An applicant can be granted residence of New Zealand if the applicant does not speak English but invests at least $10 million in New Zealand for at least 3 years.
The applicant must provide evidence that:
- He/she has legally acquired assets equivalent in value to at least NZ$10 million
- He/she currently owns assets equivalent in value to at least NZ$10 million
- He/she has an acceptable standard of health
- He/she is a person of good character
- Complied with the law for any business the applicant had influence over
- Never been involved in business fraud or convicted of offences arising from business dealings
The nominated funds must be owned:
- Solely by the principal applicant; or
- By the principal applicant jointly with any of the secondary applicants (partner and/or children)
Nominated funds owned solely by the partner or children are not acceptable
When the application has been approved the applicant must:
- Transfer NZ$10 million to New Zealand through the international banking system
- Invest the NZ$10 million in an acceptable investment for a period of not less than 3 years
If the nominated funds and/or assets were gifted to the applicant, those funds and/or assets:
- Must have been gifted unconditionally
- Must have been gifted in accordance with local law
- Must have been earned lawfully by the person gifting the funds and/or assets.
An acceptable investment means an investment that:
- Is capable of a commercial return;
- Is not for the personal use of the applicant
- Is invested in New Zealand in New Zealand currency
- Is invested in a lawful enterprise that complies with New Zealand law
Minimum stay in New Zealand
- The applicant must spend a minimum of 44 days physically in New Zealand for each of the last 2 years of the required 3-year investment period.