Investor 2 Category
Are you unsure how many points you need to claim under the Investor 2 Category? Wondering if you need more than $3 million invested?
The application process for an Investor 2 Category Visa can be challenging and confusing. Without an immigration lawyer, you might make mistakes that would make the decision making process longer, so it is always a good idea to have a professional on hand.
It is also important to know that not all types of business experience will be accepted, and proving that the investment funds were lawfully earned and acquired can also be a timely process.
Pacific Legal can support you through your application and give suggestions about where to invest.
Who is the Investor 2 Category for, and what is the application process like?
If you have investment funds totalling NZ$10 million or more, the Investor Plus category is definitely worth exploring. This direct route to residence has no age requirements, no business experience requirements and no English language requirements. You will only need to invest your funds in New Zealand for 3 years and then spend only 44 days in New Zealand per year in the second and third years of your investment period.
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If you are ready to apply for the visa, make sure you claim points in the Expression of Interest (EOI) under the Investor 2 Category you know you can prove readily! As EOI’s are entered into the fortnightly Pool, they will be ranked based on total points claimed for age, business experience, English language ability and investment funds, including bonus points for proposed growth investments.
Requirements around the location and source of the investment funds are quite stringent. You will need to provide evidence showing that your nominated investment funds and/or assets are owned either by you or jointly by you and your partner and/or dependent children. The funds must also be unencumbered, have been earned or acquired legally, and transferable through the banking system (e.g. transferring funds from China can only be done via the QDII system, which is also subject to a quota).
Although the minimum investment is NZ$3 million under the Investor 2 Category, it is recommended that you have a buffer to account for the foreign exchange, valuation and associated costs!
Business experience is recognized for the award of points acquired through ownership of or management level experience in a lawful business with at least 5 full-time employees or an annual turnover of NZ$1 million. Ownership can be supported by a Certificate of Shares, Management Level experience, backed up by various documentation including minutes, correspondence and agreements, 5 full-time employees or annual turnover supported by audited accounts. If in China, you will need to provide your Social Security Fund.
Investments must be either equity in New Zealand firms or bonds issued by the Government or local authorities, finance companies and banks, firms trading on the New Zealand Debt Securities Market (NZDX), or New Zealand firms with at least BBB- or equivalent rating from an internationally recognized credit rating agency). Funds may also be invested in commercial property, residential property development, angel funds or networks’ investment.
Once your funds have been invested and your residence is approved, you’ll then need to retain your investment funds in an acceptable investment(s) for 4 years and spend at least 146 days each year in New Zealand in years two, three and four of your 4-year investment period.
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If you believe the Investment Category 2 Visa is the right choice for you, contact us today, and we can support your application!
