The land of the long white cloud has long been a favorite destination for adventure tourists, but for a select few, it’s also a place to live. It’s not an easy country to get residency, but for those who do, it’s well worth it.
Temporary Visas
North Americans can visit New Zealand for up to 90 days at a time. You can visit twice in a 12-month period for a total of 6 months.
Long-Term Visas
New Zealand is one of the most difficult countries in the world to get long-term residency. All involve significant financial outlays.
Retirement Visitor Visa
This visa is designed for individuals aged 66 years or older who wish to spend time in New Zealand for extended periods. You can stay in New Zealand for up to two years on this visa, which can be renewed as long as the conditions are still met. You're not allowed to work or run a business in the country.
The financial requirements of the Retirement Visitor Visa are quite steep:
You must invest approximately $465,000 USD in the country. Note that foreigners are ineligible to buy existing residential properties in the country. It is possible to buy into new residential developments, farms, and non-residential property, but it requires special permission.
You need to have around $310,000 USD in a savings account in the country.
You must be able to show a passive income of $37,000 USD per annum.
Investment Visas
Investing is the most straightforward option for expats who don’t have family in the country or aren’t near retirement age. New Zealand offers two visas for those who can provide substantial economic investment:
The Investor 2 Resident Visa requires an investment of NZ$1.5 million ($922,500) over a four-year period (applicants must be 65 or under); or
The Investor 1 Resident Visa requires an investment of NZ$10 million ($6.2 million) over three years (no age limit).
Both visas involve a complicated process of interaction with the New Zealand immigration authorities to confirm the suitability of the proposed investments.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Expats interested in moving to New Zealand for work can apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, which enables successful applicants to live and work in the country indefinitely. Skills, experience, and qualifications are the main determining factors in your eligibility for this visa, which is allocated on a points-based system. You’ll need to be 55 or younger to apply for this visa, undergo a medical exam, and provide relevant background checks.
Permanent Residency
People who have held investment or skilled migrant visas for two years can apply for permanent residency. To qualify, you must meet the time-in-country requirements of your existing visa and spend most of your time in the country. You must also have invested a minimum of $615,000 USD in the country and show that New Zealand is your primary abode.
Citizenship
To apply for New Zealand citizenship through naturalization, you need to meet several criteria:
Before applying for citizenship, you must have lived in New Zealand for at least 5 years as a permanent resident.
You must have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 240 days in each of those five years and at least 1,350 days in total over the five years.
You must be of good character, which typically involves having a clean criminal record.
You need to have a sufficient understanding of the English language. However, there is no formal English language test.
If you're residing overseas, you must intend to continue living in New Zealand or maintain a close connection to the country.
Although there is no formal citizenship test, you need to have some understanding of New Zealand’s history, values, and customs.
Requirements and Documentation
The documentation required for New Zealand long-term residency includes:
A passport valid for at least six months.
A completed application form.
Two passport-sized photos.
Proof of passive or active income sufficient to support yourself, As well as proof of any savings or investments.
Proof of health insurance.
Proof of accommodation.
A criminal background check from your home country.
Birth and marriage certificates as needed.
Since New Zealand residency is biased towards investment, however, you can expect to be asked to supply additional documentation related to your finances and any proposed investment in New Zealand. It is highly recommended that you secure the assistance of an immigration attorney or consultant.
Processing Time
New Zealand takes its time processing residency applications. Typical wait times range between 6 and 24 months, depending on the type of visa and the complexity of the financial aspects involved.
Cost
New Zealand Visa processing fees are very high compared to other countries. They range from about $1,500 for converting a work permit to permanent residence to nearly $5,000 for an investor visa. In addition, all visa applications are subject to an immigration levy of about $355.
Contacts
37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tel. (202) 328-4800
Email: wshinfo@mfat.govt.nz
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