New Zealand Investment Immigration Big Opportunity: Lower Investment Amounts and No English Requirements

Over the past decade, New Zealand’s investment immigration requirements have steadily increased, with the minimum investment amount rising from NZD 1.5 million to NZD 15 million. This high threshold discouraged many potential investors. However, the New Zealand Minister of Immigration recently announced significant changes to the investment immigration policy, making this a major opportunity for those considering investment immigration to New Zealand.

Updated Investment Categories Explained

Starting from April 1, the current complex weighted system will be simplified into two investment categories:

Growth Category

Investment Amount: NZD 5 million
Investment Target: Investors can choose to directly invest (e.g., in local New Zealand businesses) or invest in managed funds (e.g., private equity, venture capital).
Investment Duration: 3 years
Residence Requirement: At least 21 days of residence in New Zealand within 3 years.

Balanced Category

Investment Amount: NZD 10 million
Investment Targets: Investors can choose bonds, stocks, real estate, charitable donations, direct investments, managed funds, etc.
Investment Duration: 5 years
Residence Requirements:
- At least 105 days of residence in New Zealand within 5 years.
- For investments over NZD 11 million, at least 91 days of residence.
- For investments over NZD 12 million, at least 77 days of residence.
- For investments over NZD 13 million, at least 63 days of residence.

Shortened Investment Deadline

The new rules stipulate that applicants must complete all investments within 6 months of receiving principal approval. If applicants are unable to meet this deadline due to special circumstances, they may provide evidence and apply for a 6-month extension. Additionally, applicants can switch once between the Growth and Balanced categories.

English Language Requirement Abolished

Previously, investment immigration applicants were required to submit an IELTS score of 5.0. However, starting from April 1, this requirement has been removed, and applicants no longer need to provide English language scores.

Conclusion

New Zealand's latest investment immigration policy reform, by lowering the investment amount, simplifying the investment categories, and removing the language requirements, makes it easier for high-net-worth individuals looking to immigrate to New Zealand to enter the market.

If you are planning to immigrate to New Zealand, feel free to contact our advisory team. In the future, we will also be publishing more interesting articles, so stay tuned for the latest updates.