Applications must include completed application forms and should be accompanied by the appropriate fees and supporting documents. The processing time is eight to nine months from submission of the application to approval.

Investments can be made across three years (being maintained for a fourth year). After four years of keeping their funds in New Zealand, if they meet the requirements for minimum time spent in the country, investors can apply for permanent residence. After the four-year period and meeting the investment and time-in-country requirements, residents can support their parents’ application under the Parent Retirement category.

If families are included in the resident visa, they are required to go to New Zealand within 12 months of their visa being granted but are not required to remain in New Zealand for any minimum length of time. Family members aged 16 and over are also required to meet English language requirements, or they can choose to pre-purchase ESOL tuition to be undertaken once in New Zealand.

A visa holder may take up residence anywhere in New Zealand and can study at all schools and tertiary education providers in the country as a domestic student. To purchase residential real estate, visa holders must be usually resident in New Zealand. Those who spend only the minimum number of days in the country are likely to be required to obtain approval to purchase. This requirement is removed once they have lived in New Zealand and been physically present in the country for at least 183 days in the preceding 12 months and are a tax resident.