Golden Visas: New Zealand: Investor 2
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
New Zealand’s Investor 2 visa program offers permanent residence (for life) with, in some circumstances, as little as 438 days presence in New Zealand over the 4 year investment period. The whole family can be included (see below).
INVESTMENT
An investment of NZ$3 million is required though this can be reduced in certain circumstances to $2.5 million. It must be in an approved investment ranging from shares, equities and bonds, commercial real estate and a variety of other types of investment (but not speculative land or residential).
The applicant will need to make the investment once residence is approved-in-principle. A typical application can be filed once financial evidence is provided. There is normally a 12 month period of time to transfer the investment into improved investments after the sale of assets that have not been previously liquidated. In some circumstances an extension to the 12 month investment period can be provided, of only 6 months.
REQUIREMENTS
In addition to making the investment and then maintaining the investment the applicant must spend at least 438 days in New Zealand. The 438 days is portable throughout the four year period but only if a minimum of $1.5 million has been investment in Growth Investments (most investments except for bonds). An application must also establish he or she has business experience in managing or owning an enterprise for at least 3 years with a turnover of at least $1 million or a minimum staff of at least 5 employees, or both.
FEES
Government fees for the Expression of Interest are $620. The application itself is currently $5070. There are fees that apply later to renew the first two year resident visa ($210) and then at the end of the financial period ($210). To this should be added costs for translations and in addition applicants need to plan for lawyers’ fees.
FAMILY
Qualifying family members include the spouse and all children up to and including the age of 23. Children over 20 in full or part time education and who are not in employment can be classed as dependant but evidence must be supplied. Parents cannot be included but please note that New Zealand has a parent retirement category which requires only NZ$1 million investment, assets of NZ$500K elsewhere and a guaranteed income of NZ$60K per annum in order to qualify (this can only be filed after the supporting son or daughter has taken up residence).
TAX
There is no inheritance tax in New Zealand and there is also no gift tax.
LIVING AND WORKING
Applicants may decide not to reside permanently in New Zealand. The presence requirement should mean they can avoid becoming tax resident status if that is their choice. Once granted residence however (subject to conditions) all applicants including the spouse and children have access to all state healthcare, unemployment benefits, and tertiary education (as a domestic student). All clients must obtain independent tax advice especially if they wish to not become a tax resident.
CITIZENSHIP AND PASSPORT
Unfortunately obtaining a New Zealand citizenship requires a significant commitment. A total of 1350 days must be spent in New Zealand in the 5 years prior to making the application. The minimum in each of the five years is 240 days but you will note that the average will need to be at least 270 days per annum (at least 9 months). If the period in New Zealand drops below 240 days, then the five year period starts over. These rules are strictly adhered to.
BENEFITS
Applicants gain the right to live in New Zealand permanently. Upon arrival they can reside indefinitely. Upon departure however during the investment, a two year travel condition will apply. A second two year set of travel conditions will apply after the two year investment check. After the investment period is completed however the grant of indefinite residence means that the person will be a resident in New Zealand for life no matter how long they spend outside the country. This is unique and provides an edge when compared with other similar products run by other countries.
SUMMARY
New Zealand’s Investor program is one of the best investor programs in the world for those wanting to establish a safe bolt hole. New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 is famous around the world. We currently have a government that keeps the safety of the New Zealand people a priority. Potential applicants should email Ryken and Associates at: info@rykenlaw.co.nz.
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