On 20 July, New Zealand's Minister of Economy and Regional Development and Immigration minister jointly released a new policy on immigrant investors. After 27 July, existing visas will no longer be processed and the new visa category will open on 19 September 2022, replacing the existing Category I and II visa categories. Eligibility criteria include a minimum investment of NZ$5 million and an investment cap of 50% in listed shares and excluding securities and real estate to encourage greater economic benefits for New Zealand companies.
The ministers said the amendments to New Zealand's investment visa policy as part of the government's immigration rebalancing strategy would be used to attract experienced, high-value investors and bring growth opportunities to the local industry.
The new immigrant investor category is named "Active Investor Plus Visa", which means that the New Zealand government is now more concerned about whether the money of investment immigration is invested in areas that can be directly promoted.
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Immigration New Zealand said the previous investment visa category, while attracting more than $12 billion, "tended to result in passive investment in stocks and bonds rather than direct investment in New Zealand companies, meaning opportunities to attract more active investment" were missed.
It's time to ensure that investors have the opportunity to "invest in smart and innovative New Zealand businesses with global potential for success, which in turn gain valuable skills, connections and capital".
"This will make New Zealand more competitive in the international market and take our business to the next level." Today's official statement said.
"Applicants who make a direct investment will be eligible for a new visa with a minimum investment of 5 million and receive the highest rating, which is lower than the minimum amount for those who choose indirect investment. The minimum amount required for indirect investment will be 15 million. Immigration Minister said.
In addition, some requirements will be tightened, not allowing bonds or properties to be eligible asset classes, and the investment limit for listed stocks is that they cannot exceed 50% of the total investment.
The residency requirements for the new visa have also changed compared to the previous visa, increasing the flexibility of investors to allow them to invest for three years and maintain their investment until the end of the fourth year.
They will need to stay in New Zealand for at least 117 days over 4 years.
"This is an increase in the 88 days in the previous category to ensure that investors are actively engaged with local companies to help them grow." Immigration Secretary Michael Wood said this afternoon.
From the previous application data of the Immigration Bureau, it can be analyzed that among the investment immigrants, the proportion of Chinese mainland applicants is not small. In the latest Category 2 EOI draw on July 14, Chinese mainland applicants took the lead, accounting for 61%.
In any case, the existing investment immigration channel is about to close, the new policy will be opened in two months, and one of the key points in the new visa requirements is: "Applicants who make acceptable direct investment will change the minimum amount of their investment to 5 million New Zealand dollars, and will receive the highest weight", at present, the IMMIGRATION department has not given what the scope of "acceptable direct investment" is, and can only wait for a new specific explanation at a later stage.
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