🇳🇿 New Zealand
Remote, nature-driven island nation with a reformed high-value investor visa and strong quality of life
Visa Options
- Active Investor Plus — Growth Category (3-year minimum hold → residency) — NZD $5,000,000+ in direct/growth investments, 21+ days physical presence over 3 years
- Active Investor Plus — Balanced Category (5-year minimum hold → residency) — NZD $10,000,000+ in mixed investments, 105+ days physical presence over 5 years (reducible with higher investment)
- Skilled Migrant Category (points-based) (Residence visa (with work-to-residence steps)) — Job offer/skilled work experience meeting points threshold
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) (Up to 5 years (varies by role)) — Job offer from an accredited NZ employer
Tax Overview
- Income Tax: 10.5% – 39% (progressive)
- Corporate Tax: 28% (flat rate)
- GST (VAT): 15%
- Capital Gains Tax: No general capital gains tax (some property/investment-specific rules apply, e.g. bright-line test)
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): NZD $2,200 – $3,200/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Auckland): NZD $1,900 – $2,700/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Wellington/Christchurch): NZD $1,500 – $2,200/mo
- Groceries: NZD $450 – $650/mo
- Utilities: NZD $180 – $280/mo
- Dining out: NZD $20 – $40/meal
- Public transport: NZD $150 – $220/mo
- Private health insurance: NZD $100 – $250/mo
Relocation Checklist
- Choose visa pathway (Active Investor Plus, Skilled Migrant, or AEWV)
- Obtain Expression of Interest / Approval in Principle for investment routes
- Transfer investment funds within required window (6 months, extendable) for Active Investor Plus
- Undergo medical exam and police clearance checks
- Submit full application via Immigration New Zealand (INZ) online portal
- Arrange accommodation and, if needed, temporary health cover pre-arrival
- Enroll with a local GP / register for public healthcare (after residence granted)
- Open a New Zealand bank account and obtain an IRD number for tax purposes