Investor 1 Resident Visa — New Zealand

The Investor 1 Resident Visa was a premier pathway for individuals wanting to secure residency in New Zealand through substantial financial investments. Applicants were required to invest at least NZD $10 million in New Zealand over a period of 3 years. This program has since been closed to new applicants and replaced by the Active Investor Plus Visa, reflecting New Zealand's evolving approach to attracting global capital and expertise.

Investment Requirements and Benefits

To qualify for the Investor 1 Resident Visa, applicants needed to demonstrate that their investment funds were acquired lawfully and transferred directly to New Zealand. This visa offered a streamlined residency process for high-net-worth individuals, allowing them to contribute significantly to New Zealand's economy while enjoying the benefits of living in a country renowned for its natural beauty and high quality of life.

Who Was Eligible?

Eligibility criteria for this visa were stringent, ensuring that only those with a clean legal and financial background could apply. Applicants had to be deemed a fit and proper person, which included undergoing thorough background checks. This involved providing police certificates from all countries of citizenship, as well as any country where the applicant had resided for 12 months or more in the past decade.

Transition to New Visa Options

With the closure of the Investor 1 Resident Visa, potential investors should consider the Active Investor Plus Visa or explore other available pathways such as the Investor 2 Resident Visa or the Entrepreneur Resident Visa. These options continue to encourage investment in New Zealand, offering diverse opportunities for individuals to align their business goals with residency.

Further Information

For those considering investment visas, it’s crucial to stay updated with Immigration New Zealand's policies and requirements, as these can change. Prospective applicants should verify all details directly on the official Immigration New Zealand website. For more detailed guidance, consider consulting resources like the PR Pathway Guide or the Financial Requirements.

For those considering applying for the Investor 1 Resident Visa in New Zealand, understanding the investment requirements is crucial. Although this visa is closed to new applicants and has been replaced by the Active Investor Plus Visa, those who are already in the process or exploring similar avenues may find the following information useful.

What You Must Invest

To qualify for the Investor 1 Resident Visa, applicants needed to adhere to specific investment requirements. Here's a summary of the fundamental criteria:

Qualifying Investments

The investment must be in acceptable New Zealand investment types. These can include:

• New Zealand government bonds
• Corporate bonds issued by New Zealand firms
• Managed funds that invest in New Zealand companies

Transfer and Verification

It is imperative that investment funds are transferred directly from your bank account to New Zealand. This ensures transparency and compliance with New Zealand's financial regulations. Additionally, you will need to provide evidence that your funds were lawfully acquired, which can include documentation of business earnings or the sale of property.

Transition to the Active Investor Plus Visa

Since the closure of the Investor 1 Resident Visa to new applicants, those interested in investing in New Zealand should explore the Active Investor Plus Visa. This newer option may have different requirements and benefits, so it's advisable to consult Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for the most current information.

For individuals who are exploring residency through investment, other visa options such as the Investor 2 Resident Visa or the Entrepreneur Resident Visa could be relevant pathways. Always verify your specific circumstances and eligibility on the INZ official website to ensure compliance with the latest immigration policies and requirements.

To be eligible for the Investor 1 Resident Visa in New Zealand, several requirements must be met, focusing on your source of funds, business experience, and personal background.

Source of Funds

• Investment Amount: You must have a minimum of NZD $10 million available to invest in New Zealand for at least three years.
• Lawful Acquisition: It's essential that your investment funds were earned or acquired lawfully. You will need to provide evidence supporting the legitimacy of your funds.
• Fund Transfer: All investment funds must be transferred directly to New Zealand from your bank account.

Business Experience

While the Investor 1 Resident Visa primarily focuses on the investment amount, having a background in business can strengthen your application. Demonstrating prior business experience may highlight your capability to contribute economically to New Zealand. Consider exploring related visa options like the Entrepreneur Resident Visa if you have significant business expertise.

Clean Background

• Fit and Proper Person: You must be deemed a fit and proper person. This includes providing police certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
• Health Requirements: A medical examination, including a chest X-ray, is necessary to demonstrate good health.

For detailed guidance on meeting these criteria, review the Documents Checklist and ensure you have all necessary documentation. This visa pathway, although closed to new applicants, has set a precedent for investment-based residency in New Zealand. If interested in investment opportunities, consider the Investor 2 Resident Visa for potential alternatives.

Confirm Your Eligibility

Before proceeding with the application process for the Investor 1 Resident Visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. This visa required having NZD $10 million to invest in New Zealand for a minimum of 3 years. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you are a fit and proper person, with your investment funds lawfully earned or acquired. Although this visa category is now closed to new applicants, understanding these requirements is crucial if you are considering similar investment pathways like the Investor 2 Resident Visa.

Prepare Your Documentation

To apply, gather the necessary documentation to support your application. This includes:

• Proof of Identity: Provide two acceptable photos of your head and shoulders, and a certified copy of your passport or certificate of identity.
• Proof of Good Health: Submit results from a chest X-ray and a medical examination.
• Proof of Good Character: Obtain police certificates from all countries of citizenship and any other country you have resided in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. Ensure non-English documents are accompanied by an English translation.
• Evidence of Lawful Funds: Demonstrate that your investment funds have been lawfully earned or acquired.
• Investment Transfer: Prepare to transfer your funds directly to New Zealand from your bank account.

Lodge Your Application

Once your documentation is ready, lodge your application with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Although the Investor 1 Resident Visa is no longer available, similar visas may have comparable processes. Carefully review the specific requirements and guidelines provided by INZ for the visa category you are applying for. You may refer to the Documents Checklist to ensure completeness.

Monitor Processing and Next Steps

After lodging your application, monitor the processing times and be prepared for any additional requests from INZ. Processing times can vary, so it is important to stay informed through Processing Times. If your application is successful, you will receive instructions on the next steps, including the issuance of your visa.

The Investor 1 Resident Visa, which required an investment of NZD $10 million in New Zealand, is now closed to new applicants, having been replaced by the Active Investor Plus Visa. This visa was popular among high-net-worth individuals who desired to gain residence in New Zealand through significant financial investment. Below is a comparison of the necessary criteria and relevant information concerning fees and processing.

Legal Costs and Other Expenses

While the key requirement was the significant investment amount, additional costs were typically associated with legal and advisory services. These services often include:

• Legal Fees: Hiring immigration advisers or lawyers to assist with the application process.
• Document Preparation: Costs related to gathering and certifying necessary documents such as police certificates and medical exams.

Transition to Active Investor Plus Visa

With the closure of the Investor 1 Resident Visa, those interested in investment-based residency should explore the Active Investor Plus Visa as an alternative. This visa may have different investment requirements and eligibility criteria, tailored to attract diverse types of investors.

For those looking into other residency options, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and Entrepreneur Resident Visa offer alternative pathways based on skills and business acumen rather than large financial investments.

By understanding these distinctions and being prepared with the right documentation and legal advice, you can navigate the complexities of New Zealand's immigration system more effectively.

Investment visas involve financial documentation and compliance requirements that overlap with securities and tax law for New Zealand immigration. The stakes are high and the scrutiny is intense. Professional guidance is strongly recommended if:

• Your source of funds involves multiple parties, gifts, or inheritance
• You need to structure the investment to meet both immigration and securities requirements
• You have a prior visa denial or refusal
• You have a prior overstay, unlawful presence, or removal order
• You have a criminal record, arrest history, or pending charges
• You have a prior misrepresentation or fraud finding
• You are in removal or deportation proceedings

When holding an Investor 1 Resident Visa in New Zealand, it's important to understand your obligations. This includes residency requirements, potential job creation, and ongoing reporting obligations to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Residency Requirements

As an Investor 1 Resident Visa holder, you must reside in New Zealand for a minimum of 44 days each year over the three-year investment period. This residency requirement ensures your commitment to integrating into the community and contributing to the local economy.

Investment Obligations

Your primary obligation is to maintain a minimum investment of NZD $10 million in New Zealand for at least three years. These funds must be transferred directly from your bank account to New Zealand to meet INZ requirements. It is crucial to ensure that the funds are lawfully earned or acquired. The types of acceptable investments may include:

• Government bonds
• Equity in New Zealand firms or managed funds
• New residential property developments (excluding renovations or extensions)

Reporting Obligations

Throughout your investment period, you must regularly report to INZ to demonstrate compliance with your investment and residency requirements. Timely and accurate reporting helps maintain your resident status and supports potential future applications, such as the NZ Citizenship. Required reports typically include:

• Annual confirmations of your investment status
• Evidence of residing in New Zealand for the required number of days
• Updates on any changes in your investment strategy or personal circumstances

Job Creation

While not a direct requirement of the Investor 1 Resident Visa, investing in businesses that generate local employment can enhance your contribution to New Zealand's economy. This aligns with the goals of other visa categories like the Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

For more detailed guidance on maintaining your visa obligations, check the How To Apply and Financial Requirements guides from INZ.

For those who have secured an Investor 1 Resident Visa and are considering the pathway from residency to citizenship in New Zealand, understanding the requirements and processes is essential. While this visa category is no longer available to new applicants, existing visa holders can still take steps toward becoming a New Zealand citizen.

Pathway to Citizenship

Achieving New Zealand citizenship involves several key stages. Firstly, after maintaining your Investor 1 Resident Visa for a period of at least three years, you're eligible to apply for permanent residency. This step is crucial as it solidifies your long-term status in the country, allowing you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

Citizenship Requirements

To transition from permanent residency to citizenship, you will need to meet certain criteria. These include demonstrating a commitment to New Zealand by residing in the country for an appropriate period. Typically, you must have lived in New Zealand for a minimum of five years before applying for citizenship. Additionally, you must show proficiency in English, knowledge of New Zealand, and an intention to continue living in the country.

The Application Process

The process to apply for New Zealand citizenship involves gathering necessary documentation and submitting an application to the Department of Internal Affairs. You'll need to provide evidence of your residency status, identity, and meet character requirements, which may include police certificates. For a detailed checklist of required documents, refer to the Documents Checklist available on the official website.

Additional Considerations

It's important to note that holding New Zealand citizenship offers several benefits, including access to consular assistance abroad, the ability to work in certain public sector roles, and the right to vote in elections. For more information on the citizenship process, you can consult the NZ Citizenship page.

Transitioning from an investor visa to full citizenship is a significant step that requires careful planning and preparation. By understanding the requirements and ensuring compliance, you can successfully navigate the journey from being an investor to becoming a valued citizen of New Zealand.

The Investor 1 Resident Visa, which allowed individuals to invest NZD $10 million in New Zealand for residence, is now closed to new applicants. This section will highlight potential red flags in due diligence processes that could affect the visa application.

Source-of-Funds Scrutiny

When applying for the Investor 1 Resident Visa, it's crucial to demonstrate that your investment funds were earned or acquired lawfully. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will closely scrutinize the origins of your funds to ensure compliance. Common red flags include:

• Failure to provide proof of lawful acquisition of funds.
• Inclusion of borrowed funds or funds encumbered by loans or bonds.

Investment Structure Issues

The structure of your investment plays a vital role in the approval process. Funds must be transferred directly from your bank account to New Zealand. Issues that may arise include:

• Not transferring investment funds directly to New Zealand.
• Using complex or opaque investment structures that obscure the source and path of funds.

Job Creation Shortfalls

While the primary focus of the Investor 1 Resident Visa is on the financial investment, potential economic benefits such as job creation form part of the holistic assessment. Although not a primary requirement, shortfalls in projected job creation associated with the investment may raise concerns.

For those considering alternative pathways, the Active Investor Plus Visa is now available, offering new opportunities for investors looking to contribute to New Zealand's economy. For more information on related visas, you can explore the Entrepreneur Resident Visa or the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.