permanent residence.
If families are included in the resident visa, they are required to go to New Zealand within 12 months of their visa being granted but are not required to remain in New Zealand for any minimum length of time.
A visa holder may take up residence anywhere in New Zealand and can study at all schools and tertiary education providers in the country as a domestic student. To purchase residential real estate, visa holders must be usually resident in New Zealand. Those who spend only the minimum number of days in the country are likely to be required to obtain approval to purchase. This requirement is removed once they have lived in New Zealand and been physically present in the country for at least 183 days in the preceding 12 months and are a tax resident.
ACQUIRING CITIZENSHIP AFTER THE NEW ZEALAND ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS VISA PROGRAM
Successful applicants may apply for New Zealand citizenship after five years of residence. The New Zealand passport is among the top 10 in the world on the Henley Passport Index and facilitates access to over 180 destinations worldwide.
NEW ZEALAND RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the New Zealand residence by investment program?
The New Zealand residence by investment program, known as the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program, offers residence to individuals and their families through significant economic contributions to the country.
What are the investment options available for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program?
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa offers two categories: Growth, requiring investment in approved funds and businesses, and Balanced, allowing broader investments in equities, bonds, property, and philanthropy.
What are the benefits of obtaining New Zealand residence through investment?
Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand, a politically, economically, and socially stable country, as well as access to a favorable tax regime, and a high quality of life.
What is the minimum investment required for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program?
The minimum investment starts at NZD 5 million.
How long does it take to process an application for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program?
Processing times for residence by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.
Can family members be included in the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program application?
Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse and dependent children in the application.
What are the residence requirements for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program?
The Growth category requires at least 21 days of stay in New Zealand over a period of three years, while the Balanced category requires a stay of at least 105 days over a period of five years, with a possible reduction for higher investments.
What documents are required for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program application?
Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment or contribution, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
Is it possible to obtain New Zealand citizenship through the residence by investment program?
Yes, after maintaining residence for five years, investors may be eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship.
What is the process for applying to the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program?
Applicants must make a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process.