Residency-By-Investment Pathway: New Zealand

Harvey Law Group outlines the new and improved active investor plus program for wannabe Kiwis

New Zealand is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, clean environment and high standard of living. But beyond the scenery, it is also one of the most politically stable, safe and transparent countries in the world, making it an ideal place to live, work and invest.

Through the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Program, New Zealand welcomes investors seeking permanent residency. The newly improved program has no language, education or professional background requirement.

The AIP Program leads to permanent residency at the end of an investment period which can be as short as three years, and the investor (and his/ her dependents) are free to live, study and work in New Zealand right away, even before their permanent residency is issued. The main applicant can include his/ her partner, and dependent children up to 24 years old. Children who are yet to be born will also qualify for residency through their parent’s permanent resident status.

Investors can opt for either the Growth Category or the Balanced Category. Under the Growth Category, a minimum investment of NZD5 million in direct investments and/ or managed funds is required to be maintained over a three-year investment period (with a minimum physical presence of only 21 days in aggregate over the investment period).

The Balanced Category requires a minimum investment of NZD10 million to be maintained over a five-year investment period (with a minimum physical presence of 105 days in aggregate over the investment period). The physical presence requirement can be reduced to 63 days with a larger investment. Under the Balanced Category, investments can be made in diverse products including bonds, listed equities, philanthropy and proper ty development (new residential or new/ existing commercial or industrial).

An interesting fact about this program is that the modest physical presence requirement only applies to the main applicant, not his/ her dependents.

Five years after obtaining permanent residency, the investor and family members are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship, provided that certain conditions are met. Requirements include basic English language skills and having lived in New Zealand for at least five years as a resident (i.e. at least 240 days per year for five years and at least 1,350 days in total). New Zealand allows dual citizenship so new citizens do not need to surrender other nationalities to enjoy the benefits of a New Zealand passport (i.e. automatic permanent residency rights and a pathway to citizenship in Australia).

Some applicants are drawn to New Zealand for its breathtaking landscape, fresh air and laid-back lifestyle, while others are focused on its strong education system, excellent healthcare and political stability. For many individuals and families in Hong Kong, New Zealand offers an appealing balance of quality of life, future security and global mobility.

If you are considering the AIP Program, you may contact Harvey Law Group for advice. We have over 32 years of experience in investment residency and citizenship programmes all over the world.

5-DAY ITINERARY: NEW ZEALAND

Five days barely scratch the surface of New Zealand’s wild beauty, so here’s an action-packed introduction to the North Island

Day 1 ⇢ Coromandel Peninsula & Hot Water Beach

• Land in Auckland early and pick up a rental car. Head east through sleepy farmlands to the lush, tropical hills of the Coromandel Peninsula. Expect pristine beaches, misty forests and a laidback vibe

• Visit Hot Water Beach at low tide and you get to dig your own natural hot pool in the sand, just metres from the Pacific Ocean. The long sandy beach extends from the hot-spring area with plenty of secluded spots for sunbathing

• Overnight at Cooks Beach in windy Whitianga. Enjoy seafood risotto at Go Vino: drink local wine and listen to the waves just outside your window

Day 2 ⇢ Cathedral Cove & Auckland City Stroll

• Start the day with a short drive to Hahei and a 2.5km hike to Cathedral Cove. The sculpted coastline is straight out of a movie set (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) with a picture-perfect archway framing a stunning beach

• Grab lunch in Hahei, then drive back to Auckland via scenic coastal roads. Be sure to stop off at Mt Eden (196m) for panoramic views and a peek into the dormant volcanic crater

• Walk Queen Street to the harbour, then over to Parnell to soak up the city’s colonial charm. Stumble into a street festival or lantern-lit park party in Auckland Domain, if the timing’s right

Day 3 ⇢ Kiwis & Glowworms

• Drive south to Otorohanga and visit the Kiwi House to spot New Zealand’s elusive nocturnal icon; over 20 species are housed in specialised moonlit houses, and there are daily keeper talks

• Continue to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a surreal, subterranean boat ride. As your eyes grow accustomed to the dark, you’ll see a ‘Milky Way’ of little blue lights – this is bioluminescence emitted by the glowworms

• Drive to Turangi, a little town just south of Lake Taupo – check into a lakeside Airbnb. Fall asleep under clear skies and plan for an early start

Day 4 ⇢ Tongariro Alpine Crossing

• Take a shuttle to the filming location for Mordor in the Lord of the Rings movies. Trek 19.4km past red craters, steaming vents and neon-green lakes

Day 5 ⇢ Thermal Pools & Geysers

• Drive north to Rotorua, known for its geothermal energy, bubbling mud pools and strong Māori culture. Soak sore muscles at the Polynesian Spa, overlooking Lake Rotorua. (Mineral pools + lake breeze = perfection.)

• Sample a Hāngi, with meat and veggies cooked the traditional way in an underground oven. If time permits, stop by Te Puia to catch a geyser eruption and learn more about Māori traditions