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To move to New Zealand, you need to obtain a residence visa. It allows you to stay in the country for one to four years with the possibility of an extension. Foreigners can obtain a residency visa through business operations, employment or investment.
The investment program allows residency to be obtained by investing NZD 5 to 15 million (USD 3 to 9 million) in assets such as shares and securities. Participants can apply for permanent residency after four years and citizenship after another year.
Content
- Benefits of New Zealand residence permit
- How to obtain New Zealand residency through investment
- Other Investment Options in New Zealand
- Other Grounds for Obtaining Residency
- Choosing a Basis for Obtaining a Residence Permit
- New Zealand residency: Requirements and Conditions
- Required documents to obtain a residence permit in New Zealand
- Steps for Obtaining a Residence Permit in New Zealand
- Reasons for Denial of a Residence Permit
- Cost and Processing Time for a Residence Permit
- How to Extend Your Residence Permit
- Permanent Residency and citizenship in New Zealand: Methods and Timeframes
Benefits of New Zealand residence permit
Along with the right to immigration to New Zealand, residency offers foreigners access to the following benefits:
- High-quality healthcare. Residents have access to one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Many medical services are subsidised by the government, significantly reducing financial burdens;
- Employment opportunities. Foreigners with a residence visa can work in the country without restrictions on the choice of profession or employer. The country boasts high labour standards, respect for employee rights, and competitive wages which average around NZD 96,000 (USD 54,000) annually;
- Quality education. Residents’ children can attend public schools for free. Adults have access to subsidised higher education and professional training programs, opening opportunities for career advancement or a career change;
- A pathway to citizenship. A residence visa is the first step toward obtaining a New Zealand passport. After 5 years of residency, individuals can apply for citizenship, which grants additional rights, including the ability to participate in elections;
- High level of safety and a clean environment. New Zealand offers a comfortable and secure living environment. The crime rate is low, and the natural environment is among the cleanest in the world. Residents can enjoy fresh air and access to unique natural attractions.
How to obtain New Zealand residency through investment
Active Investor Plus Programme
This investor visa has replaced the Investor One and Investor Twi categories as part of the country's new immigration strategy. The changes were introduced because, previously, most foreign investors opted for passive investments, such as purchasing government bonds. The local government aims to attract significant capital investments into businesses, so the new programme's conditions allow participants to allocate no more than 50 percent of their total investment to passive assets.
Investors who did not apply under the old programmes can no longer obtain residency through real estate or bond purchases. The available options now include only direct investments in businesses, shares of publicly listed companies, venture capital and investment fund units and charitable donations.
The assets offered have different weights relative to the required investment threshold of NZD 15 million (USD 9 million). Foreign investors can allocate their funds across a combination of these options. Direct investments in private businesses carry the highest weight (X3), meaning an applicant can meet the required threshold by investing NZD 5 million (USD 3 million) in this category.
| Type of Investment | Maximum Investment Limit | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Shares of Publicly Listed Companies | NZD 7.5 million (USD 4.5 million) | X1 |
| Charitable Donations | NZD 7.5 million (USD 4.5 million) | X1 |
| Venture Capital and Investment Fund Units | No limit | X2 (each NZD 1 invested is valued at NZD 2) |
| Direct Investments in Business | No limit | X3 (each NZD 1 invested is valued at NZD 3) |
Family members, including the investor's spouse and children, can be included in the application. To finalise their residency, they must arrive in New Zealand within one year of the visa's issuance. Failure to meet this requirement will necessitate reapplying for residency status.
Investor One and Investor Two Programmes
Until July 27, 2022, foreigners could participate in the Investor One and Investor Two programmes. These programmes differed in terms of the minimum investment threshold, as well as requirements related to age, English language proficiency, business experience, duration of stay in the country and the holding period of the investment.
Alongside the investor, their spouse and financially dependent children under the age of 24 could also apply for residency status. The residence permit was valid for the duration of the programmes which was either three or four years. During the first two years, the resident could freely enter and leave the country. After this period, immigration officials would conduct an inspection to ensure that the investors continued to hold their investments and met the residency requirements.
If no violations were found, the investor retained their status. Otherwise, they faced the risk of deportation or an entry ban. The immigration service will process all applications submitted before the programme’s closure.
Investment programme conditions and requirements
| Conditions | Old Programmes | New Programme | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor One | Investor Two | Active Investor Plus | |
| Minimum Investment Amount (NZD) | NZD 10 million | NZD Three million | NZD Five to 15 million, depending on the selected investment scheme |
| Investment Holding Period | Three years | Four years | Four years |
| Residency Requirements | 88 days (44 days annually in the last two years) | 584 days (146 days annually over four years) | 117 days over the visa duration |
| Age Requirements | 18+ | 18–65 | 18+ |
| English Language Proficiency | Not required | Basic | Basic |
| Permanent Residency Eligibility | After three years | After four years | After four years |
Other Investment Options in New Zealand
“Foreign investors have several options to choose from. Before 2022, acceptable assets included residential and commercial projects, securities and businesses. However, the new programme no longer allows getting a residence permit in New Zealand through real estate investment or bonds. Applicants can also make a charitable donation. The key is that the investments must be made in New Zealand dollars within the country and have the potential to contribute to the local economy,” explains Valeria Cheremukhova.
Real Estate
Under the old programmes, gaining residency through investment in residential real estate in New Zealand required the development of housing complexes, neighbourhoods or other projects, with the applicant being highly involved in the process. They had to provide the immigration authorities with a business plan, contracts with developers and subcontractors, local government permits, construction schedules, payment plans and marketing strategies.
Applicants who submitted their requests before the programmes ended could also invest in commercial real estate or land for commercial development. In the case of land investment, they needed to submit a business plan and obtain local government permits (expenses for permits did not count toward the investment sum).
The programmes did not accept investments in houses and apartments in New Zealand for renovation, rental or personal use by the applicant and their family. The purpose of development had to be generating commercial profit in the open market.
While the new programme does not allow obtaining residency through real estate purchases, participants can invest in funds that own companies engaged in acquiring, developing, leasing, managing and operating property assets. Note that for fund shares to be considered acceptable investments, the fund must not hold more than 20 percent of its total assets in the real estate sector.
Business
Foreign investors can acquire New Zealand residence through business by investing in the equity of a local company. The invested funds must be aimed at developing a business with economic potential for the country. To validate the investment, applicants must provide details about the company’s industry and how the funds will be used. Evidence proving the authenticity of charitable investments may include the fund’s history and track record.
Stocks and Shares in Venture and Investment Funds
Buyers of stocks from publicly listed companies and shares in investment and venture funds can obtain residency through investment in the country's economy. Under the new programme, the value of stocks purchased must not exceed NZD 7.5 million. Investors in fund shares are not limited. The value of these shares will be multiplied by two to determine the minimum investment threshold.
Charitable Contributions
A foreigner applying for an investor residence visa in New Zealand can donate funds to a charitable organisation. The amount donated must not exceed 15 percent of the total investment. Additionally, the nonprofit organization must have been operating for at least two years, pursue social, cultural, or economic objectives and obtain approval from the visa manager.
Other Grounds for Obtaining Residency
Investments are not the only basis for securing residency in New Zealand. Foreigners can legalise their status through marriage, confirmation of family ties with citizens, starting or acquiring a business or employment. There are also exceptional cases that grant residency to victims of unforeseen circumstances.
| Type of Permit | Duration |
|---|---|
| Temporary Business Visa | Three years |
| Permanent Business Visa | Unlimited |
| Temporary Work Visa | Up to five years |
| Permanent Work Visa | Unlimited |
| Marriage | One year/Unlimited |
| Family Reunification | Depends on the Family Member's Status |
| Refugee Status | Determined Individually |
Residence permit in New Zealand by marriage
Individuals married to a resident or citizen may apply for residency:
- If the marriage has lasted less than 12 months, an initial visitor partnership visa is issued for one year;
- After one year of marriage, applicants may apply for a three-year visitor visa or permanent residency.
The processing time for the first option is no more than 11 weeks, while the second option typically takes around seven months. During this period, authorities verify that the marriage is genuine and not fraudulent.
If the marriage has lasted more than five years, the foreign spouse may apply for permanent residency immediately. Otherwise, a permanent residence permit can be obtained two years after receiving a marriage-based residency card.
Family Reunification
Foreigners can apply for a residence permit in New Zealand through family reunification if they have close relatives who are residents or citizens of the country. These visas vary by the degree of kinship and include:
- visas for children of citizens or residents;
- visas for parents of citizens or residents;
- visitor visas for grandparents.
Parent visas come in two types, with one requiring sponsorship from the host and those placing financial obligations on the applicants, while the other requires that parents meet the following requirements:
- investments of at least NZD 1 million (USD 600,000);
- assets worth at least NZD 500,000 (USD 300,000);
- an annual income of at least NZD 60,000 (USD 36,000).
Grandparent visas allow temporary visits to New Zealand, with a total stay of up to 18 months within three years.
Temporary Business Visa
Foreigners willing to invest at least NZD 100,000 (USD 60,000) in starting or acquiring a business can apply for a temporary business visa. Applicants must provide documentation proving they have no history of financial misconduct.
To apply, candidates must complete an application form and score at least 120 points. Factors such as investment size, entrepreneurial experience, business location and benefits to the country are considered during the evaluation.
Permanent Business Visa
After obtaining a temporary business visa, residents may qualify for a permanent business visa. This can be done after two years of legal residence in the country. Foreigners who have invested at least NZD 500,000 (USD 300,000) in a business and created at least three jobs are allowed to apply for permanent residency earlier.
Temporary work visa in New Zealand
Foreign graduates of New Zealand educational institutions can obtain a temporary visa with a validity period ranging from one to five years. During this time, they are allowed to seek official employment, which enables them to gain experience, enhance professional skills and apply for permanent residency.
Permanent Work Visa
Individuals under 55 years of age can apply for a permanent work visa. To do this, they must complete the required application form. An immigration officer will review the application to assess the applicant's professional skills. To be approved, the applicant must score at least 100 points, with factors such as work experience, skill level and English proficiency influencing the score.
Refugee Status
Those proficient in English and with no criminal record can gain residency if they prove that living in their home country threatens their life. This option is available to victims of war, natural disasters, crimes and persecution based on nationality, religion or other factors. Applications for this visa category are typically processed within six to eight months. If the application is denied, the applicant has one opportunity to appeal. If the appeal is also rejected, deportation will follow.
Choosing a Basis for Obtaining a Residence Permit
When selecting a basis for residency, a foreigner should consider their individual circumstances, financial status and future plans. If they have close relatives who are citizens or residents of the country, the family reunification programme may be the best option. Victims of extraordinary circumstances can apply for refugee status, but this is a challenging path to legalisation. Each year, the country grants no more than 750 visas for refugees and a maximum of 300 visas for their family members.
The investment programme remains one of the most popular options. Wealthy foreigners can qualify for resident status in exchange for business investments, shares in investment and venture funds, stocks or charitable contributions.
New Zealand residency: Requirements and Conditions
To qualify for residency, a foreign national must meet the following criteria:
- be of legal age;
- have no serious illnesses;
- demonstrate financial stability (sufficient funds to live in the country);
- have no criminal record;
- possess basic English language skills adequate for communication.
Required documents to obtain a residence permit in New Zealand
To get a residence permit in New Zealand, the following documents must be submitted:
- passport and birth certificate (originals and certified copies) ;
- marriage certificate;
- children's birth certificates;
- criminal record certificate;
- certificate confirming the absence of tax debts;
- proof of the funds required for the programme and the legality of their origin;
- two photographs.
Steps for Obtaining a Residence Permit in New Zealand
First, the applicant must apply for entry permission and fill out the relevant traveller declaration. Customs and the biosecurity service will also check if the foreigner meets the entry requirements.
Entry may be denied if:
- the person does not meet character requirements;
- the person's circumstances have changed since the visa was issued;
- the person refuses to have their photograph or fingerprints taken or their iris scanned.
Next, the applicant must complete the application forms, prepare identity and financial documents, and submit them to the immigration service. The review process takes between eight and nine months.
After the application for residency in New Zealand is approved and the card is received, the applicant must invest the required amount within the next three years and maintain the investment during the fourth year. Once all conditions are met, they may apply for permanent residency.
Reasons for Denial of a Residence Permit
The reasons for the rejection of an application may include:
| Non-compliance with Requirements | Each immigration program has specific selection criteria, including age, education, work experience, English proficiency and skill level. If the applicant does not meet these criteria or fails to achieve the required points, their application will be denied. |
| Document Problems | Rejections may arise from errors or inconsistencies in the documents, such as incomplete submissions, incorrect translations into English or false information (e.g., forged diplomas or fabricated employment history). |
| Criminal Record | The country imposes strict standards on the integrity of applicants. Criminal records, especially for financial or property-related offences, can lead to rejection. Even minor administrative violations, such as fines for breaching immigration rules in other countries, may negatively influence the decision. |
| Financial Instability | For certain residency categories, particularly those involving business or investment, applicants must demonstrate financial stability by proving sufficient capital or stable income. Failure to provide supporting documents or doubts about financial credibility will result in rejection. |
| Unconvincing Grounds for Residency | Applicants must substantiate their reason for seeking residency. For instance, those applying under the family category must prove the authenticity and legality of their relationship with a resident or citizen. If immigration authorities question the motivation or accuracy of the submitted information, they may deny the application. |
What To Do in Case of a Denial
Applicants who face a denial are advised first to investigate the reasons why the immigration service rejected their application. The best course of action is to hire an immigration consultant or lawyer who can provide an expert assessment of the situation and offer solutions.
In some cases, foreigners can file an appeal. To do so, it is essential to follow the timelines and requirements stated in the rejection letter. If the denial is related to document errors or missing information, corrected versions must be prepared and a new application should be submitted.
How to Avoid Losing Resident Status
A residence permit can be revoked in the following situations:
- the resident violates the conditions of their visa, such as failing to meet the required time spent in the country;
- the resident commits a criminal or serious administrative offence;
- the resident provided false information or forged documents when applying;
- the resident fails to meet financial obligations;
- the resident's circumstances change, such as a divorce in the case of marriage-based residency.
Cost and Processing Time for a Residence Permit
When applying for an investment residency, its cost includes direct capital investments, which may range from NZD five to 15 million, government fees, and other related expenses for services such as lawyers, translators, notaries and so on.
The cost and processing time of the visa itself depend on its category:
| Category | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | From NZD 27,470 (USD 16,430) | 13 weeks |
| Business (temporary) | From NZD 12,380 (USD 7,400) | 10 months |
| Business (permanent) | From NZD 14,890 (USD 8,900) | Individually determined |
| Temporary work | From NZD 1,540 (USD 920) | 10 weeks |
| Permanent work | From NZD 6,450 (USD 3,860) | Individually determined |
| Marriage (temporary) | From NZD 341 (USD 200) | 11 weeks |
| Marriage (permanent) | From NZD 5,360 (USD 3,210) | Seven months |
| Family reunification | From NZD 3,230 (USD 1,930) | Depends on category |
| Refugee status | NZD 0 | Four weeks |
How to Extend Your Residence Permit
To renew a residence permit in New Zealand, a resident must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must maintain the investments made under the program for four years. Secondly, the foreigner must comply with the conditions related to their stay in the country. This includes being present in the country for a minimum of 117 days.
Permanent Residency and citizenship in New Zealand: Methods and Timeframes
The length of stay required to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand depends on the category of the residence permit. For example, individuals who obtained residency through investment can apply for permanent residency after four years.
Foreigners who have lived in New Zealand with a residence or permanent residency status for five years are eligible to apply for citizenship. To have their application approved, they must have spent 240 days in the country each year or 1,350 days in total over the last five years.
New Zealand's legislation allows dual citizenship, so applicants will not have to renounce their original passport.
FAQ
The visa application costs from NZD 27,470 (USD 16,430). The final price depends on several factors, including the selected asset and the number of applicants. The applicant should be prepared to invest between NZD five and 15 million in direct investments, as well as cover additional expenses such as government fees, legal services, translation, notarisation of documents and so on.
The list of documents always includes a passport, birth certificate, criminal record certificate and photographs. Other documents depend on the type of visa.
The processing time at the immigration service can range from four to 12 months.
No, purchasing property is not a basis for obtaining a residence visa.
The investor's spouse and children can apply for a residence visa together with the investor.
Extension is required if the resident wants to maintain their status.
A foreigner applying for citizenship must reside in the country for five years.
No, there are no active programmes in the country that allow for permanent residency through capital investment. However, the Active Investor Plus programme offers temporary residency, which may convert to permanent residency.
New Zealand citizens can visit more than 180 countries without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival, including the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia.
The cost depends on various factors, including the chosen asset and the number of applicants. The applicant should be prepared to invest between NZD five to 15 million, as well as cover additional expenses for government fees, legal services, translation, document notarisation and so on.
Along with the investor, their spouse and children may also be eligible for the residence permit.
The foreigner should be prepared to buy or rent a house in New Zealand to meet the residency requirements.
Yes, applicants can obtain a passport in New Zealand while retaining their original citizenship.
It is possible to apply for the investment programme online.
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