The ability to travel freely around the world opens up many doors. As well as greater freedom to visit and relocate to countries other than your birthplace, it allows you to forge new business relationships and pursue trade in strong global markets.

Unfortunately, however, this is not an option that is available to everyone. While citizens of countries with strong passports can travel and trade with minimal barriers, others are hampered by long and expensive visa processes or the inability to access certain countries and markets.

Citizenship and residency by investment programs aim to level this playing field somewhat. These initiatives, such as the New Zealand Investor Visa, allow those with the means to broaden their international horizons through fast-track citizenship and passport applications.

What is the New Zealand Investor Visa?

The New Zealand Investor Visa allows holders to live, work, travel and trade within the country indefinitely. Residency is granted immediately following a successful application. After four years, holders are free to apply for permanent residency which does not require renewal.

Just 12 months later, proving the visa holder has spent at least 117 days in the country over the previous four years, permanent residents are free to apply for full New Zealand citizenship. This comes with a passport ranked sixth in the world – ahead of the UK, Canada and Australia.

New Zealand citizens also benefit from a high standard of living, the ability to live and work permanently in both New Zealand and Australia, plus the freedom to visit 186 countries around the world on a visa-free or visa-on-arrival basis – including the UK, US and entire European Schengen Area.

Eligibility Criteria for a New Zealand Investor Visa

Officially, the New Zealand Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of NZD 15m (USD 8.6m). This can be split across several funds and products such as listed equities and philanthropic funds.

However, due to dollar weighting equations, applicants who place at least NZD 5m (USD 2.8m) in direct investments or NZD 7.5m (USD 4.3m) in managed funds are considered by the authorities to have met the NZD 15m (USD 8.6m) investment threshold.

Weighting is applied as follows:

• Liquid Equities: $1 = $1
• Philanthropy: $1 = $1
• Managed Funds: $1 = $2
• Direct Investment: $1 = $3

Investors can only allocate 50% of their total funds to liquid equities and philanthropy. There is no maximum investment for Managed Funds or Direct Investment.
As well as making your investment, you will also need to meet New Zealand’s point-based immigration criteria and demonstrate a high degree of mastery of written and spoken English.

How to get a New Zealand Investor Visa: Step-by-step

When you apply for your New Zealand Investor Visa with Knightsbridge, you can complete the entire process in just four simple steps.

Step 1: Due diligence and eligibility checks

Before we submit your application and supporting documents, your Knightsbridge contact will check that you are eligible for the New Zealand Investor Visa program. To apply, you must be over the age of 18, have a clean criminal record, no major health conditions and be able to prove the source of your funds.  At this stage, we will also run AML checks and make sure that all paperwork for submission is correct and complete to avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 2: Submit application

Once we are satisfied that your application is proceedable, we will compile all supporting documents. This will usually include copies of your passport as well as financial statements and other necessary declarations.

Once submitted, the New Zealand immigration authorities will conduct their own due diligence before issuing a decision regarding your application.

Step 3: Make investment

With your application approved, it is time to deposit the required funds. In most cases, this will be NZD 5m placed in direct investments plus admin and processing costs.

Step 4: Approval and visa issuance

Once your application is approved and your investment is made, you will receive your New Zealand Investor Visa. From this point you are free to live and work in the country.

After four years of residency with the Investor Visa, you can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand. Following five years of total residency, you are eligible to apply for citizenship. However, for your citizenship application to be successful, you must have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days over the five years preceding your application. You also must not have been absent from the country for more than 125 days in any calendar year.

Should you wish to apply for full New Zealand Citizenship, the team at Knightsbridge will handle this entire process for you, liaising with all necessary government authorities on your behalf.

New Zealand Investor Visa costs and processing time

The total cost of the New Zealand Visa depends on your chosen investments. The lowest cost option is to place NZD 5m (USD 2.8m) into direct investments. On top of this, you will need to pay processing and administrative fees that can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

The team at Knightsbridge can provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in the New Zealand Investor Visa process should you wish to proceed.

In most cases, you can obtain a New Zealand Investor Visa in around five to six months.

About Knightsbridge

New Zealand offers a relatively fast route to one of the world’s strongest passports, bringing with it numerous business, travel and lifestyle benefits. But even if you just wish to secure residency, the list of advantages goes on and on, from hassle-free travel and world-class healthcare to a stable and peaceful base for you and your family.

Given these enticing benefits, entrusting your application to an expert in the field is always a good idea. Knightsbridge Group has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in the residency and citizenship by investment processes.

Our team of 30 seasoned experts, boasting over 200 years of industry experience, is dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.
As specialists in immigration services, we help individuals and families secure residency and citizenship via strategic investments. Our team guides you through the intricate process, ensuring all necessary requirements are met while optimising your chances of success.
Our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction is paramount. We stay updated with the latest legal and regulatory developments to offer you the most accurate and reliable advice. We believe in building long-term relationships based on trust, integrity, and professionalism.
Ready to embark on your journey international freedom? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts. We look forward to assisting you.