The New Zealand Investor Visa is meant for business people who want to migrate to New Zealand. Those who apply for the visa should possess significant funds that they are willing to invest in the local economy. People who seek to enter New Zealand with the help of investor visa must be able to show their intention to settle down permanently in New Zealand.
Read: New Zealand Entrepreneur Visa – The A To Z
The New Zealand Investor Visa falls under one of the five categories of New Zealand’s business migration visas. There are two categories of the Investor Visa. They are:
The Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category) is intended for those business people who are willing to invest at least NZ$ 10 million (approx USD 8 million) in New Zealand. Such investors can directly apply for New Zealand residence under the Investor Plus (Investor 1) category.
Under this category, all members included in the investor’s residence application (family members) will be able to gain residence permission. However, they will be required to meet the eligibility criteria for character and health specified under the visa regulations.
The minimum investment of NZ$ 10 million will have to be invested in New Zealand for a period of 3 years. Under this category there is no condition of age, business or proficiency of English language for the applicant.
The Investor (Investor 2 Category) is intended for those who are willing to invest at least NZ$ 1.5 million (approx USD 1.1 million) in New Zealand. Investors under this category can apply for New Zealand residence.
The Government of New Zealand has decided on an annual quota of 300 applications under this category.
The minimum investment of NZ$ 1.5 million will have to be invested in New Zealand for a period of 4 years. Under this category a business person needs to have at least 3 years of business experience and the age of the business person must not exceed 65 years.
Successful Investor Visa applicants are granted permanent residence in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand Investor Visa
In order to be eligible for New Zealand visa via the Investor Visa category, you will need to fulfil the following criteria:
| Category | Investor Plus (Investor 1) | Investor (Investor 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Fund Investment | NZ$ 10 million | NZ$ 1.5 million |
| Investment Period | 3 years | 4 years |
| Business Requirement | No Requirement | Minimum 3 years |
| Maximum Age | No Requirement | 65 years or less |
| Settlement Funds | No Requirement | NZ$ 1 million |
| Principal Applicant’s English Language Ability | No Requirement | English speaking background or IELTS test score of 3+ or Competent user of English |
| Family Members’ English Language Ability | No Requirement | Same as Principal Applicant |
| Minimum Time in New Zealand | 44 days in NZ in the 2 nd and 3 rd years of the 3 year investment period | 146 days in NZ in the 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th years of the 4 year investment period |
| Health and Character | All applicants must meet the requirements | All applicants must meet the requirements |
Apart from the above mentioned key eligibility conditions there are some more conditions that are to be met to obtain the Investor Visa. Further information can be obtained about eligibility by clicking on Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category) and Investor (Investor 2 Category).
Before you apply for New Zealand Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category) Visa, read the guidelines for Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category) Guide. Once you have read the document carefully, you can go ahead with the following procedure:
Step 1: Download Visa Application Form
Download the Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category) Application Form for Residence.
Step 2: Fill Up the Visa Application Form
Carefully fill in the visa application form after reading the instructions in the application guide.
Step 3: Gather the relevant documents and photographs
Gather the relevant documents required to be submitted along with your visa application. You will also need two passport size colour photographs for submission along with the application form.
Step 4: Keep Application Fee ready
Keep the fee required for your visa application ready for submission.
Step 5: Submit the Visa Application Form
Submit your residence application form along with the required documents, photographs and application fee.
You can submit your residence application form directly (without any ‘expression of interest’ process) if you apply under the Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category).
You may either submit your application through your local Immigration New Zealand branch and they will forward it to the Business Migration Branch, or you can send the application directly to the Business Migration Branch.
Address
Business Migration Branch
Immigration New Zealand
PO Box 3705
Wellington, New Zealand
You are advised to keep a copy of your application form and send the original application form along with the documents through registered courier or registered post.
Before you apply for New Zealand Investor (Investor 2 Category) Visa, read the guidelines for Investor (Investor 2 Category) Guide. Once you have read the document carefully, you can go ahead with the following procedure:
Step 1: Download Expression of Interest (EOI) form
Download Investor (Investor 2 Category) Expression of Interest form and fill it up carefully.
Step 2: Submit the EOI
Submit the form for Expression of Interest. You do not have to submit any supporting documentation along with your Expression of Interest
Step 3: Wait for Application form
After you submit an EOI, you will have to wait for an invitation from the concerned authorities to apply for residence. You will be sent a Residence Application Form and other information that will be helpful to complete the application form.
Step 4: Fill up the Residence Application Form
Fill up your residence application form after reading the guidelines carefully.
Step 5: Gather all supporting documents and photographs
Gather all the documents that support all of the claims made in your EOI form. You will also need two passport size colour photographs for submission along with the application form.
Step 6: Keep Application Fee ready
Keep the fee required for your visa application ready for submission.
Step 7: Submit the Application Form
Submit your residence application form along with the necessary documents, photographs and visa application fee to the Business Migration Branch.
Note that your residence application form must reach the Business Migration Branch within four months of the date of the letter inviting you to apply. You are advised to keep a copy of your application form.
Address
Business Migration Branch
Immigration New Zealand
PO Box 3705
Wellington, New Zealand
The required fees for the Visa depend on the country of your citizenship. You can get information about New Zealand Investor Visa fees from the New Zealand Fee Guide. For New Zealand Investor (Investor 2 Category) Visa fees you may also refer to Application Fees.
Note: Your application fee will not be refunded if your visa application is refused.
After your residence application is approved in principle, you will need to follow the following:
You need to remember the following dos and don’ts while applying for the visa.
Dos
Don’ts
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