Investor migration criteria
Migrant Investment categories are for investors who wish to gain residence in New Zealand.
There are two categories: Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category), and Investor (Investor 2 Category).
| Key requirements | Investor Plus | Investor |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum age | No requirement | 65 or younger |
| Business experience | No requirement | Minimum of three years |
| Investment funds | NZ$10 million invested in New Zealand for three years | NZ$1.5 million invested in New Zealand for four years |
| Settlement funds | No requirement | NZ$1 million (transfer not required) |
| Principal applicant’s English language | No requirement | – an English speaking background, or- an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test report with an overall band score of three or more, or- a competent user of English |
| Family member’s English language | No requirement | Same as principal applicant or pre-purchase ESOL tuition |
| Minimum time in New Zealand | 44 days in New Zealand in each of the last two years of the three-year investment period. | 146 days in New Zealand in each of the last three years of the four-year investment period. |
| Health and character | Applicants under both categories must meet health and character requirements. | |
Under the separate Entrepreneur category, pathways to residence are available for migrants who can demonstrate they have been actively participating in their business and contributing to New Zealand’s economic development. This would suit businesspeople who are keen to invest and set up business in New Zealand.