New Zealand Residency by Investment
The New Zealand Residency by Investment Program offers a secure and structured pathway for global investors and their families seeking long-term residency in a stable, high-quality environment.
Residency by Investment Overview
New Zealand provides foreign nationals with the opportunity to obtain residency through substantial financial investment in the country.
This program, also known as the New Zealand Golden Visa, combines long-term residency benefits with access to a strong economy, a transparent legal system, and an exceptional quality of life.
Key Details
Investment
Minimum investment of 5,000,000 NZD
Key Benefit
Eligibility to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency
Active Investor Plus Visa Program
Introduced in September 2022, the Active Investor Plus Visa replaced previous investor visa pathways.
The program is designed to attract high-value investors and encourage meaningful contributions to New Zealand’s economy through approved investment channels.
Successful applicants are granted the right to:
- Live in New Zealand
- Work in New Zealand
- Study in New Zealand
Residency is maintained by fulfilling investment and physical presence requirements.
Investment Options
Applicants must choose one of the following categories:
- Growth Category
- Minimum investment: 5,000,000 NZD
- Investment in:
- Managed funds
- Direct investments approved by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
- Investment period: 3 years
- Minimum stay requirement: 21 days
- Balanced Category
- Minimum investment: 10,000,000 NZD
- Eligible investments include:
- Equities
- Bonds
- Managed funds
- Direct business investments
- Property development
- Philanthropy
- Investment period: 5 years
- Minimum stay requirement: 105 days over 5 years
Note: Stay requirements may be reduced with higher investment levels.
Key Benefits
- High standard of living with a safe, low-density environment
- Inclusion of spouse and dependent children up to age 24
- Access to world-class education and universities
- Stable political, legal, and economic framework
- Strong legal system based on English common law
- Favorable tax environment:
- No wealth tax
- No inheritance tax
- No gift tax
- No general capital gains tax
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate a legitimate source of funds
- Maintain the investment for the required period
- Meet physical presence requirements
- Provide a clean criminal record
- Submit all required legal and financial documentation
Application Process
The process includes:
- Preparation and submission of application
- Government review and due diligence
- Approval and investment execution
- Fulfillment of investment and residency requirements
Family members included in the application must enter New Zealand within 12 months of visa approval.
Residency Conditions
- No strict requirement for continuous stay
- Must meet minimum physical presence based on investment category
- Investment must be maintained throughout the required period
Real Estate Considerations
- Property purchase typically requires residency status
- Investors with limited stay may require approval
- Restrictions are removed after:
- Spending at least 183 days within 12 months, or
- Becoming a tax resident
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After fulfilling:
- Investment duration
- Physical presence requirements
Applicants become eligible for permanent residency in New Zealand.
Pathway to Citizenship
After 5 years of residency, applicants may apply for New Zealand citizenship, subject to:
- Residency requirements
- Legal eligibility criteria
The New Zealand passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180+ destinations worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)
What is the New Zealand Residency by Investment Program?
A structured pathway allowing investors and their families to obtain residency through the Active Investor Plus Visa.
What are the investment options?
Two main options:
- Growth Category (5,000,000 NZD)
- Balanced Category (10,000,000 NZD)
Can family members be included?
Yes. The main applicant may include:
- Spouse
- Dependent children
What are the residency requirements?
- Growth Category: 21 days over 3 years
- Balanced Category: 105 days over 5 years
Is citizenship possible?
Yes. Applicants may apply after 5 years of residency.
Start Your Application
New Zealand offers a powerful combination of lifestyle, security, and long-term global mobility.
Speak with McKinsey today to assess your eligibility and structure your investment for successful residency.