New Zealand Golden Visa?

Summary

David, an immigration lawyer specializing in New Zealand and Australia, provides an overview of the updated Investor Plus Visa program, a Golden Visa pathway to residency and potentially citizenship in New Zealand. The program offers two investment tiers: Tier 1 with a 5 million NZD investment in growth-focused options, and Tier 2 with a 10 million NZD investment in more passive avenues. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria related to asset sourcing, health, and character, and after fulfilling residency requirements, can apply for citizenship. The video also highlights New Zealand's unique relationship with Australia, where New Zealand passport holders can live and work in Australia indefinitely.

Takeaways

• 😀 New Zealand’s Investor Plus (Golden Visa) program has been updated, with changes coming into effect in April 2025.
• 😀 The program is designed to attract investors, offering a pathway to residency and potential citizenship in New Zealand.
• 😀 The Investor Plus program features two investment tiers: Tier 1 requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million, while Tier 2 requires NZD 10 million.
• 😀 Tier 1 investments must focus on high-growth investments such as managed funds or direct investments, while Tier 2 allows for more passive investments like bonds, securities, and property development.
• 😀 The minimum investment period for both tiers is 3 years, and investors must stay in New Zealand for at least 21 days over 3 years to qualify for permanent residency.
• 😀 Once the investment criteria are met, and after staying in New Zealand for the required period, applicants can convert their visa to a permanent resident visa.
• 😀 New Zealand’s permanent residency is genuinely permanent, meaning investors can return after years abroad without needing to renew their status.
• 😀 Eligibility for the visa is based on proving the legality and ownership of the investor’s funds, including sources like property, shares, or business equity.
• 😀 Family members, including a partner and dependent children up to age 24, can be included in the application for residency.
• 😀 To apply for New Zealand citizenship, investors must hold a resident visa for at least 5 years and live in the country for 8 months per year.
• 😀 New Zealand passport holders enjoy a unique privilege: the ability to live and work indefinitely in Australia without requiring a visa.

Q & A

What is the New Zealand Investor Plus Visa (Golden Visa) program?

The New Zealand Investor Plus Visa, also known as the Golden Visa, is a pathway to residency through investment. Investors are required to invest a certain amount of money into New Zealand, which can potentially lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 investments in the Investor Plus Visa program?

Tier 1 requires a minimum investment of 5 million NZD, focusing on high-growth investments like managed funds or direct investments. Tier 2 requires a minimum investment of 10 million NZD, and investments can be in more passive assets like bonds, publicly listed companies, and property development.

How long do investors need to hold their investment to qualify for residency?

Investors need to hold their investment for 3 years under the Investor Plus Visa program. After this period, they can apply for permanent residency if they meet all criteria.

Can an investor withdraw their investment after 3 years?

Yes, once the 3-year investment period is complete and the investor has met all requirements, they can withdraw their investment and still retain their permanent residency status.

What types of investments qualify under Tier 1?

Tier 1 investments must be in high-growth opportunities, such as managed funds or direct investments. These investments are usually managed through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

What are managed funds and direct investments?

Managed funds are pooled investments managed by a professional fund manager, while direct investments involve investors directly investing in private companies seeking funding. Both types of investments are approved by NZTE.

How can applicants prove the legitimacy of their funds?

Applicants must prove that their funds are lawfully obtained and belong to them. This can include providing documentation like title deeds for properties, proof of income, or showing the origin of the funds used for the investment.

Can an applicant use multiple assets for investment?

Yes, applicants can nominate multiple assets for investment, such as shares, equity in companies, or property. The key is that these assets must be legally owned, and their origin must be verifiable.

Can family members be included in the residency application?

Yes, an applicant can include their partner (spouse, civil union, or de facto) and dependent children up to the age of 24 in the residency application. Adult children above this age or those married cannot be included.

What is the path to obtaining New Zealand citizenship through the Investor Plus Visa?

To apply for New Zealand citizenship, the applicant must be a resident for at least 5 years and stay in New Zealand for a minimum of 8 months per year. After meeting this requirement, they can apply for citizenship.