New Zealand Residency

New Zealand, consistently ranked among the top 10 for investor protection and ease of doing business, offers a favorable tax environment, robust legal system, and exceptional work-life balance, making it an attractive destination for investment, business, and family life.

New Zealand, recognized as one of the world’s most stable and well-governed nations, attracts investment, business ventures, and families seeking an attractive destination. Continuously ranked in the top 10 for investor protection, business startup, and ease of doing business, it also achieved the 2nd position on Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perception Index. Offering a favorable tax environment with no gift, estate, or wealth tax, along with a robust legal system based on English law, New Zealand emerges as an appealing jurisdiction for tax residence. Renowned for its work-life balance and quality of life, it ranked 2nd globally in both categories according to HSBC’s 2018 Expat Explorer survey. Additionally, the UN placed New Zealand 16th out of 189 countries on its 2018 Human Development Index, highlighting its exceptional education and healthcare systems alongside its appealing work-life balance.

Processing Time

Eight (8) to nine (9) months

Investment Requirement

NZD 5 million of a minimum investment

In September 2022, New Zealand introduced its newest Active Investor Plus Visa, replacing previous investor visa schemes. Designed to attract substantial investors and foster investment that benefits the local economy, the Active Investor Plus Visa allows applicants to permanently reside, work, and study in the country, contingent upon meeting all investment and residency criteria.

Key Benefits of the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program

• High standards of living, a multicultural population, and low population density
• Spouse and dependent children up to the age of 24 eligible for residence
• Political, social, and economic stability
• Strong legal system rooted in English law
• Absence of gift, estate, or wealth tax, as well as capital gains tax

The New Zealand Active Investor and Visa Program Requirements

To be eligible for residency, candidates must satisfy each of the following criteria:

• Invest a sum ranging from NZD 5 million to NZD 15 million over a four-year period
• Maintain good health and demonstrate good character
• Accumulate 117 days of presence in New Zealand throughout the four-year residency duration
• Exhibit proficiency in the English language

The specified assets can be invested in and will be proportionally weighted to meet the NZD 15 million investment requirement:

• Direct investments into approved businesses. These will be given a 3x weighting.
• Investments into approved managed funds (private equity or venture capital funds). These will be given a 2x weighting.
• Investment into listed equities and philanthropy. These will be given a 1x weighting (and each of these is capped at 50% of the NZD 15 million investment requirement)

Procedures and Time Frame

The processing time from submission to approval typically ranges from eight to nine months after receiving complete application forms, appropriate fees, and supporting documents.

Investors can spread their investments over three years, maintaining them for a fourth year. Upon meeting minimum residency and investment criteria after four years, investors can apply for permanent residence. After this period, they can also support their parents’ application under the Parent Retirement category.

Families included in the resident visa must travel to New Zealand within 12 months of visa issuance but are not obligated to stay for a minimum duration. Family members aged 16 and above must meet English language requirements or opt for pre-purchased ESOL tuition upon arrival.

Visa holders have the flexibility to reside anywhere in New Zealand and enroll in educational institutions as domestic students. To buy residential real estate, visa holders must typically reside in New Zealand. Approval may be necessary for those who spend only the minimum required time in the country. However, this requirement is waived after residing in New Zealand for at least 183 days in the preceding 12 months and becoming a tax resident.

Path to New Zealand Citizenship

After residing for five years, eligible candidates can apply for New Zealand nationality. The New Zealand passport, ranked in the top 10 globally on the passport index, grants access to over 180 destinations worldwide.

If you would like to learn more about the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tsavorite as we would love to connect with you.