Quick Facts
- ✓ Visa type: Permanent residence visa
- ✓ Investor 1 (Tier 1): Minimum NZD $10 million investment
- ✓ Investor 2 (Tier 2): Minimum NZD $3 million investment
- ✓ Investment duration: 4 years (Investor 1), 3 years (Investor 2)
- ✓ Processing time: 6-12 months typical
- ✓ Family included: Partner and dependent children can be included
What is the Investor Visa?
The Investor Visa is New Zealand's pathway for business investors and entrepreneurs with significant capital to obtain permanent residence. By investing substantial sums in the New Zealand economy, investors demonstrate a long-term commitment to the country while contributing to economic development, job creation, and financial growth.
New Zealand offers two tiers of Investor Visas designed to attract different levels of investment. The Tier 1 (Investor 1) category targets major investors with NZD $10 million or more to invest, while Tier 2 (Investor 2) accommodates investors with NZD $3 million or more. Both pathways lead to permanent residence with no expiry date.
What distinguishes the Investor Visa is that it recognizes that wealth creation and business acumen are valuable contributions to society. Rather than requiring specific qualifications or work experience, the visa focuses on the investor's financial capacity and the economic impact of their investment decisions.
For entrepreneurs and business investors globally, the Investor Visa offers an opportunity to expand operations internationally, diversify investments, and establish a base in a stable, prosperous economy with excellent quality of life.
Investor Visa Categories
Investor 1 (Tier 1) - NZD $10 Million
The Investor 1 category targets major investors with substantial capital:
- • Minimum investment: NZD $10 million
- • Investment period: 4 years (must maintain investment for full term)
- • Investment area: Direct investment in New Zealand businesses, government bonds, or housing
- • Age requirement: No upper age limit (minimum 18 years)
- • English proficiency: Not required for Investor 1
- • Business experience: Not required
- • Permanent residence: Granted immediately upon approval
- • Family: Partner and dependent children can be included
Investor 2 (Tier 2) - NZD $3 Million
The Investor 2 category is designed for investors with moderate capital:
- • Minimum investment: NZD $3 million
- • Investment period: 3 years (must maintain investment for full term)
- • Investment area: Direct investment in New Zealand businesses or government bonds
- • Age requirement: Applicant must be under 65 years old
- • English proficiency: IELTS 3.0 or equivalent required
- • Business experience: 3+ years business management experience required
- • Permanent residence: Granted after 3-year investment period
- • Temporary visa first: Initially granted a 3-year work visa during investment period
- • Family: Partner and dependent children can be included
Acceptable Investment Types
Investor visas require capital to be invested in approved ways that benefit the New Zealand economy:
Direct Business Investment
- • Buying shares in or lending to NZ companies
- • Establishing a new business in New Zealand
- • Expanding an existing NZ business
- • Commercial property investment
- • Investment in tourism ventures
- • Franchise acquisition
- • Investment in managed funds (with strict criteria)
Government Bonds
- • Investment in NZ Government bonds
- • Local body bonds (councils and regional authorities)
- • Public bond investments with approved providers
Prohibited Investments
The following cannot be counted toward investment requirements:
- • Residential property (except for certain new development projects)
- • Owner-occupied property
- • Personal use vehicles or aircraft
- • Shares in overseas companies
- • Personal loans or advances to family
- • Art, collectibles, or jewelry
- • Currency exchange or forex trading
Eligibility Requirements
Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate legitimate source of funds:
- • Funds must be legally obtained from legitimate sources
- • Full documentation of fund origins required (not cash)
- • Business income, inheritance, property sale, investments, etc.
- • Bank statements verifying fund ownership and transfer
- • No illegal or illicit source of funds
- • Previous business success beneficial (not required)
Health and Character
- • Good health (medical examination required)
- • Good character (police clearance required)
- • No serious criminal convictions
- • No immigration violations or fraud
Additional Requirements
- • Age: Minimum 18 years (Investor 1); under 65 (Investor 2)
- • Intent: Genuine intention to invest in NZ
- • Financial viability: Investment plan must be realistic and viable
- • Business advisory: Investor 2 applicants must obtain business plan approval
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Investment Documentation
Gather comprehensive financial documentation proving fund ownership, legitimate source, and investment capacity. Bank statements, business records, tax returns, and proof of fund transfer are essential.
2. Develop Investment Plan (Investor 2)
For Investor 2, develop a detailed business or investment plan. Consult with a business advisor approved by Immigration NZ. The plan must demonstrate viability and economic contribution.
3. Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare all required documentation:
- • Valid passport
- • Medical examination results
- • Police clearance certificate
- • Proof of funds and source documentation
- • Investment plan (Investor 2)
- • English proficiency test (Investor 2)
4. Submit Application Online
Apply through Immigration New Zealand's online portal. Include all investment documentation and supporting materials. Ensure accuracy and completeness.
5. Pay Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee (typically NZD $3,000-5,000 depending on category and family size).
6. Application Assessment
Immigration NZ assesses investment viability, fund legitimacy, and applicant suitability. Processing typically takes 6-12 months. Additional information may be requested.
7. Approval and Transfer Funds
Once approved, transfer investment funds to designated accounts in New Zealand. For Investor 1, permanent residence is granted immediately. For Investor 2, a 3-year work visa is initially granted.
8. Investment Maintenance
Maintain the required investment amount throughout the investment period (4 years for Investor 1, 3 years for Investor 2). Regular reporting to Immigration NZ may be required.
Costs and Investment
Investment Amount
- • Investor 1: NZD $10 million minimum (4-year commitment)
- • Investor 2: NZD $3 million minimum (3-year commitment)
- • Investment currency: Must be transferred to New Zealand in NZD
- • Currency conversion costs: International transfer fees apply
Application and Administrative Fees
- • Application fee: NZD $3,000-5,000
- • Medical examination: NZD $300-600
- • Police clearance: NZD $20-100+ per country
- • Professional advice: Business consultant (Investor 2), accountant, lawyer
- • Document translation/certification: NZD $100-500
Settlement Costs
- • Airfare and travel: NZD $2,000-5,000+
- • Accommodation setup: NZD $5,000-20,000+
- • Business establishment: Varies by investment type
- • Professional services: Accountants, lawyers, advisors: NZD $5,000-50,000+
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I invest in residential property?
Most residential property investments don't count toward Investor Visa requirements. However, new residential development projects may qualify. Consult with an immigration advisor about your specific property plans.
What happens after the investment period ends?
Permanent residence granted under Investor Visa is not dependent on continuing the investment. After the investment period (3 or 4 years), you can withdraw your investment or redirect it as you wish while retaining your PR status.
Can my family be included?
Yes, your partner and dependent children can be included in the application. They must meet health and character requirements. Each family member incurs the visa fee.
What if my investment loses value?
You must maintain the minimum investment amount. Market fluctuations are not excused. If your investment declines below the minimum, you may be required to contribute additional funds or your PR status could be affected.
How long does processing take?
Processing typically takes 6-12 months. Complex applications or those requiring additional investigation may take longer. Immigration NZ will update you on progress.
Can I change my investment plan after approval?
You must maintain the approved investment. Significant changes to your investment plan require Immigration NZ approval. Consult an advisor before making major investment changes.
Invest in New Zealand and Build Your Future
The Investor Visa offers a clear pathway for business investors to obtain permanent residence while contributing to New Zealand's economic growth. Explore investment opportunities and take your first step toward a new life in Aotearoa.