New Zealand residence permit for economy investments
The Active Investor Plus programme was launched in 2022. It offers the chance to get a residence permit in New Zealand through economic investment. This type of residency grants foreigners the freedom to live, work, do business, and study within the state's territory. To register, they must invest NZD 5–15 million (USD 3–8.9 million) and maintain the investment for 4 years.
The programme is introduced for:
- Direct investments in government-approved companies.
- Investments in private equity or venture capital funds.
- Investments in listed equities and philanthropy.
The minimum cost of residence permit in New Zealand for direct investment in local companies is NZD 5 million ($3 million) and NZD 15 million ($8.9 million) in venture capital, investment funds, equities and charities. A maximum of half of the total funds may be allocated to passive investments.
To maintain your residency status, immigration to New Zealand is not required. However, you must spend at least 117 days in the country within 4 years, approximately 1 month each year.
The investor's spouse and dependent children under 24 can be included in the application. To qualify for a residence permit in New Zealand, they must come to the country within 12 months of issuing the visa. If they do not fulfil this condition, they must reapply for residency.
Conditions for obtaining a residence permit in New Zealand
A foreigner planning to obtain a residence permit must fulfil the following criteria:
- Age of over 18.
- Good health.
- No police record and no criminal record.
- Sufficient English fluency (from 5 points on the IELTS test).
Investment processing options
In 2022, the 2 types of residence permit in New Zealand programmes, Investor 1 and Investor 2, were closed. The Active Investor Plus visa has replaced them. This transformation of immigration policy is aimed at attracting wealthier foreigners who are willing to invest in local businesses.
| Programme terms and conditions | Closed programmes | New programme |
|---|
| Investor 1 | Investor 2 | Active Investor Plus |
|---|
| Minimum investment amount (NZD) |
10 mil |
3 mil |
5–15 million, depending on the chosen investment plan |
| Retention period for attachments |
3 years |
4 years |
4 years |
| Period of compulsory stay in the territory of the country for residence renewal |
88 days in the last 2 years of the programme |
483 days during the residency period |
117 days during the residency period |
| Applicant's age |
At least 18 years |
18–65 years old |
At least 18 years |
| English fluency level |
Not required |
Elementary |
Intermediate |
| Possibility of obtaining a residence permit |
After 3 years |
After 4 years |
After 4 years |
Documents to obtain residence permit in New Zealand
To obtain an investor's residence permit in New Zealand, the applicant must provide a list of documents, including passport, criminal and health certificates, bank statements and receipts for payment of fees. The authorities may request additional information from the programme participant.
Citizenship by investment in New Zealand
Foreign residents can apply for a New Zealand passport after 5 years of residence in New Zealand. Passport in New Zealand opens up many new opportunities, including the right to enter more than 180 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival.
