If you are interested in investing in New Zealand you might be eligible for a resident visa pursuant to that investment. We can work with you and your investment advisors to ensure a smooth and trouble-free process.
Our reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading immigration practices sees us advising and representing clients in respect of both investment and business based visa products, assisting high net worth investors and successful business operators from a range of international jurisdictions.
A strong understanding of international tax obligations and our established relationships with leading specialists in this field allows us to ensure investor clients also receive guidance on asset structuring and multi-jurisdictional tax implications when they require it, which is greatly valued by our clients.
The Active Investor Plus category replaced the old Investor 1 and 2 visa categories from 19 September 2022, and requires a minimum investment of $5 million to $15 million depending on the investment type. Direct investments are given a greater weighting than passive investments. Listed equities are capped at 50% while bonds and property are excluded.
While the investment threshold has increased and acceptable forms of investment are prescribed under policy, New Zealand still holds a relatively flexible investment-based visa policy when comparing New Zealand with its main investment-based visa competitors that encourages active investments, rather than prescribing them. The policy therefore caters for both risk adverse investors who seek the safety of more passive investments such as listed equities and those interested in high risk/high reward private equity and venture capital investments.
Many applicants who are new to New Zealand start with fairly conservative equity portfolios before moving their investments into more growth-orientated areas once they have a better understanding of the New Zealand investment and business environment.
There is a great degree of flexibility in acceptable investments, particularly as investments can be liquidated and re-invested into alternative acceptable investments during the investment term at any time, provided the reinvestment transaction is completed within 30 days.
If you are looking to advance equity to a New Zealand firm, or wish to invest from a closely held family trust, we encourage you to seek advice on appropriate structuring well before the advance/investment occurs. We recommend a collaborative approach between our immigration specialists, an accountant and an authorised financial adviser (AFA).
While the physical presence requirement does not appear onerous, and will not automatically trigger tax residence status in New Zealand, it will be important for any individual who holds significant business assets and who anticipates generating overseas income (especially overseas income after the initial four year residency period) to receive specialist tax advice both in their current country of residence and New Zealand before submitting an application.
How Saunders & Co can add value:
- Flexibility in working with you and your or our other trusted advisors at the level you require
- Advising on the requirements for the different investment visas and determining whether investments will be eligible for the purpose of the investor visas
- Providing a complete settlement package, including assisting with tax structuring, Overseas Investment Office consent to purchase property, providing a New Zealand Will, setting up New Zealand businesses and introducing you to other trusted advisors.