INVESTOR FAQS

Foreign investment is crucial for the sustainable growth of our economy. The New Zealand Government welcomes foreign investment which is good for New Zealand.

Examples of foreign investment that is good for New Zealand are when the investment results in job creation, the introduction of new technologies/IP to New Zealand, volume to value transformation of a product, service or industry, or the internationalising a business with profits retained locally.

To protect New Zealand’s interests, certain investments and acquisitions of New Zealand shares and assets are reviewed by the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office (OIO). Examples of such investments that may be reviewed include:

• acquiring a sensitive asset (such as sensitive land, significant business assets or fishing quota)
• leasing a sensitive asset for more than 10 years
• acquiring shares or securities in an entity owning sensitive assets (such as a company owning sensitive land in New Zealand, or increasing an existing interest above a certain level).

The OIO have assessment timeframes for processing consents, variations, and exemptions. The timeframes are available on the OIO website and are set for each type of application by regulation. These vary from 35 for business assets, to 100 days for farmland, to 200 days for fishing quota.

For more information on what investments need review and consent please visit the Overseas Investment Office.

The New Zealand Government is dedicated to supporting and growing a productive, sustainable and inclusive economy, for the good of all New Zealanders. We call this kaitiakitanga, which means care for people and place.

One important way of achieving this is through encouraging smart investment. We aim to fill critical market gaps, connecting investors with exciting investment opportunities, and showcasing our innovation and integrity to the world.

Invest New Zealand can provide global investors access to live commercial opportunities in New Zealand.

Investors can view live New Zealand investment opportunities by registering their interest for our Live Deals platform.

If you would like to explore more of our pipeline please get in touch so we can understand your interests and requirements and provide you with the most relevant information.

New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa is New Zealand's pathway to residency for investors. There are two categories to choose from: Growth or Balanced, offering a broad range of investment options.

The Growth category, which focuses on more active investment classes, requires an investment of NZD $5 million, while the Balanced category, with more passive investment options, requires NZD $10 million. Growth investors benefit from a shorter three-year investment period and less required time spent in New Zealand.

Find out more about the Active Investor Plus visa.

National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited is the investor shopfront for private capital investments into public infrastructure and the centre of expertise on the funding and financing of New Zealand infrastructure, including the point of contact for investors submitting Market Led Proposals for innovative investment solutions.

Let us know if you need help with contacting the right person in relation to Infrastructure investment opportunities.

Are there tax incentives for investing in New Zealand?

Although there are no broad monetary incentives for investors, there may be grants available dependent on your sector of operation or R&D efforts.

Some examples of government funding available in New Zealand include:

• The Investment Boost is a 20% bonus deduction on the cost of most new depreciable assets (machinery, equipment, vehicles, and new commercial or industrial buildings) on top of normal depreciation for any business that pays tax in New Zealand, including foreign-owned subsidiaries.
• The Research and Development Tax Incentive supports R&D expenditure in New Zealand by providing a 15% tax credit on eligible R&D costs.
• The Primary Sector Growth Fund is a public - private co-investment fund that helps primary sector businesses.
• The Waste Minimisation Fund is for investing in waste minimisation projects.
• New Zealand’s Screen Production Grant (NZSPG) is for international film productions.

Please note this list is not exhaustive. Get in touch and we can help guide you through the potential incentives offered across New Zealand’s Government agencies.

Overseas people without a residence class visa cannot usually buy a house or land in New Zealand. If you hold a residence class visa you may be able to buy property without restrictions or be granted consent by the Overseas Investment Office (conditions may apply). For more detail please visit the OIO website.

Investment into New Zealand businesses or managed funds that are engaged in the acquisition, development, ownership, leasing, management or operation of property assets is welcome but may be subject to Overseas Investment Office approval noted above.

Whilst the New Zealand government does not typically engage in the direct acquisition of a New Zealand business you are welcome to connect with a New Zealand based business broker to explore buying a business or franchise.

Note that any acquisition of a New Zealand business by a foreign buyer may be subject to Overseas Investment Office approval noted above.

We’re the easiest country in the world to do business in, because there are few restrictions on establishing, owning and operating a business here. In fact, the process of reserving a name and incorporating your company can be completed in a matter of hours. Visit the New Zealand Companies Office to begin the process.

We have great relationships with many professional service firms in New Zealand who all specialise in different areas. Send us a general enquiry explaining your needs so we can help point you in the right direction.

Absolutely! Our team consists of dedicated, investment professionals who have operated previously in the private sector. We understand and respect client confidentiality.

With honesty and trust as core characters, we operate in the best interests of our customers, value great communications and have well-developed systems in place to ensure the confidentiality and safety of your information. We ask that you tell us when your information is confidential and/or commercially sensitive so that we can treat it accordingly.