
There are two visa types which enable investors, and successful entrepreneurs, to obtain New Zealand visas to invest, and/or undertake business, in New Zealand.
Active Investor Plus Category:
The Active Investor Plus (AIP) category requires investment of between NZ$5 and NZ$15 million in New Zealand for 4 years, although the actual maximum investment possible under current settings is NZ$11.25 million.
Investments can only be made into particular direct investments, and managed funds, approved by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, and also into New Zealand listed equities. Each investment is given a “weighting” based on the type of investment being made, and with a maximum investment of NZ$7.5 million in listed equities (which carries a 1x weighting). Direct investments have a 3 x weighting and managed funds a 2x weighting. The total “weighted” investment must equate to NZ$15 million.
Investments are initially made into an acceptable investment, and also into approved holding investments (eg; bank deposits). The full amount of the nominated investment funds must be invested in acceptable investments within 3 years – and then maintained until the completion of the 4-year investment term. The applicant retains ownership and control of their funds throughout, and during this period the main applicant must spend a total of 117 days in New Zealand.
Resident Visas are issued for 5 years following the initial investment being made. On completion of the 4-year investment term, and the time in New Zealand, the applicant can do what they wish with the funds, and they can then be eligible for the Permanent Resident Visa. The PRV is a lifelong resident visa with no expiry date and no conditions.
It is fair to say the AIP is a complex visa category and applicants will benefit from specialist advice from professionals who are experienced and knowledgeable in this category.
For a free no obligation discussion to understand more about the AIP, and whether it is suitable for you, please contact the Pathways® Managing Director Richard Howard directly. Richard personally manages all AIP applications.
Entrepreneur Category
If you are a successful businessperson and looking to establish, or purchase, a business in New Zealand that will provide suitable economic benefits, then the Entrepreneur Category may be a possible option. Applicants will require a detailed and acceptable business plan, and sufficient funds to establish and operate their intended business.
Once the business has been owned and operated for at least 2 years, and has met the original objectives of the business plan, you may be eligible to make an entrepreneur residence application.
For a number of reasons, the Entrepreneur Category is very challenging, and applicants are advised to exhaust all other visa categories before considering this pathway.