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New Zealand flagInvestor Visa (Category 1 & 2)

Category: Migration · Processing time: 6-12 months /,

Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗

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3 min readCommunity feedback: open

AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI · Editorial standards

Apply through official authority

Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-10-03.

Apply on official site →

Visa type

Migration

Processing time

6-12 months /,

Fees

MinIncomePoints: Category 1: NZ$5,000,000 (~EUR 2,800,000). Category 2: NZ$15,000,000 (~EUR 8,400,000)

Validity

Typically 3 years

Stay duration

Indefinite, subject to conditions

Entry type

Confirm single/multiple entry rules

Insurance

Confirm if required

Bookmark

Save this visa to My Plan

Overview

The Investor Visa (Category 1 & 2) in New Zealand allows individuals to invest substantial amounts in the country, facilitating a pathway for residency. This visa targets high-value investors

  • Leads to permanent residency: No
  • Requires job offer: No
  • Language required: No
  • Minimum education: Not specified
  • Financial requirement: Category 1: NZ$5,000,000; Category 2: NZ$15,000,000

Estimated Costs

  • - MinIncomePoints: Category 1: NZ$5,000,000 (~EUR 2,800,000). Category 2: NZ$15,000,000 (~EUR 8,400,000)
  • - MinSavings: ,
  • - PathToPr: ,
  • - PathToCitizenship: ,

Required Documents

  • - Proof of investment funds
  • - Business plan (if applicable)
  • - Identity documents
  • - Health certificates
  • - Character certificates

Application Steps

  1. Gather required documents
  2. Submit application online
  3. Pay the application fee
  4. Wait for processing (6-12 months)
  5. Receive decision

Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) →

Travel Insurance Requirement

  • Mandatory: Confirm with official source
  • Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
  • Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
  • Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority

Embassy, Consulate & Appointments

Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.

Open appointment or official portal →

Browse foreign embassies in New Zealand (MigrantIQ directory) →

Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.

Application checklist

Track your Investor Visa (Category 1 & 2) preparation

Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan.

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Get visa checklist updates

Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Investor Visa (Category 1 & 2) in New Zealand.

Benefits & What This Visa Allows

  • - Citizenship timeline:,

Trust & safety

Before you pay or submit documents

Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.

Official portal →

Relevant laws

  • Immigration Status and Overstay Rules

    Immigration · Severity: Critical

    Your ability to remain in New Zealand is determined by the specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you possess. You should understand that a pending application, a job offer, or acceptance…

  • Work Authorisation Rules

    Employment · Severity: Critical

    In New Zealand, not all visas permit the holder to work. While some visas allow paid employment, others have restrictions that could affect your ability to work legally. Understanding these rules is important for…

  • Tax Residency and Income Reporting

    Tax · Severity: High

    Tax residency in New Zealand is determined by your physical presence in the country. If you live in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12-month period, you are considered a tax resident. This means you will be…

Active scam alerts

  • In New Zealand, some agents exploit newcomers by overcharging for essential services like document translation, notarisation, or obtaining apostilles. This scam primarily targets visa applicants, families, students,…

  • In New Zealand, a scam has emerged where individuals impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents. They claim that newcomers must pay a special fee to enter the country, expedite their border…

  • In New Zealand, a concerning scam targets prospective students, scholarship applicants, and their parents. Fraudsters pose as representatives of educational institutions, offering admission, scholarships, or student…

  • In New Zealand, a concerning housing scam targets newcomers, including students, families, and remote workers. Scammers create fake rental listings for properties, often using attractive photographs and enticing rental…

Quick Eligibility Check

Use this self-check for Investor Visa (Category 1 & 2). It does not replace official legal assessment.

Result: Likely eligible baseline

Common Rejection Reasons

  • - Insufficient proof of funds to meet the investment requirements.
  • - Incomplete or inaccurate documentation submitted with the application.
  • - Failure to meet health or character requirements as assessed by immigration authorities.

Application Tips

  • - Ensure that all documents are complete and accurately reflect your financial situation.
  • - Consult with a migration advisor who specializes in New Zealand immigration to avoid common pitfalls.
  • - Provide a detailed business plan if applying under Category 2 to demonstrate the viability of your investment.

Sources & References

Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.

  • Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

    Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.

  • MigrantIQ visa record

    Last verified 2026-10-03.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This visa is designed for applicants matching Migration pathway criteria.

Typical processing time is 6-12 months /,, subject to documentation quality and application volume.

Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.

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