New Zealand Investor Visa

Invest in New Zealand’s Future – Build Yours in Return

What Is the New Zealand Investor Visa?

New Zealand’s Investor Visa categories are designed for high-net-worth individuals who wish to actively invest in the New Zealand economy in exchange for residence. These are prestigious, carefully assessed pathways that offer permanent residence and all the personal and family benefits of life in one of the world’s most stable, transparent, and liveable nations.

There are two distinct Investor Visa pathways in New Zealand: the Investor 1 Resident Visa, designed for very high-value investors seeking maximum flexibility, and the Investor 2 Resident Visa, suited to established business investors with substantial capital. Dream Way Consultancy’s Licensed Immigration Advisor (LIA No: 202401523) provides strategic guidance to ensure your investment plan, source-of-funds documentation, and application are structured comprehensively for a successful outcome.

Two Investor Visa Categories Compared

Investor 1 Resident Visa

Minimum investment: NZD 10 million
Investment period: 3 years
Minimum time in NZ: 44 days over 3 years
No age, English, or business experience requirement
Fastest and most flexible investor pathway
Designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals

Investor 2 Resident Visa

Minimum investment: NZD 3 million
Investment period: 4 years
Minimum time in NZ: 438 days over 4 years
Points-based: age, business experience, English
Minimum 3 years of business or investment experience required
More accessible for established business investors

Acceptable Investment Categories

Investments must be New Zealand-based, actively maintained, and in approved asset classes:

Must be maintained for the full investment period

Funds must be lawfully obtained – full AML compliance required

Must be denominated in New Zealand dollars

Must be actively maintained – not passive term deposits alone

Certain asset types have strict proportional limits

Investor 1 Detailed Requirements

Minimum NZD 10 million investment
Funds must be held for a minimum of 3 years
Must spend at least 44 days in NZ in each of the last 2 years of the 3-year period
No age limit or business experience requirement
No English language requirement
Residence for family included from the start

Investor 2 Detailed Requirements

Minimum NZD 3 million investment
Funds must be held for a minimum of 4 years
Must spend at least 146 days in NZ in each of the last 3 years of the 4-year period
Age limit: 65 years or younger
English language ability (IELTS 3.0 or equivalent)
Minimum 3 years business experience required

Points Factors for Investor 2

The Investor 2 category is points-based. Points are awarded across several key factors which determine the priority and selection of your Expression of Interest (EOI):

Amount Invested

Higher investment amounts carry significantly higher points

Business Experience

Points awarded for 3, 5, or 10+ years of senior experience

Age

Highest points for younger applicants (under 50)

English Ability

Higher IELTS/PTE scores contribute additional points

Time in New Zealand Requirements

To maintain your residence status and eventually qualify for Permanent Residence, you must meet minimum presence requirements in New Zealand during your investment period. Dream Way Consultancy advises on the exact scheduling and tracking of your time-in-country to ensure full compliance with INZ regulations.

Note: These requirements apply only to the principal applicant. Family members included in the application have no minimum stay obligation to maintain their residency.

Why Invest in New Zealand?

Stability & Safety

Ranked among the world’s least corrupt and most peaceful nations.

Transparency

World-leading ease of doing business and transparent regulatory environment.

Lifestyle & Nature

Unparalleled quality of life and stunning natural landscapes.

PR Pathway

Direct, clear pathway to one of the world’s most valuable passports.

How Dream Way Consultancy Supports You

Navigating Immigration New Zealand’s policies can be complex and stressful. With our Licensed Immigration Advisor (LIA) managing your case, you eliminate guesswork and maximize your chances of success. We don’t just fill out forms; we build a robust, evidence-backed application designed for approval.

LIA-Guided Process

Your application is handled directly by a Licensed Immigration Advisor.

End-to-End Support

We assist with document preparation, profiling, and INZ submission.

Strategic Planning

We align your current visa strategy with your long-term residency goals.

Our End-to-End Investor Visa Service Includes:

Strategic selection between Investor 1 and 2 pathways
Exhaustive source-of-funds analysis and documentation strategy
Preparation of investment plans aligned with INZ and AML requirements
Liaising with NZ-based investment advisors and fund managers
Complete EOI and residence application management by our LIA
Assistance with investment transfer and registration with INZ
Supporting subsequent transition to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

Source of Funds - A Critical Requirement

Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations require all investor applicants to provide exhaustive, detailed evidence that their investment funds were lawfully acquired. This is consistently one of the most document-intensive aspects of any Investor Visa application.

Audited financial statements from your businesses
Tax returns and payment records (past 3-5 years)
Sale and purchase agreements for assets sold
Bank statements showing accumulation of funds
Inheritance, gift, or settlement documentation
Corporate structure documentation & shareholder agreements
Legal declarations regarding investment capital origin
Accountant / auditor correspondence confirming source

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I manage my New Zealand investments remotely?

Investments must be held in New Zealand-based assets, but day-to-day management can typically be handled through New Zealand-based fund managers, investment advisors, or licensed financial professionals. Dream Way Consultancy can connect you with appropriate NZ-based financial professionals to support investment management.

Does my family need to live in New Zealand full-time?

No. The minimum time-in-country requirement applies only to the principal investor applicant. Your partner and children can travel freely in and out of New Zealand as New Zealand residents, with no minimum presence obligation.

Is New Zealand open to foreign investment?

Yes. New Zealand actively encourages foreign investment that benefits the New Zealand economy. The country's Overseas Investment Office (OIO) regulates significant investments in sensitive assets, and New Zealand's transparent regulatory environment ensures investor rights are strongly protected.