Program Quick Facts
Investment Amount
NZD3,000,000
Fees and Expenses
From NZD2,900
Residency (Visa) Length
3 years
Time to Obtain
9-12 months
Complexity
Complex
The New Zealand Investor Visa grants a long-term residency status to applicants committing to a minimum investment of NZD 3,000,000. This visa includes additional government and legal fees totaling approximately NZD 2,900. There is no annual income requirement for eligibility under this program.
To maintain the visa, investors must spend at least 117 days in New Zealand over a period of either three or four years, depending on the type of investment made. This residency requirement is cumulative and flexible, averaging between 29 and 39 days per year.
Applicants become eligible to apply for permanent residency after four years of meeting the investment and presence criteria. Citizenship application eligibility follows after nine years of residency.
Dependants, including spouses and dependent children, are permitted to be included in the application. The processing time for the visa is approximately 365 days. The application process can be completed remotely, with all documentation submitted online or by mail to Immigration New Zealand.
Physical presence in New Zealand is only necessary to fulfill the minimum residency days after the visa is approved. This visa is suitable for investors and entrepreneurs seeking to establish long-term residence through investment.
Who can apply for New-zealand Investor Visa?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Must invest a minimum of NZD $5 million (Growth Category) or NZD $10 million (Balanced Category).
- Growth Category: Investment must be in direct New Zealand businesses or managed funds, held for 3 years.
- Balanced Category: Investment can include managed funds, listed equities, bonds, philanthropy, or property developments, held for 5 years.
- Growth Category: Must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over 3 years.
- Balanced Category: Must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over 5 years. Residency requirement can be reduced with higher investment: NZD $11M → 91 days, NZD $12M → 77 days, NZD $13M → 63 days.
- Investment must be completed within 6 months of approval in principle; a one-time 6-month extension may be granted.
- No English language requirement.
- Applicants may switch between Growth and Balanced categories once during the application process.
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- —
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- —
Over 18:
- —
Special Cases (Any Age):
- —
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa – Growth Category
The Growth Category under New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa is designed for high-net-worth individuals willing to invest in New Zealand businesses or managed funds. It offers a path to residency and eventual citizenship with minimal physical presence requirements.
Requirements:
Minimum Investment
Minimum NZD $5 million investment in direct New Zealand businesses or managed funds. Investment must be maintained for at least 3 years.
Amount: NZD5,000,000
Residency Requirement
Main applicant must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over the 3-year investment period.
Amount: NZD21
Investment Completion Timeframe
Investment must be completed within 6 months of receiving approval in principle. A one-time 6-month extension may be granted.
Amount: NZD6
Language Requirement
There is no English language requirement for this visa category.
Amount: NZD0
Fees:
Application Fee
Application fee including immigration levy, estimated at NZD $4,750 (≈ USD $2,898).
Amount: €2,898
Option 2: New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa – Balanced Category
The Balanced Category of New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa is aimed at investors seeking greater flexibility, allowing investments in a broader range of assets including listed equities, bonds, philanthropy, and certain property developments. This pathway leads to residency and ultimately citizenship.
Requirements:
Minimum Investment
Minimum NZD $10 million investment in eligible assets including managed funds, listed equities, bonds, philanthropy, and new residential or commercial developments. Investment must be maintained for at least 5 years.
Amount: NZD10,000,000
Residency Requirement
Main applicant must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over the 5-year investment period. This requirement can be reduced by increasing the investment: NZD $11M → 91 days, NZD $12M → 77 days, NZD $13M → 63 days.
Amount: NZD105
Investment Completion Timeframe
Investment must be completed within 6 months of receiving approval in principle. A one-time 6-month extension may be granted.
Amount: NZD6
Language Requirement
There is no English language requirement for this visa category.
Amount: NZD0
Fees:
Application Fee
Application fee including immigration levy, estimated at NZD $4,750 (≈ USD $2,898).
Amount: €2,898
The Growth Category under New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa is designed for high-net-worth individuals willing to invest in New Zealand businesses or managed funds. It offers a path to residency and eventual citizenship with minimal physical presence requirements.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
Minimum Investment* | NZD5,000,000 (not included in total) | NZD0 (not included in total) | NZD0 (not included in total) |
Residency Requirement* | NZD21 (not included in total) | NZD0 (not included in total) | NZD0 (not included in total) |
Investment Completion Timeframe | NZD6 | NZD0 | NZD0 |
Language Requirement | NZD0 | NZD0 | NZD0 |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Application Fee | NZD2,898 | NZD0 | NZD0 |
| Total Cost | NZD2,904 for main applicant | NZD2,904 for married couple | NZD2,904 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
lifestyleNew Zealand offers a warm climate combined with a high quality of life and excellent healthcare services, making it an attractive destination for investors and their families seeking a balanced lifestyle. | high feesThe Investor Visa program requires a significant minimum investment of NZD $5 million or more, combined with associated government and legal fees, which represents a considerable financial commitment. |
path to permanent residencyThe Investor Visa provides a clear route to permanent residency after 4 years of compliant investment and residence, enabling long-term stability and planning for investors. | minimum physical presenceApplicants must spend at least 117 days in New Zealand over the investment period, which, while flexible, requires a sustained physical presence to maintain visa conditions. |
path to citizenshipAfter holding permanent residency for 5 years, investors may apply for New Zealand citizenship, with the full process typically completed within 9 years from the initial visa grant. | investment holding periodInvestments must be maintained for a minimum of 3 to 5 years depending on the investment category, limiting the liquidity of invested capital during the visa term. |
access to public healthcareVisa holders and their included family members have access to New Zealand's comprehensive public healthcare system, ensuring essential medical services are available without additional private insurance requirements. | |
family members includedThe program allows applicants to include dependents, providing residency rights to spouses and children, which supports family reunification and long-term settlement. | |
freedom to work or start a businessHolders of the Investor Visa have full freedom to work, invest, or establish businesses in New Zealand, encouraging entrepreneurial activity and economic integration. | |
tax advantagesNew Zealand does not impose capital gains tax on most investments, offering tax efficiency for investors under the Investor Visa program. |
How to apply for Investor Visa - Timeline
Prepare Application
Collect required documents, develop an investment plan, and consult with a financial advisor or immigration consultant if needed.
Submit Application
Submit the completed application form along with all supporting documents to Immigration New Zealand.
Application Processing
Immigration New Zealand reviews the application, verifies documentation, and assesses the proposed investment.
Approval in Principle
Receive an Approval in Principle letter authorizing the transfer and finalization of the investment.
Complete Investment
Transfer and finalize the required investment within six months of receiving Approval in Principle; a one-time 6-month extension may be requested.
Resident Visa Granted
Upon confirmation of investment completion, a resident visa is issued.
Meet Residency Obligations
Maintain the investment and fulfill physical presence requirements: 21 days over 3 years (Growth Category) or 105 days over 5 years (Balanced Category), with possible reductions for higher investments.
Apply for Permanent Residency
Eligible to apply for permanent residency after maintaining investment and meeting residency requirements for 3 years.
Apply for Citizenship
Eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship 5 years after obtaining permanent residency, subject to meeting all criteria.
New-zealand Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Residence based
Special Regime: Transitional tax regime
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency: New Zealand has a special tax residency rule for transitional residents. Individuals who have moved to New Zealand and become tax residents but were not tax residents in any of the last 10 years may benefit from a tax exemption on their overseas income for the first four years of residency. This rule is designed to encourage skilled migrants to settle in New Zealand.
Income Tax Rate: 39
