Investor / Business Policies 

Investor 1. (Investor Plus)
This category, also known as “Investor Plus”, has as its highlight, the need to introduce to New Zealand, through the banking system, and actively invest; a sum of at least NZ$10 million. This policy is very liberal, making no restrictions as to age, English language or prior business experience. Critics claim it allows high net worth individuals to “buy their way into New Zealand”. It is true that many immigration procedures that prove challenging for applicants in other categories are absent from this category but there are still procedures that need to be met and importantly, the investment in New Zealand needs to comply with the requirements of policy. In general terms, a wide range of NZ stock market investments, NZ equity investments, and funds managed in NZ investments (but not including real estate) are likely to comply but there is an extra challenge to this investment. The objective is not only security of capital and a sound return on investment; it is also residence of New Zealand for the applicant and his family. Achieving that objective means investing strictly in terms of immigration policy so there needs to be a clear understanding by the investor or, more often, his or her bankers or investment advisors, precisely where, how and for how long the $10 million needs to be invested.

 The best interests of applicants under this category are likely to be met when there is a close association between the applicant’s Immigration Adviser and banker or investment adviser.

Investor 2.  Lower investment levels of NZ$1.5million (plus evidence of other funds of at least NZ$1.0 million) make this policy accessible to many more people but it is also associated with a complex set of other immigration requirements (including, as with Skilled applicants, an “Expression of Interest” process, associated with a “points system” and annual quotas).

While investment in the NZ Stock market, equity investment and managed funds is permissible, some “Investor 2” applicants want a “hands on” investment in a business in New Zealand that not only helps them achieve their residence objective but also gives them a strong income stream and / or an opportunity to work as owner / manager. People selling businesses either as owners or brokers; or attempting to encourage investment in “funds”, will sometimes claim their investment is “ideal for migrants”. They are free to say that, but it does not mean their investment will necessarily meet the requirements of Immigration New Zealand!

It is very easy for investor / applicants under this category to become confused and exploited. There are complex immigration rules; complex investment requirements; the need to make a good business judgement; and to do all of that in an economy and society with which the applicant is unfamiliar.

Not only can Malcolm Pacific guide you through this, we can introduce you to a portfolio of investments that have been pre-cleared as meeting immigration requirements and basic financial stability.

Entrepreneur. (or Entrepreneur 1) The detail of this 2 step policy has varied over the years but it has always been popular with risk-takers. The underlying strategy is to apply for a temporary visa (Long Term Business Visa or “LTBV”) allowing for the investment in and management of a business in New Zealand; then, after time, demonstrating eligibility for residence under the Entrepreneur 1  category through the success of the business. The emphasis is less on the amount of money invested and more on contribution to the New Zealand economy.

The initial application for a temporary visa not only requires full disclosure of personal details but also a detailed business plan that will satisfy Immigration New Zealand.  For the applicant, the risk starts at this point because success will depend not only on the underlying quality of the business proposal, but on its ability to meet the presentation requirements of Immigration New Zealand. If successful in this first step, the applicant then needs to come to New Zealand and perform, in a business sense, meeting the requirements of Entrepreneur1 policy.

This risky route has always proven popular with applicants who do not meet other criteria but who have confidence in their own ability. Success stories underline the popularity of this policy; some personal and financial crashes underline the risks. There are complex immigration rules; complex investment requirements; the need to make good business judgements; to make attractive business presentations to Immigration New Zealand and to do all of that in an economy and society with which the applicant is unfamiliar.

In spite of the fees that will be incurred, applicants are strongly advised to seek experienced, multi-disciplinary support if planning to go down this path.

Not only can Malcolm Pacific guide you through this, we can introduce you to a portfolio of investments that have been pre-cleared as meeting immigration requirements and basic financial stability.

Entrepreneur Plus. (or Entrepreneur 2).
Introduced in late 2009, this policy is more focussed on specific levels of investment (NZ$500,000) and the number of jobs created for New Zealanders as a result of the investment by the individual, who does need to pass basic level English tests. While, in theory, applicants could succeed under this policy through their own green-fields entrepreneurial effort; in practice applicants are more likely to be attracted by business opportunities or investments that have been already identified by New Zealand entrepreneurs as meeting the requirements of policy.

Not only can Malcolm Pacific guide you through this, we can introduce you to a portfolio of investments that have been pre-cleared as meeting immigration requirements and basic financial stability.

Employees of re-locating businesses. A person employed in a senior role by a business relocating to New Zealand may apply for residence under this policy if he or she is a key person on whose skills or experience the relocating business relies and he or she is not eligible under any other policy.