New Zealand Investor Immigration｜No English Required + NZ$5 Million to Apply
- 炒年糕的貓貓
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Over the past decade, New Zealand’s investor immigration thresholds have gradually increased from NZ$1.5 million to NZ$15 million, deterring many investors due to high costs. However, starting April 2025, the immigration bureau officially implemented a "dual-track new policy", eliminating English requirements and lowering the minimum investment to NZ$5 million (approx. HKD 22 million), opening a fast-track immigration pathway for global high-net-worth individuals.
Updated Investment Categories Explained
Key Advantages of the New Policy:
No language requirement: Full removal of IELTS 5.0, no English proof needed.
Minimal residency: As little as 21 days over 3 years, ideal for busy professionals.
Flexible investment options: New choices like real estate and charitable donations for better asset allocation.
Fast processing: Approval in 6-12 months, outperforming most developed countries.
Two New Zealand Investor Immigration Categories Explained
From April 1, the complex old system has been simplified into two options, allowing applicants to choose based on liquidity and risk preference:
1. Growth Category
Item | Requirements |
Minimum Investment | NZ$5 million (approx. HKD 22 million) |
Investment Targets | High-growth sectors (e.g., NZTE-certified startups, venture capital) or direct equity investments |
Investment Period | 3 years |
Residency Requirement | 21 days cumulative stay over 3 years (avg. 7 days/year) |
Best for:
Those seeking fast residency (just 3 years).
Investors comfortable with higher risks (e.g., tech startup equity).
Business owners frequently traveling between home country and NZ.
2. Balanced Category
Item | Requirements |
Minimum Investment | NZ$10 million (approx. HKD 44 million) |
Investment Targets | Mixed portfolio (≤30% govt. bonds, listed stocks, commercial real estate development, ≤10% charitable donations) |
Investment Period | 5 years |
Residency Requirement | 105 days cumulative stay over 5 years (reducible with additional investment) |
Residency Reduction Rules:
NZ$11 million → 91 days
NZ$12 million → 77 days
NZ$13 million → 63 days
Best for:
Investors seeking stable asset allocation (e.g., bonds + real estate).
Families planning long-term settlement in NZ.
High-net-worth individuals for tax planning (NZ has no inheritance tax or global income tax).
Key Application Details & Considerations
Funds Deployment Deadline: Complete investment within 6 months after approval (extendable once, max. 12 months).
Category Switching: Allowed once between Growth and Balanced categories.
Source of Funds Verification: Requires 5-year legal proof (e.g., business profits, property sales, inheritance).
Dependent Children Benefits:
No age limit; newborns can be added to parents’ visas.
Children enjoy local tuition fees (~1/4 of international rates).
Who Benefits Most Under the New Policy?
Entrepreneurs: Diversify global assets with flexible investment options.
Education-focused families: Children attend public schools for free, easing entry to Western universities.
Retirees: Low residency + high-quality healthcare, ideal for affluent lifestyle seekers.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s latest investor immigration reforms—lowering investment thresholds, simplifying categories, and removing language barriers—make it easier for high-net-worth individuals to immigrate.
If you’re planning to move to New Zealand, contact Oceanus Strategic. Stay tuned for more updates—don’t miss out on future insights!
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