New Zealand Business Immigration
Invest in New Zealand
Start a business or invest in New Zealand
Business and investor visas allow people who can contribute to New Zealand’s economy to live in New Zealand. You can do this by investing in New Zealand business or government, or if you have the right business experience, by buying or setting-up your own business in New Zealand (NZ).
New Zealand has a stable and globally competitive economy. We have experienced positive economic growth for 33 of the last 35 years. Trade is an essential element of our ongoing economic prosperity. Exports of goods and services make up around 30 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). A wide range of free trade agreements, pro-competitive regulation, an efficient tax regime, an open political system and investment in innovation have all given rise to an efficient and competitive economy.
It’s easy to do business here. We have a straightforward, business-friendly taxation system that supports capital development, research and development and international investment. We also have flexible immigration policies encouraging investors, entrepreneurs and business managers, and active Government support for investment. Over the past three decades, the New Zealand economy has changed from being one of the most regulated in the OECD to one of the least regulated.
We have a reputation for our honesty. The Transparency International’s 2016 Corruption Perception Index ranks our public sector the least corrupt on the planet. We take a tough stance on money laundering with legislation that puts obligations on our financial institutions and casinos to detect and deter money laundering and terrorism financing.
Stable and secure
New Zealand boasts sound macroeconomic foundations. We are among the top 20 rated sovereigns in the world. Standard & Poors gives New Zealand an AA+ local currency rating, an AA foreign currency rating and an AAA T&C assessment. We have maintained a low-inflation environment for more than two decades; independent monetary policy and a focus on price stability; a long-standing floating exchange rate and no exchange controls or restrictions on repatriation of funds.
Centrally positioned, globally connected
Our South Pacific home is a great base from which to export globally. Our location gives us a highly advantageous time zone for doing business globally. We are connected to Europe, North America and Asian markets. New Zealand has Free Trade Agreements – in place or proposed – with all major economies promoting easier trade and investment flows. We have some of the fastest internet speeds in the world with our Ultra-Fast Broadband fibre connections extending throughout the country and internationally. We have excellent transport and distribution links to all international markets. Our close geographic proximity to Asia means we can ship goods faster that those leaving the ports in Sydney or Perth, Australia.
Our air connectivity for freight and passenger services continues to improve. Recently we welcomed Qatar Airways which has joined other world leading airlines such as Emirates, Qantas, Singapore and Cathay Pacific connecting New Zealand to the world.
High quality, low cost
Looking to establish a base in the Asia-Pacific area? New Zealand offers significantly lower costs to do business in areas such as export compliance costs, the average wage and lower facility costs compared to neighbouring Australia.
Food powerhouse
New Zealand is an ideal setting for producing quality foods and beverages because of its temperate climate, high rainfall, clean waters, fertile land, and low-density population. We are the largest exporter in the world of dairy products and lamb and our dairy products account for one third of the global dairy trade. Investing in New Zealand’s food and beverage industry gives overseas investors access to the largest manufacturing sub-sector in New Zealand. Export revenues total some $36 billion a year and are fast-growing.
Sustainable
We are a country charged with the guardianship of our environment, for the future, on behalf of those who came before us. We are a clean and pure country with a progressive approach to business and a strong environmental track record.
We are wealthy in natural resources. The World Bank estimates that New Zealand ranks eighth out of 120 countries in natural capital per capita, outranked only by petroleum-exporting countries.
Clever country
We like to think we are a country built on ingenuity, poised to disrupt big paradigms from the edge of the world. We generate new ideas that challenge the expected. We’re known for our ‘can-do’ attitude and an ability to make more from less. All of this is underpinned by a government that actively invests in science and innovation.
“The thing we really like is that as a small and remote country, New Zealand companies almost from conception think globally, and are structured to achieve that objective.” Simon Feiglin, The Riverside Company
A great place to live and prosper
We know life in New Zealand is great. But don’t just take our word for it. London-based think-tank the Legatum Institute had this to say about us.
“Free markets, free people, and the world’s strongest society ensure that New Zealand takes the top spot in the Prosperity Index. New Zealand has ranked first in the Prosperity Index for six of the last 10 years. It also ranks New Zealand’s business environment performance 2nd. Underlying strengths include economic quality, particularly free and open markets, where New Zealand ranks 1st, governance (2nd), personal freedom (3rd), and social capital (1st).”
Investors welcome
New Zealand has many talented companies with high growth aspirations who need capital to achieve their commercial potential on the world stage. We work with a range of investors, both offshore and in New Zealand, from high net-worth individuals, through to private equity and venture capital firms, right up to sovereign wealth funds and multinational corporations. Whatever your size or investment criteria we have in-depth knowledge and connections to businesses seeking capital for growth today. We will also connect you to any appropriate agencies and advisors to help make it easy for you to invest and do business in New Zealand.