New Zealand

New Zealand Investment Immigration Programs Overview

New Zealand offers a strong and stable economy for investors. The country provides a good South Pacific base to do business and ranks among the top five countries worldwide for its ease of doing business. Up until September 2022, there were two visa categories for investors, but both have since been replaced with the Active Investor Plus Visa.

Under the Active Investor Plus Visa have to invest a total of NZ$15 million over the period of four years, including a NZ$5 million initial investment, while the rest of the funds can be allocated throughout the four-year period into one of the accepted investment routes, listed in the following paragraph, with investors having to spend at least 117 days, or around a month a year, in the country, increasing from 88 days previously. This rule is to ensure that investors are actively involved in growing their local investments.

Aside from the NZ$5 million initial direct investment, applicants can direct the rest of their investment via one of the following routes: Listed Equities; Philanthropy; or Managed Funds. However, the amount of passive investment out of their total investment in listed equities is to be capped at 50%, excluding bonds and property.

Citizenship By Investment

New Zealand doesn’t have a CBI program but applicants who were granted residence under the Active Investor Plus Visa program are eligible for New Zealand citizenship after they have spent at least 1,350 days in the country during the preceding five years, with at least 240 days in the country each year.

How To Apply

Applicants file an application with Immigration New Zealand for the Active Investor Plus Visa. It takes 3-6 months to get the visa. Applicants must provide verifiable documents regarding the origin of the funds being transferred to New Zealand.

Mobility

Citizens enjoy visa-free travel to 184 countries.

Country

New Zealand is a stable, safe and secure country with a high standard of living. The country has a low population density, wide open spaces and abundant natural beauty. New Zealand’s economy has witnessed positive growth for 33 of the last 35 years, has a business-friendly taxation system and a government that supports foreign investment.

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