By Stacey Martin

With similar climates, wide-open spaces, good schooling and a strong economy, New Zealand is also an attractive destination, already popular in China. For those who are weighing up the options, the NZ Investor 2 being equivalent to AUD 2.2M is less than half the amount of Australia’s AUD 5M Significant Investor Visa. Further, the opportunity to invest in certain “off-the-plan” property will be well received by Chinese investment migrants. 

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has implemented positive changes to their Migrant Investor Visa categories effective 22 May 2017. 

New Zealand has made a smart move to discourage applicants from placing investments entirely in bonds. Where 25% is invested in “growth oriented” investments the physical presence requirements are reduced, and in the case of Investor 2, a 50% investment in growth investments provides a discount of NZD 500,000. 

Investor 1 (Plus) Category – 3 years 

This visa category is NZD 10 M. Where 25% is invested in “growth oriented” investments the physical presence requirement of 88 days will now be spread over 3 years, rather than 44 days each in years 2 and 3. 

Investor 2 Category – 4 years 

This visa category is now NZD 3M up from NZD 1.5M which also required NZD 1.0M of settlement funds. Under the new rules only NZD 2.5M will be required where 50% is invested in “growth oriented” investments. The physical presence requirement of 438 days to be spread over the 4 year term rather than 146 days in years 2,3 and 4. 

Note there is a limit on the number of these visas of 400, increased from 300. There is also a softer “business experience” definition of 3 years, although English language skills are required and applicants must be under age 65. 

The granting of New Zealand citizenship has been reduced to just one year after the 4 year holding period to gain permanent residency (3 years for Investor Plus).

Acceptable Investments

  • Growth oriented investments - New Zealand shares unlisted or listed either directly or through managed funds, and new residential property developments designed for commercial return not personal use 
  • Non-growth oriented investments - New Zealand Government and corporate bonds including banking and financial firms, and philanthropy to a maximum of 15%.

Stacey Martin is the founder of Expat Advisors Community, a network for professionals with internationally connected clients. With a background in financial services, today Stacey consults on investor migration managing relationships between Asia, in particular, China, Vietnam and India and Australia and New Zealand. She is the author of “Smooth Road to Travel: China to Australia”.

For more information contact Stacey Martin via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.