Investor Visa Information.
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Investor Categories.
The government actively seeks to attract successful entrepreneurs, business people and investors who are willing to make investments into the New Zealand economy. There are two categories to apply under, each with different levels of investment and complexity.
Contact our specialist Investor team for a free no-obligation assessment to establish if you will qualify under Investor.
Investor Plus.
The applicant must:
- Have $10 million to invest in NZ.
- Prove investment $ lawfully earned.
- Be of good health and character.
- Hold investment in NZ for 3 years.
On success, must spend at least 44 days in New Zealand in years 2 and 3 of the investment period or in certain cases spread 88 days over the entire 3-year investment term.
Investor Two*.
*Governed by a "quota"
The applicant must:
- Be under 66 years of age.
- Speak English to a basic standard.
- Be of good health and character.
- Prove 3 years of business experience.
- Show net worth of NZ$3m or more (but read notes below)
- Have NZ$3m to invest in NZ.
- Prove investment $ lawfully earned.
- Hold Investment in NZ for 4 years.
What Are The Conditions?
On success, Investor Two applicants must spend at least 146 days in NZ in each of years 2, 3 and 4 of the investment period or, in certain cases, spread 438 days over the entire 4-year investment term. Application is a two-step process. A preliminary "Expression of Interest" (EOI) by the applicant is followed by an "Invitation to Apply" (ITA) from Immigration New Zealand to lodge a residence application.
Note 1. $3 million is a minimum. Whether the "Expression of Interest" (EOI) leads to an "Invitation to Apply" (ITA) will depend on how many applicants, and at what investment level, are competing for a place in the limited "quota" at that time.
Note 2. Be careful of advisers or lawyers that tell you about the $3 million but fail to advise you on how much is really needed in order to guarantee success (depending on the quota from time to time).
Useful Information
The Malcolm Pacific Immigration team of advisers and experts take away the stress and worry of navigating the complex world of New Zealand Investor policy, visas and immigration. Contact our specialist Investor Visa Team for answers to your questions and find out if you are eligible to apply.
Investor Team
Helpful Links
Investment Minimum Standards.
There is a wide range of options available in the New Zealand economy to meet the specific investment obligations of the Investor Visa.
At a minimum, your New Zealand investment must:
- Be capable of a commercial return (under normal circumstances).
- Not for your personal use*.
- Invested in New Zealand in New Zealand dollars.
- Invested in lawful enterprises or managed funds that comply with all relevant New Zealand laws.
- Has potential to contribute to the New Zealand economy.
*Personal use includes investments in personal residence, car, boat etc.
What Are Acceptable Immigration Investments?
Funds may be invested in one or more of the following:
- Bonds issued by the New Zealand government or local authorities (city councils); or
- Bonds issued by New Zealand firms traded on the New Zealand Debt Securities Market (NZDX); or
- Bonds issued by New Zealand firms with at least a BBB- or equivalent rating from internationally recognised credit rating agencies (such as Standard and Poor’s for example); or
- Bonds issued by registered New Zealand banks; or
- Equities in registered New Zealand banks; or
- Bonds in finance companies**; or
- Equity in New Zealand firms (public or private including managed funds and venture capital); or
- Residential property development**; or
- Commercial property**; or
- Eligible New Zealand venture capital funds; or
- Philanthropic investment**; or
- “Angel funds or networks” investments.
**Special conditions apply. Take advice.
Investment Visa Overview.
The intention is clear: persons of good health and character who are prepared to invest in NZ are to be encouraged. The normal obligation to reside in New Zealand for at least 184 days in each of 2 consecutive years in order to achieve Permanent Resident status is relaxed, as are English language requirements. In the case of Investor Plus, there is no English requirement at all.
The New Zealand Government will want to know that you made your money legally, that it is fully tax-paid and that you brought it into New Zealand through the official banking system. There will also be a few simple limitations on how you can invest it.
The purpose of these restrictions is to ensure that New Zealand Immigration policy is not associated with money laundering or tax evasion. Despite the apparent simplicity of that objective, you will need skilled help to make the procedures user-friendly.
Investor Policy Failure Rate.
Investor policies have a very high failure rate. This high failure rate is despite many applicants having the assistance of licensed advisers or lawyers.
Failure usually relates to an inability to prove claims made in the Expression of Interest or residence application, particularly proof that the funds being offered for investment in New Zealand were lawfully earned (including tax paid) in the first place.
These failed applicants are not all bad people! The problem is with advisers and lawyers who impress their clients and gain their trust but do not have the skills to understand or manage this very specialized area of policy.
General Comments.
Malcolm Pacific Immigration has one of the most skilled Investor Visa teams in the business. Our Investor Visa team regularly travels overseas with major New Zealand banks, investment advisers, tax experts and New Zealand Government officials to meet with and advise high net worth individuals planning on moving to New Zealand.
Contact our specialist Investor Visa Team for answers to your questions and find out if you are eligible to apply.
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The Green List
From September 2022 people holding job offers in a small number of occupations may apply for residence. Some occupations are a direct pathway to residence and others require a period of two years or longer before applying.
There are qualification and/or occupational registration requirements to meet. Establishing if an overseas qualification matches the NZ equivalent qualification before applying is paramount for success.
Work Visa Categories Closing
The work visa categories set to close are:
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Essential Skills Work Visa – approval in principle
- Work to Residence (Talent – Accredited Employer)
- Work to Residence (Long Term Skills Shortage)
- Silver Fern Job Search Work Visa (closed October 2019)
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Work Visa.
Policy Decision Key Dates in 2022
- February 13. Fully vaccinated Kiwis plus certain other travellers entering NZ from the rest of the world* can skip MIQ.
- April 30. The border starts a phased reopen to fully vaccinated foreign nationals.
- April 30. The Productivity Commission reports back to the government on immigration settings.
- May 9. Applications open for mandatory Employer Accreditation.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
Policy Decision Key Dates in 2022
- July 4. Applications open for the new Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- July 31. Applications for the 2021 Resident Visa close.
- August. Skilled Migrant Residence category scheduled to reopen.
- August. A new pathway to residence for people earning 200% or more of the median wage.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
Critical Purpose Visitor Visas
A small number of critical health workers (taking up jobs for six months or longer) or specialist workers (taking up jobs that are for longer than six months) who were granted border exemptions may also have eligibility for the 2021 Resident Visa. They will need to have arrived in NZ and lodge a 2021 Resident Visa application.
2021 Resident Visa
The government has introduced a limited pathway to residence for people who are already living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave of people eligible to apply. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. The deadline to apply for the 2021 Resident Visa is 31 July 2022.
2021 Resident Visa
People who were lawfully in NZ (or in Australia when the travel bubble closed between April and July 2021) on 29/09/2021 need to meet the visa eligibility criteria:
- Workers in NZ who held an eligible work visa on or before 29/9/2021 and on the day they apply for residence; OR Applied for an eligible work visa on or before 29/9/2021 and the work visa application is subsequently approved and still hold an eligible work visa on the day they apply for residence.
2021 Resident Visa
Is this the only requirement to qualify for residence? No. In addition to the eligible work visa criteria workers also need to be regarded as one of the following:
- Settled.
- Skilled.
- Scarce.
2021 Resident Visa
The first group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 December 2021 are those that on 29/09/2021:
- Had lodged a residence application under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) or Residence from Work category; OR Had lodged an SMC Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SMC pool that included at least one dependent child aged 17 or above.
2021 Resident Visa
The second group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 March 2022 are those who hold an eligible work visa and either meet "Settled", "Skilled" or "Scarce" as set out above. In total Immigration NZ estimate around 110,000 people will qualify to apply for this visa.
2021 Resident Visa
The first wave of applicants can apply from 1 December 2021. Around 16,000 applications are expected in this first wave. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. In total, the government expects approximately 110,000 applications that will include about 165,000 people.
2021 Resident Visa
Wednesday, 1 December is fast approaching and it is estimated that around 16,000 individuals and families can apply in the first wave for the 2021 Resident Visa opening next month. It is exciting for the thousands of people who have been waiting patiently to become residents that finally the finish line is in sight.
Employer Accreditation
Applications for employer accreditation closed at the end of June 2021. Applications lodged before the closure date are still being processed. New applications for accreditation open on 9 May 2022. The process will be quite different to what employers have experienced in the past. Businesses will need to meet minimum standards.
Mandatory Vaccination Required for Travel
From 1 November 2021 anyone who is not a NZ citizen must be fully vaccinated (unless exempt) before travelling to New Zealand. Fully vaccinated means your last dose of vaccine was given at least 14 days before travelling and it was an approved vaccine.
Work Visa Rules
From 1 November 2021
- Work to Residence Visa (Accredited Employer and Long Term Skill Shortage) applications close.
- Applications lodged on or before 31 October 2021 will be processed under current visa settings.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government recently added more occupations that are now to be regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. In order to qualify for points, the job must be paying at least the current median wage (or higher for certain occupations) at the time the residence application is lodged.
Skilled Migrants Opportunity
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for people living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else you miss the boat.
Migrant Worker Residence
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for migrant workers who are living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave who are eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else they will miss out on this one off opportunity.
New Employer Accreditation Process
The government has moved the introduction of the new employer accreditation process across to mid-2022. At the same time, the Minister of Immigration announced new work visa rules for migrant workers who are already in New Zealand and working full time.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has increased the median wage to $27 per hour from 19 July. Any Skilled Migrant residence application lodged after this date will need to include a skilled job offer that pays at least $27 per hour. For some lower-skilled occupations, the minimum pay rate increases to $40.50 per hour.
Work Visa Rules
From 19 July 2021
- The median wage used to assess Essential Skills Work Visa applications increases from $25.50 per hour to $27 per hour.
- Applicants paid below the median wage may be granted a work visa for up to 24 months. The usual 6-month visa validity restriction is suspended until mid-2022.
- In certain cases, the labour market test is waived and in some cases, it will still apply.
Work Visa Rules
From 30 June 2021
- Employer Accreditation and Approval in Principle applications are now closed.
- No new Employer Accreditation applications (including renewals) will be accepted until the new process goes live in mid-2022.
Employer Accreditation Becomes Mandatory
Employers of migrant workers must become accredited from 1 November 2021 before work visa applications can be processed. Most employers are not accredited. Those that are accredited will have to roll into the new system when it goes live in late September.
Work Visa Rules
From mid-2020 (delayed)
- Government to negotiate and introduce Industry Sector agreements setting minimum conditions for industries that heavily rely on overseas workers. Sectors include; residential care, meat processing, dairy, forestry, road freight transport, tourism, and hospitality. Construction, horticulture, and viticulture may also be included.
Skilled Migrant Changes
Skilled occupation "Dairy Cattle Farmer" spilt into three occupations. New occupations are: "Dairy Farm Manager", "Assistant Dairy Farm Manager" and "Dairy Herd Manager". Each sit at different skill levels, therefore, the award of points will depend on pay rates, job tasks and other requirements.
Work Visa Rules
From 15 February 2021
- Dairy Cattle Farmer job offers are now assessed by three new occupation descriptions: Dairy Farm Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager and Dairy Herd Manager. Pay rates and job tasks will determine how long a work visa is valid. Take advice.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool for six months (to be reviewed in April 2021). Invitations to Apply for Residence remain suspended. The last selection from the Skilled Migrant pool took place on 18/03/2020.
Work Visa Rules
From 7 October 2020
- Introduction of "Oversupply" and "Undersupply" occupation lists used to assess Essential Skills Work Visa applications when a job offer pays less than the median wage.
- Employers offering jobs to migrant workers where an occupation is on the "Oversupply" list will not get Skill Match reports issued by Work & Income. Solid evidence of genuine attempts to find a local to fill the job will be critical for approval.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government added four new occupations that are now regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. These are:
Aged or disabled carer, Bicycle mechanic, Driller and Nursing Support worker.
Work Visa Rules
From 27 July 2020
- Essential Skills work visa applications are now assessed based on the current median wage (NZD $25.50 or more per hour.).
- Job offers paying below the median wage require employers to pass the labour market test* and secure a Skills Match Reports from WINZ (work visas granted for a maximum of 6 months).
Skilled Migrant Changes
Anyone invited by Immigration NZ to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category where their invitation is dated between 1 November 2019 and 15 April 2020 (inclusive) has now been granted an additional six months to lodge their residence application.
Work Visa Rules
From 27 May 2020
- Regional Skill Shortage List goes live. 15 regions around New Zealand list occupations reflecting local skill shortages in each region. The labour market test is not mandatory provided the job offer matches the occupation and region plus the visa applicant has qualifications and/or work experience set out on the list.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool. This means Invitations to Apply for Residence are also suspended. Malcolm Pacific Immigration does not anticipate selections to resume until after the general election held on 17 October 2020.
Skilled Migrant Changes
Immigration NZ is now prioritising Skilled Migrant Residence applications where the main (principal) applicant meets the criteria:
- Has employment paying double the median wage which is currently NZD $51 per hour OR NZD $106,800 per annum; OR Has New Zealand occupational registration and is required to hold valid registration to lawfully carry out their job.
Work Visa Rules
From 7 October 2019
- Base salary to qualify for a Work to Residence Visa (WTR) supported by an accredited employer increases from $55,000 per annum to $79,560 per annum (or $38.25 per hour).
- Pay rates for WTR visas are now reviewed annually.
- Work visa applicants paid less than $79,560 per annum by accredited employers need to apply under other work visa categories.
Work Visa Rules
From 24 February 2020
- Wage or salary thresholds increase for Essential Skills Work Visas applications lodged on or after 24/02/2020 (labour market tested; read more here).
- Higher Skilled employment increases to $38.25 or more per hour ($79,560 per annum*)
- Mid Skilled Employment increases to $21.68 or more per hour ($45,094 per annum*)