How to Apply for a New Zealand Residence by Investment Visa
As an investor, you must have considered the option of living in New Zealand at least once in your life. Well now you can realize that dream with the New Zealand golden visa. But before you do that, let's talk about what makes New Zealand such a great destination to invest in.
Why Should You Invest in New Zealand?
You'll enjoy the following advantages when you invest in New Zealand:
Stable Government and Economy
As per an IFC World Bank report in 2020, New Zealand was ranked as #1 out of 190 countries with regard to its economy. Additionally, with a stable government at the centre, the country's markets remain stable, with no erroneous currency rates, etc.
Zero FDI Restrictions
Investors can enjoy hurdle-free investments in the country since it does not restrict anyone from entering. New Zealand also has low corporate tax rates and enjoys lucrative partnerships with several countries.
Tax Benefits
If you’re a permanent resident of New Zealand, then you can enjoy exemptions from capital tax when you sell your investments or stocks. These exemptions are valid for UK-based companies, as well as sources of Asian and other foreign income.
Growing Real Estate Market
Another aspect to consider is that you can become a homeowner quite easily due to low-interest home loans. This indicates growth in the real estate sector.
Welcoming People
Last but not least, New Zealand has a welcoming group of people who will do everything possible to make you feel at home. So you won’t feel like you've left home at all.
Learn more about it below.
Introduction to the New Zealand Residence by Investment Visa
Continue reading to know more about this New Zealand golden visa. Residence by investment visas will let you live and work in the country of New Zealand as an investor. Let's check them out.
Overview of Investment Visa Categories
Parent Retirement Visa
This visa is applicable for parents who have children living in New Zealand as a citizen or resident. Additionally, the annual income must equal NZD 60,000, and they have NZD 1 million which they will use for investments. They will also need NZD 500,000 to live there.
Entrepreneur Resident Visa
You can avail of this visa if you have been self-employed for 6 months as part of a New Zealand business, or worked for 2 years with another visa. You can live there permanently with this visa.
Business Visitor
This visa will allow you to visit New Zealand for a period of a maximum of 90 days in a year for business purposes.
Global Impact Permanent Resident Visa
You can get this visa if you have been a Global Impact Worker Visa holder for 2 years and 6 months. It will help you live there permanently.
Active Investor Plus Visa
You can opt for this New Zealand golden visa to live, invest and work in New Zealand permanently. However, you must have about NZD 15 million or funds or assets amounting to the same.
Global Impact Work Visa
Apply for this visa if you have been selected by the Edmund Hillary Fellowship. You must create meaningful and supportive ventures during your stay of up to 36 months.
Temporary Retirement Visa
You can apply for this visa if you’re about 66 years or older than that, and have intentions of investing in New Zealand. Furthermore, your annual income must be NZD 60,000, and you must have NZD 750,000 for your investments.
Additionally, you will need NZD 500,000 to live there.
Entrepreneur Resident Visa
This visa is only for accomplished or skilled people who wish to start their own business in New Zealand. You will be allowed up to 12 months to set up the business and can work for 3 years. If your business takes off, then you can apply for permanent residency.
Benefits of Obtaining a Residence by Investment Visa
With the help of these New Zealand golden visas, you can become a resident of New Zealand, work there and invest in your desired properties. You can then enjoy the advantages of quality education at no cost, a low crime rate, and an accepting society of people.
Eligibility Criteria for the New Zealand Investment Visa
To avail the New Zealand golden visa, you must fulfil the conditions mentioned below.
Who Can Apply for the Investment Visa?
You can apply for the New Zealand Golden Visa or Active Investor Plus Visa if you have invested an amount between NZD 5 and NZD 15 million dollars over 4 years.
Additionally, you must have stayed for about 117 days in your 4 year residence period and passed the IELTS English Language test.
Now, there are some specific requirements for the Investor 1 and 2 categories for the New Zealand Golden Visa, as seen below:
Investor 1
You must have about NZD 3 million and NZD 1 million as your settlement funds and assets respectively. Furthermore, you must also demonstrate your desire to stay and settle down in New Zealand.
This visa will let you put in an application for permanent residency within 3 years.
Investor 2
You must have about NZD 1 million as part of your assets, and be of 65 years of age or younger. You can also try for permanent residency if you fulfil certain other conditions.
Application Process for New Zealand Residence by Investment Visa
You can apply for the New Zealand Golden Visa in the following manner.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Visa
First, you gather all the relevant documents for the initial application, as mentioned in the list below.
Initial Application and Documentation:
You must gather the following documents:
- Original as well as photocopied Passport
- Medical Certificates
- Original Police Clearance Certificate
- IELTS confirmation page
- Original Birth Certificate
- Proof of relationship with a resident
- Bank Statements confirming your income
- Documents which prove you own access
- Proof of business
- Passport-sized photos that comply with official requirements
Investment Strategy
You must submit your model plan that outlines how you visualize your investment unfolding.
How to Submit Your Application?
After you've compiled all the documents, go to the New Zealand Immigration Department's website. Once there, select the required visa type and complete the form.
You'll have to fill in your name, contact details, financial information and so on as part of the application process.
Following that, you have to pay the required fee.
After the Application: What to Expect
Once you've completed filling in the application, you should ideally wait for the required duration of time for your application to be processed.
Visa Processing Time and Fees
Depending on which visa you applied for, you'll have to wait for the following durations:
Type of Visa
- Parent Retirement Visa: Duration of waiting, 25 months
- Entrepreneur Resident Visa: Duration of waiting, 7 months
- Business Visitor: Duration of waiting, 2 weeks
- Global Impact Permanent Resident Visa: Duration of waiting, 6 weeks
- Active Investor Plus Visa or New Zealand Golden Visa: Duration of waiting, 4 months
- Global Impact Work Visa: Duration of waiting, 6 weeks
- Temporary Retirement Visa: Duration of waiting, 3 weeks
How to Maintain Your Investment Visa
To continue holding your New Zealand Golden Visa, you should maintain your investment for up to 3 years and should have stayed for over 88 days over 3 years. This will ensure permanent residency within 3 years.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
You might encounter some difficulties like longer processing times, and rigid parameters like a certain standard of health, character type etc.
Additionally, you can encounter delays when the authorities fail to verify your investment records, or when they find some discrepancies in your financial and legal compliance.
Key Takeaways
So, as you can see, while it might take you some time, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of becoming a New Zealand resident when you apply for a New Zealand golden visa.
Do remember to compile all the necessary documents, pack them accordingly, and ensure that you brush up on your communication skills. Good luck!
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your Online New Zealand Visa. Israeli citizens, Hungarian citizens, Kuwaiti citizens, Swiss citizens and Japanese citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA.