The Migration Process

Investor Migration

"New Zealand government welcomes investors. With new immigration policies designed to facilitate access for investors and entrepreneurs, now’s the time to consider the opportunities to be found in one of the most open, flexible economies in the world." New Zealand Government, 2010

People wishing to invest funds in a business and live in New Zealand can apply for residence under Investor/Investor Plus policies, or a visitor's visa valid for up to two years under our Temporary Retirement Category.

Investor Category requirements

If you want to invest at least NZ$1.5 million in New Zealand, and you would like to apply for New Zealand residence, the Investor category could be an option for you.

Under this category, the first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form, showing your eligibility for points under the various criteria for this category.

A maximum of 300 residence applications per year are approved under the Investor category.

Selections from the pool of EOIs are undertaken fortnightly, selecting those applicants with the highest points totals. If you are invited to apply for residence, you will then need to provide evidence that you meet the Investor criteria, as per the claims you made in your EOI.

Everyone included in your residence application will have to meet specific health, character, and English language requirements.

You (the principal applicant) must be aged 65 or younger, and have at least three years’ business experience, as well as meeting the Investor criteria summarised below.

Investment and settlement funds and/or assets

The investment funds and/or assets you nominate must be equivalent to at least NZ$1.5 million, though you may nominate more, depending on the points claimed in your EOI.

In addition, you need to own settlement funds and/or assets of at least NZ$1 million.

In your residence application, you will need to provide evidence showing that your investment and settlement funds and/or assets are owned by you or jointly by you and your partner and/or dependent children.

You will also need to be able to provide evidence showing that your intended investment funds:

• are unencumbered, ie not subject to any mortgage, lien, charge and/or encumbrance (whether equitable or otherwise) or any other creditor claims
• have been earned or acquired legally
• are transferable through the banking system

After you have been given your approval in principle, you will need to provide verifiable documents to show that the funds you transfer to New Zealand came from the funds and/or assets that you nominate. You will need to place your investment funds in an acceptable investment(s) in New Zealand.

If your residence application is approved in principle, you (the principal applicant) will have 12 months to transfer your nominated investment funds and invest them in an acceptable investment in New Zealand, though you can apply to have this timeframe extended.

You can also apply for a work visa so you can travel to New Zealand to look into investment opportunities.

You will need to retain your investment funds in an acceptable investment(s) for four years, and spend at least 146 days each year in New Zealand in years two, three and four of your four-year investment period.

Find out whether you might be eligible for Permanent Residence under the Investor policy:

  "We are looking forward to hearing from you."

You want us to assess your chances:

Infos and News:

If you are looking for independent investment advice:

Financial Planning and Tax Exemptions for New Migrants 

Richard Harden will be able to advise you on your investment portfolio that remains within New Zealand Immigration's Acceptable Investment guidelines for the Migrant Investment Policy.

For advice on UK pension transfers

To view the latest Economic Commentary, published by Richard Harden Investment Services

Questions you might like to ask us:

	Jobsearch - Where can I get help with finding employment?
	Business for Sale - Can I buy an existing business?
	Study in New Zealand - Residence through studies?
	Open a bank account - how can I transfer my money?
	What are the English language requirements?
	Will I be eligible for public healthcare?
	What customs requirements are there?
	Will I be able to bring my pets?
	Will I be able to use my skills?