The qualifications for an Investor visa are straightforward to meet.

To make an application, you must:

• Have the ability to invest a minimum of NZ$1.5 million over four years
• Provide evidence of NZ$1 million minimum in settlement funds (no transfer required)
• Spend 40% of each of the 4 years (or 146 days) in New Zealand
• Have some understanding of English (IELTS Level 3 – conveys and understands only general meaning of English in familiar situations)
• Provide evidence of a minimum of 3 years business experience
• Transfer and invest funds within the first year of the visa.

FAQs

Are there any other qualifications needed?
The funds must be owned by you and have been have been legally earned or acquired. All invested funds must be placed in an acceptable investment(s).

Where can the funds be invested?
We are looking for people who can invest financial capital to support the growth and productivity of New Zealand’s economy. That means funds will need to be invested where they can be used productively. An acceptable investment would be one that is/has:

1.  In either one or more of the following:
   
   
   • Bonds issued by the New Zealand government or local authorities, 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 (for example, Standard and Poor’s), or
   • Equity (including convertible notes) in New Zealand firms (public or private), including managed funds and:
      
2. Capable of a commercial return under normal circumstances and has the potential to contribute to New Zealand's economy, and
3. Invested in New Zealand in New Zealand currency, and
4. Potential to contribute to New Zealand’s economy, and
5. Invested in lawful enterprises or managed funds that comply with all relevant laws in force in New Zealand, and
6. Not for the personal use of the applicant (such as a personal residence, car, boat or similar assets) and
7. Not (directly or indirectly) invested in residential property development or deposit taking financial institutions (e.g. banks or finance companies). 

How quickly do I have to transfer and make my investment into New Zealand?
Once your application has been approved in principle, you’ll have 12 months to transfer and invest your funds in New Zealand. If needed, you may apply during that period to extend the transfer period.

Can I come to New Zealand to investigate investment opportunities once my application has been approved in principle?
Once your application is approved in principle you are eligible for a 12-month multiple entry work visa to come to New Zealand and look into investment opportunities.

What about medicals?  Will I need to provide these?
Yes, you will need a completed Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate for NZ.   This must be less than 3 months old when you submit your application.

Anything else?
You’ll need a police certificate from your country of citizenship, as well as from any country in which you’ve lived 12 months or more in the last 10 years.   Police certificates must be no more than 6 months old when you submit your application.  To obtain more detailed information, click here.

Where can I get further assistance?
An Immigration New Zealand Client Manager is available to provide immigration, investment and settlement information. Just send an email to investors@dol.govt.nz.

How do I apply?
For application forms and details of what you’ll need to provide when making your application, click here.