Minister of Immigration announces new retirement Visas for NZ

What is the Temporary Retirement Category?

The Temporary Retirement Category is a special visitor's policy designed for those who wish to invest in New Zealand and stay here longer than current Visitor policy allows.

Successful applicants will be issued with a two year multiple entry visitor's visa/permit that allows them to stay for two years, and travel in and out of New Zealand during that time.

Who can apply under the Temporary Retirement Category?

To be approved under the Temporary Retirement Category you must:

* be aged 66 years or over

* invest NZ$0.75 million in New Zealand for two years into an acceptable investment

* demonstrate ownership of NZ$0.5 million of maintenance funds and an annual income of NZ$60,000 at time of application

* meet standard health and character requirements

* hold and maintain comprehensive travel and/or health insurance for the duration of your stay

Can I bring my family with me under the Temporary Retirement Category?

You may include your partner in your application; however dependent children cannot be included.

How much is the application fee for Temporary Retirement Category?

NZ$2,600

If I wish to stay longer than the two years, can I renew my visa under the Temporary Retirement Category?

You can re-apply for another visitor's permit/visa under this category if you:

* continue to meet all the requirements above; and

* can demonstrate that you have maintained your travel and/or health insurance and your investment funds in an acceptable investment during the two year duration of your stay.

Investment funds What are the requirements for investment funds?

You must demonstrate ownership of your nominated funds and/or assets, and demonstrate that the nominated funds and/or assets have been legally earned or acquired. All invested funds must be placed in an acceptable investment(s).

Can I nominate funds that have been gifted to me?

You may nominate funds and/or assets which have been given to you unconditionally and in accordance with local law. You will need to show that your donor acquired those funds and/or assets lawfully.

If some of your funds and/or assets have been acquired by inheritance you will need to provide appropriate evidence, eg probate or evidence from your solicitor, to show that they were acquired lawfully.

What is an acceptable investment?

An acceptable investment is defined as investment that:

1. is in either one or more of the following:

* bonds issued by the New Zealand government or local authorities, or

* bonds issued by New Zealand firms traded on the New Zealand Debt Securities Market (NZDX), or

* bonds issued by New Zealand firms with at least a BBB- or equivalent rating from internationally recognised credit rating agencies (for example, Standard and Poor's), or

* equity in New Zealand firms (public or private), including managed funds and:

2. is capable of a commercial return under normal circumstances and has the potential to contribute to New Zealand's economy, and

3. is invested in New Zealand in New Zealand currency, and

4. has the potential to contribute to New Zealand's economy, and

5. is invested in lawful enterprises or managed funds that comply with all relevant laws in force in New Zealand, and

6. is not for the personal use of the applicant(s), and

7. is not (directly or indirectly) invested in residential property or deposit taking financial institutions (eg banks or finance companies).

Do bonus bonds qualify as an acceptable investment?

No, they don't as they do not provide a commercial return.

What is meant by personal use of investment funds?

Personal use includes a personal residence, car, boat or similar assets.

If my application is approved in principle within what time frame do I have to invest my funds in New Zealand?

You should transfer your total investment funds to New Zealand and invest them in acceptable investments within three months of approval in principle.

If you do not transfer your funds within three months your application must then be declined.

Can I come to New Zealand to investigate investment opportunities once my application has been approved in principle?

Once your application is approved in principle you are eligible for a three month multiple entry visitor's visa to come to New Zealand to investigate investment opportunities.

If applicable, your partner is also eligible for a multiple entry visitor's visa for the same period.

Do I have to transfer my maintenance funds to New Zealand?

No, you are only required to transfer your nominated investment funds to New Zealand.

How do I apply?

Simply Click here and complete our FREE online assessment to find out if you are eligible

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