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New Zealand Immigration by Investment: The Process and Benefits

posted 12 months ago

DISCOVER THE REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS OF THE NEW ZEALAND INVESTOR VISA PROGRAM
LEARN ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.

In September 2022, the New Zealand government launched a new visa category called Active Investor Plus (View Programme) after discontinuing the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas, which were part of its Residency-by-Investment Programs. The new Active Investor Plus visa is effectively a New Zealand entrepreneur visa similar to those of several other countries.

5 KEY POINTS ABOUT NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION BY INVESTMENT VISA

  1. Indefinite residence status: Successful applicants receive indefinite residency and can include their spouse/partner and children up to 24 years old as dependents.
  2. Path to permanent residency and citizenship: After four years, applicants can apply for permanent residency, and after five years, they can apply for New Zealand citizenship, subject to requirements.
  3. Benefits of living in New Zealand: Access to advanced education and healthcare systems, stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, a strong economy, and a safe and peaceful environment.
  4. Investment amount: Applicants are required to contribute a theoretical NZD 15 million (about USD 9.3 million), with different investment options having varying weightings toward the threshold.
  5. Additional requirements: Applicants must meet health and character standards, demonstrate English language proficiency, prove legal acquisition of funds, and spend at least 117 days in New Zealand during the four-year investment period.

BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE NEW ZEALAND ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS VISA

Successful applicants for the New Zealand immigration by investment program will receive indefinite residence status, and they will be able to include their spouse or partner and children up to 24 years old as dependents.

They will also have access to one of the world’s most advanced education systems and a superlative healthcare system. This has made it popular with Americans and many others.

After four years of residency, applicants will have the option to apply for permanent residency, and after five years, they can apply for New Zealand citizenship, subject to meeting language and residency requirements.

New Zealand is also a great place to live with its natural beauty, friendly people, and relatively strong economy.

The country is famous for its breath-taking landscapes, with snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine beaches, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and water sports are popular pastimes in New Zealand, providing residents with a healthy and active lifestyle. Close to 20,000 Americans already live in New Zealand and over 50,000 people a year are migrating to the country despite its relatively strict requirements.

Furthermore, New Zealand has a strong and stable economy, with a low unemployment rate and a high standard of living. The country’s high ranking in terms of economic freedom offers a range of opportunities for business and career growth.

Lastly, New Zealand is a safe and peaceful country, with a low crime rate and a strong sense of community. The country promotes a healthy work-life balance, allowing residents to enjoy their personal time with family and friends.

HOW MUCH MONEY IS REQUIRED FOR INVESTOR VISA IN NEW ZEALAND?

Under the Active Investor Plus visa program, the New Zealand government is looking for each applicant to contribute a “theoretical” NZD 15 million (about USD 9.3 million at the time of writing.) However, acceptable investments carry different weightings toward the NZD 15 million threshold:

  • For investment in Listed Equities the weighting is 1:1. Each dollar invested counts as $1.
  • For Philanthropic Donations the weighting is 1:1. Each dollar invested counts as $1.
  • For Managed Funds the weighting is 1:2. Each dollar invested counts as $2.
  • For Direct Investment the weighting is 1:3. Each dollar invested counts as $3.

You can invest in a combination, provided neither of the first two options are more than 50%. You can, for instance, make it all direct investment in which case the amount required is NZD 5 million (or USD 3.1 million) instead of NZD 15 million. The investments can be shifted but you must maintain it for at least 4 years.

Note: New Zealand property investment is not an accepted form, but some of your shareholdings may have companies that are in New Zealand property investments.

WHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT FOR INVESTMENT VISA IN NEW ZEALAND?

To qualify for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa, applicants must fulfil several requirements.

Firstly, they must meet the country’s health and character standards, which involve providing necessary medical reports and background checks. Additionally, applicants must satisfy a point-based application system, which takes into account factors such as age, investment amount, and business experience.

Furthermore, applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language by obtaining an IELTS score of at least 5. They must also provide evidence that the funds being invested were acquired or earned legally and must transfer the nominated funds within six months of receiving approval-in-principle.

Lastly, to maintain eligibility for the visa, applicants must spend at least 117 days in New Zealand during the four-year investment period.

 

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION BY INVESTMENT

 

In summary, New Zealand offers an unparalleled quality of life and the new Active Investor Plus or New Zealand immigration by investment makes that life attainable for Americans and other nationalities with the available funds. To better understand the New Zealand immigration by investment program, please visit Harvey Law group’s website:

Harvey Law Group (HLG) has been advising on Immigration and Business Law for more than three decades. With 20 offices around the world including in the United States,

To schedule a free consultation, contact us at +1 352 331 7554 or [email protected] to schedule a visit at
Harvey Law Group USA office located at 1395 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida 33131.

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