Immigration - Parry Field Lawyers

In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of enquiries from Japanese companies regarding expansion into New Zealand (NZ). While overseas expansion was previously more common among large corporations, enquiries are now increasingly coming from owner-operated businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups.

There are various ways Japanese companies enter the NZ market. Some establish a small local subsidiary as an overseas base for their Japanese parent company and begin by dispatching one representative from Japan to conduct market research and business development activities. Others acquire existing local businesses, such as restaurants or retail stores, and leave day-to-day operations to local staff.

This article outlines some of the key practical considerations Japanese companies commonly face when expanding into NZ, particularly in relation to company establishment, business acquisitions and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), and visa options.

Methods of Entering the New Zealand Market

There are several ways Japanese companies can establish a presence in NZ. Broadly speaking, however, they generally fall into two categories: establishing a new company, or acquiring an existing NZ business.

In the case of a new establishment, a company is incorporated in NZ and used as the base for business operations. Alternatively, an existing NZ business may be acquired, allowing the purchaser to take over an already operating business.

Which option is more suitable depends on various factors, including the industry, budget, speed of market entry, and visa strategy.

Difference Between a Subsidiary and a Branch

When establishing a presence in NZ, one of the first considerations is whether to establish a local subsidiary or operate through a branch.

A subsidiary involves incorporating a separate legal entity in NZ. In most cases, this takes the form of a limited liability company. The NZ subsidiary is treated as a separate legal entity from the Japanese parent company.

This is the most common structure used in NZ, and in practice it is often easier for local subsidiaries to open bank accounts and enter into agreements with local counterparties. A subsidiary structure may also be more suitable where the company intends to hire local staff or expand its business operations in NZ over time.

By contrast, a branch operates as an extension of the Japanese parent company. Rather than establishing a separate NZ company, the Japanese company registers itself in NZ as an “Overseas Company”.

A branch structure can be advantageous where the Japanese head office wishes to maintain closer control over operations. However, contractual and legal liabilities may extend directly to the Japanese parent company. In addition, some banks and counterparties may prefer dealing with a locally incorporated NZ entity, rather than a branch.

Ultimately, the decision between a subsidiary and a branch is not simply a legal or corporate structuring issue. It is often closely connected to the Japanese parent company’s tax, accounting, and broader group strategy. In practice, these matters are commonly considered together with Japanese tax advisers and NZ accountants.

Company Incorporation Process

In NZ, companies are incorporated online through the New Zealand Companies Office website.

The process begins with selecting and reserving a company name after confirming that no similar name already exists. Formal incorporation documents are then lodged, including information relating to the company’s directors and shareholders.

One important point is the director residency requirement. An NZ company must have at least one director who either resides in NZ, or resides in Australia and is also a director of an Australian company.

There is no minimum capital requirement in NZ. A company may also be incorporated without adopting its own constitution, in which case the default rules under the Companies Act 1993 will apply. If multiple shareholders are to be involved, such as in a joint venture with a local company, a shareholder agreement may become important.

Compared with Japan, the incorporation process itself is relatively straightforward. However, due to strengthened AML (anti-money laundering) requirements in recent years, opening a bank account can sometimes take considerable time. In particular, directors are often required to attend the local bank in person as part of the verification process.

It is also necessary to obtain an IRD number (tax number) after incorporation. In addition, NZ has a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST), and GST registration is generally required where annual turnover is expected to exceed NZD 60,000.

For more on Company Basics in NZ, read our guide here.

Business Acquisition as an Alternative

When people think about entering the NZ market, they often imagine establishing a new company from scratch. In practice, however, acquiring an existing business is also very common.

This is particularly the case for restaurants, cafés, retail stores, cleaning businesses, and other service-based businesses.

An important distinction in NZ is that “buying a business” is not necessarily the same as “buying a company”.

In NZ, a structure commonly referred to as a “Business Purchase” is frequently used. Under this structure, the purchaser acquires business assets such as plant and equipment, stock, customers, goodwill, and operating assets, rather than purchasing the company itself.

One advantage of this structure is that it may reduce the risk of inheriting the seller company’s historical liabilities or tax issues. However, certain agreements — such as key operating contracts, leases and franchise agreements — may still require supplier, customer, landlord or franchisor consent before they can be transferred to the purchaser.

M&A (Share Purchase)

By contrast, in a Share Purchase transaction, the purchaser acquires the shares in the company itself.

One benefit of this structure is that contractual relationships, customer arrangements, and employment relationships can often continue with minimal disruption. Share Purchases are commonly used where the target business operates multiple sites or has a more complex business structure.

However, because the purchaser acquires the company itself, there is also a risk of inheriting historical tax liabilities, employment issues, off-balance-sheet liabilities, and litigation risks.

For this reason, due diligence (DD) is extremely important in Share Purchase transactions. In addition, where there are multiple shareholders involved, a new constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement for the existing company may also become important.

One important distinction between a Business Purchase and a Share Purchase is the structure through which the NZ operations will be carried on. In a Business Purchase transaction, the purchaser will generally need to establish either a subsidiary or a branch through which the business assets are acquired and operated. By contrast, in a Share Purchase transaction, the acquired company itself may continue operating as the purchaser’s NZ subsidiary, meaning that it may not be necessary to establish a separate NZ entity.

In practice, smaller transactions often proceed as Business Purchases, whereas larger or more complex transactions are more likely to proceed as Share Purchases.

NZ Expansion and Visa Considerations

When entering the NZ market, companies must consider not only how the business will operate, but also who will be sent to NZ.

One visa category commonly used during the initial stages of expansion is the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV).

The SPWV is used where a person comes to NZ for a specific purpose or event. It is commonly used for expatriate or representative-style arrangements, including market research, establishment of local subsidiaries or branches, and project management activities.

On the other hand, once the business becomes more established and the company wishes to continuously employ overseas personnel, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework may become relevant.

Under the AEWV system, the NZ employer must first obtain Accredited Employer status from Immigration New Zealand and satisfy various requirements, including appropriate employment agreements and market-rate remuneration. In particular, where companies intend to recruit migrant workers, including Japanese nationals holding temporary visas, the AEWV is often the primary visa pathway used in practice.

Conclusion

Expanding into NZ is no longer limited to large corporations. In recent years, we have increasingly seen smaller businesses and owner-operated companies exploring opportunities in the NZ market.

At the same time, company establishment, business acquisitions, M&A, visas, tax, property and employment law issues are all closely interconnected. The way these matters are structured at the beginning can significantly affect the success and efficiency of future operations.

For Japanese companies in particular, there are often additional considerations arising from the relationship with the Japanese parent company and the use of expatriate staff. For this reason, it is generally advisable to seek NZ professional advice at an early stage of the process.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided may not be applicable to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent advice from a qualified New Zealand lawyer before making any investment or immigration decisions.

Please feel free to contact us by email immigration@parryfield.com or by phone 03 348 8480.

May 2026

近年、日本企業からニュージーランド進出に関するご相談が増えています。以前は大企業による進出が中心でしたが、最近ではオーナー企業や中小企業、スタートアップなどからの問い合わせも多くなっています。

進出方法として、日本本社の海外拠点として小規模な現地法人を立ち上げて、日本から代表者1名を派遣し市場調査や営業活動から始めるケースや、現地の飲食店や小売事業を買収し現地スタッフに運営を任せるケースなどもみられます。

本記事では、日本企業がNZへ進出する際によく検討される「会社設立」「ビジネス購入・M&A」「ビザ」について、実務上のポイントを交えながら解説します。

ニュージーランド進出の方法

日本企業がNZへ進出する方法はいくつかありますが、実務上は大きく分けて、「新たに会社を設立する方法」と、「既存のNZビジネスを取得する方法」に分かれます。

新規設立の場合は、NZ国内に新たな会社を作り、そこを拠点として営業活動を行います。一方で、既存のビジネスを購入する場合には、すでに運営されている店舗や事業を引き継ぐ形になります。どちらが適しているかは、業種や予算、進出スピード、ビザ戦略などによって大きく異なります。

現地法人と支店の違い

NZへ新規進出する場合、まず検討されるのが「現地法人（Subsidiary）」にするか、「支店（Branch）」にするかという点です。

現地法人の場合、NZに独立した法人を設立します。一般的には “Limited Liability Company” という形態が利用され、日本法人とは別の法人として扱われます。NZ国内では最も一般的な形態であり、銀行口座開設や取引先との契約においても比較的スムーズに進むことが多い印象があります。また、将来的に現地スタッフを雇用したり、事業を拡大したりすることを考えると、現地法人の方が運営しやすいケースも多く見られます。

一方で、支店は日本法人の延長としてNZで活動する形になります。NZ法人を別途設立するわけではなく、日本法人が “Overseas Company” としてNZ国内で登録されます。支店形態は、日本本社主導で管理しやすいというメリットがありますが、契約上や法的責任の面では、日本本社側に影響が及ぶ可能性があります。また、銀行や取引先によっては、支店より現地法人を好むケースもあります。

現地法人と支店のどちらが適切かは、単純な会社設立の問題ではなく、日本本社側の税務・会計・グループ戦略とも密接に関係します。実際には、日本側税理士やNZ会計士を含めて検討されるケースが一般的です。

会社設立の流れ

NZで会社を設立する場合、NZ会社登記局（New Zealand Companies Office）のウェブサイトからオンラインにて申請します。

最初に会社名を決めることになりますが、すでに類似した名称の会社がないかどうかを確認し、社名を予約するための申請を行います。その後、正式な会社設立の手続きを行い、取締役（Director）や株主（Shareholder）などの情報を登録します。なお、ここで重要なのがDirectorの居住要件です。NZ会社では、少なくとも1名のDirectorがNZに居住しているか、またはオーストラリアに居住し、かつオーストラリア会社のDirectorである必要があります。

最低資本金についての制限はありません。定款がなくても設立できますが、定款がない場合は、会社法のデフォルトルールに従うことになります。また、現地企業とのジョイントベンチャー（Joint Venture）を行う場合など、株主が複数いるケースでは、株主間契約（Shareholder Agreement）が重要になることもあります。

日本と比較すると設立手続自体は比較的シンプルですが、近年はAML（マネーロンダリング対策）の強化により、銀行口座開設など時間を要することがあり、特に銀行口座開設時には、Director本人が現地銀行へ直接出向くよう求められるケースも多くみられます。

また、会社設立時には税金番号（IRD Number）の取得も行う必要があります。なお、NZではGST（消費税）が15%あり、年間でNZD 60,000以上の売上が見込まれる場合にはGST登録も併せて必要になります。

ビジネス購入という選択肢

NZ進出というと、「会社を作って一から始める」というイメージを持たれる方も多いのですが、実際には既存ビジネスを購入するケースが多く見られます。特に飲食店、カフェ、小売、清掃業などでは、すでに営業中のビジネス権を買収する形が一般的です。ここで重要なのは、「ビジネスを買う」ことと、「会社を買う」ことは必ずしも同じではないという点です。

NZでは、Business Purchaseと呼ばれる形態がよく利用されます。これは、店舗設備や在庫、顧客、営業権などの「事業資産」を取得するものであり、会社そのものを取得するわけではありません。

そのため、売主会社の過去の債務や税務問題などを引き継ぐリスクをある程度限定できるというメリットがあります。一方で、既存のリース契約、フランチャイズ契約や重要な取引契約などについては、別途、大家（Landlord）、フランチャイズオーナー（Franchisor）、取引先から承諾や契約引継ぎが必要になる場合があります。

M&A（Share Purchase）

これに対し、M&A、特にShare Purchaseでは、会社の株式そのものを取得します。この場合、契約関係や顧客、雇用関係などを比較的スムーズに引き継げるというメリットがあります。複数店舗を持つ事業などでは、Share Purchaseが選択されることが多いようです。

ただし、会社そのものを取得する以上、過去の税務問題や労務問題、簿外債務、過去事案の訴訟リスクなども含めて承継してしまう可能性があります。そのため、Share PurchaseではDue Diligence（DD）が非常に重要になります。また、株主が複数いる場合は、株主間契約（Shareholder Agreement）の作成が重要になるケースもあります。

Business PurchaseとShare Purchaseの大きな違いの一つとして、NZ事業をどのような形で保有・運営するかという点があります。Business Purchaseの場合、通常は買主側でNZ法人や支店を設立した上で、その法人を通じて事業資産を取得・運営することになります。一方で、Share Purchaseの場合は、買収対象会社そのものをNZ拠点として利用し、そのまま事業を継続することが可能です。

実務上、日本企業がNZ進出する際には、比較的小規模な案件ではBusiness Purchase、大規模または複雑な案件ではShare Purchaseが利用される傾向があります。

NZ進出とビザ

NZ進出では、「どのような形で事業を始めるか」と同時に、「誰をNZへ派遣するか」も重要なテーマになります。

進出初期によく利用されるのが、Specific Purpose Work Visa（SPWV）です。SPWVは、特定の目的のためにNZで活動する場合に利用されるビザであり、いわゆる駐在員用のビザでもあり、市場調査、現地法人立ち上げ、支店設立、プロジェクト管理などで幅広く利用されています。「まだ本格的な営業は始まっていないが、まず代表者を送りたい」というケースでは、SPWVが検討されます。従業員数が少ない日本企業であっても、事業計画や資金状況、進出の合理性などによっては取得可能性があります。

一方で、事業が本格化し、海外からの人材を継続的に雇用する段階になると、AEWV（Accredited Employer Work Visa）が利用されます。AEWVでは、NZ側雇用主がニュージーランド移民局から認証雇用主（Accredited Employer）としての認可を取得した上で、適切な雇用契約や市場賃金などの条件を満たす必要があります。特に、一時ビザを保有する日本人を含む移民人材の採用を進める場合には、AEWVが中心となるケースが多くみられます。

まとめ

NZ進出は、必ずしも大企業だけのものではありません。近年では、中小企業やオーナー企業による小規模進出も増えています。

もっとも、会社設立、ビジネス購入、M&A、ビザ、税務、雇用法などは相互に関係しており、進出初期の設計によって、その後の運営が大きく変わることもあります。

特に日本企業の場合、日本本社との関係や駐在員派遣など、日本特有の事情も絡むため、早い段階でNZ側の専門家へ相談しながら進めることが重要といえるでしょう。

本記事は一般的な情報提供のみを目的としており、法的助言を構成するものではありません。個別の事情によって適用関係は異なるため、ご判断を行う前に、必ずニュージーランドの有資格弁護士へご相談ください。

ご相談は、shimpeisato@parryfield.com / https://www.parryfield.com/home/contact/ 03 348 8480 にお問い合わせください。

2026年5月時点

For many people, the idea of philanthropy and immigration feel like separate worlds. But under New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa, they can go hand in hand. If you are looking to relocate to New Zealand and want your investment to do some good along the way, this visa pathway is worth understanding.

What Is the Active Investor Plus Visa?

The Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa is designed for wealthy individuals who want to invest in New Zealand and, in return, gain the right to live here indefinitely. It is open not just to the applicant but also to their partner and dependent children aged 24 and under. As with most residence visas, applicants need to be of good health and character and be considered a fit and proper person.

Two Ways to Invest

There are two categories under this visa, and the one that allows philanthropic donations is the Balanced Category.

The Growth Category requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million, which must go into managed funds or direct investments into New Zealand businesses. Philanthropy is not an option under this category.

The Balanced Category requires a minimum of NZD $10 million but opens the door to a much wider range of investments, including listed equities, bonds, property development, managed funds, direct investments and, importantly, philanthropy.

Note that previously, there was a maximum cap of $7.5 million for philanthropy, but now the total required investment can be invested into philanthropy.

The different requirements for both categories can be seen in this table below.

	Growth Category	Balanced Category
Minimum investment	NZD $5 million	NZD $10 million
Acceptable investments	Managed funds, direct investments	Listed equities, philanthropy, bonds, property development, managed funds, direct investments
Time to invest	6 months from Approval in Principle (with option to extend 6 months)	6 months from Approval in Principle (with option to extend 6 months)
Retention period	36 months	60 months
Time in New Zealand	Minimum 21 days over investment period	Minimum 105 days over investment period (reductions available)
Checkpoints	24 and 36 months	24 and 60 months

What Counts as a Philanthropic Investment?

Not every charitable donation will qualify. It must meet the criteria set out in the immigration operational manual instructions. To be considered an acceptable investment for the purposes of the Balanced Category, the funds donated as part of this visa must go to organisations that are a registered charity with at least two years of annual returns filed, and that hold current Inland Revenue donee status.

Donee status is granted by Inland Revenue to organisations that use at least 75% of their funds on charitable or public good purposes within New Zealand. It is the same status that makes donations tax-deductible for ordinary New Zealanders, so it is considered an indicator of legitimacy.

One thing to be aware of is that Immigration New Zealand does not maintain a list of approved charities for this purpose. That means the responsibility sits with you and your advisers to confirm that any organisation you intend to support meets both criteria before funds are committed.

A Meaningful Way to Invest

For investors who are drawn to giving back, the Balanced Category offers an opportunity to combine residency with purpose. New Zealand has a strong charitable sector, and directing a portion of a $10 million investment toward an established, compliant charity is a rewarding way to meet the visa requirements.

You can find out more details on the New Zealand immigration, and trade and enterprise websites.

If you are considering this pathway and want to understand how philanthropic giving might fit into your overall investment structure, we would be happy to help you work through the detail. You can reach out to our experienced team here.

技能移民カテゴリーの 6ポイント制とは

2023年10月に6ポイント制の技能移民カテゴリー（Skilled Migrant Category: SMC）が始まって以降、現在のニュージーランド永住権は、「6ポイント制」に基づいて審査されます。SMCでは、主に以下の2つを組み合わせて、合計6ポイントを満たす必要があります。

以下のいずれかによるポイント（3〜6ポイント）

ニュージーランドの登録資格（occupational registration）：3〜6ポイント
学歴（Bachelor、Master、PhD等）：3〜6ポイント
高収入（中央賃金の1.5倍から3倍以上）：3〜6ポイント

ニュージーランド国内での skilled work experience（1〜3ポイント）

1年：1ポイント
2年：2ポイント
3年：3ポイント

例えば、学士号・大卒資格（Bachelor degree）で3ポイント取得＋NZ国内で3年間の skilled work experience を積むことで、合計6ポイントを満たすことができます。また、修士号（Master degree/MBA等）で5ポイント＋NZ国内で1年間の skilled work experience や、特定の registration により単独で6ポイントを満たすケースもあります。

ただし、ポイントを満たしていても、それだけで永住権が認められるわけではありません。別途、ニュージーランド移民局（Immigration New Zealand: INZ）は以下の要件についても詳細に審査します。

技能職としての職務経験（skilled work experience）
収入/賃金
job description と ANZSCO の整合性
登録資格または免許（registration / licence）
英語要件
健康・character 要件

本記事では、特に skilled work experience を利用するケースを中心に、SMC申請でよく問題となるポイントを解説します。

2026年5月時点

Skilled Work Experience の注意点

上記で説明したポイント制度の通り、多くの申請者は、永住権を得るためにニュージーランド国内で1年から3年の技能職としての職務経験（skilled work experience）を積む必要があります。

多くの方は、自分は収入要件を満たしている、十分な職務経験を得ている、技能職としての雇用（skilled employment）に就いている、登録資格や免許（registration/licence）を持っていると思って相談に来られます。しかし、実際に確認してみると、INZの要件を満たしていなかったというケースがあります。SMCは一見シンプルに見えますが、実際には細かい要件が多く、注意が必要です。

a. 収入

申請時点の賃金が重要です。年収制の場合、単純に年収だけを見るのではなく、契約上の最大労働時間から時給換算されます。また、allowance、commission、bonus などは、必ずしも remuneration calculation に含められません。つまり、基本給だけでは要件を満たさない場合、追加手当で補えると思っているとリスクがあります。

現時点（2026年5月時点）では、SMCの current job / job offer は、ANZSCO 1–3なら $35.00/hr以上、ANZSCO 4–5なら $52.50/hr以上 が必要です。

b. NZ国内の skilled work experience

SMCでは、ポイント算定上の skilled work experience として認められるのは、ニュージーランド国内での職務経験のみです。したがって、海外での職歴は対象になりません。

また、3ポイントを認めてもらう場合は、例えば「直近60か月以内に36か月以上」のように、一定の期間内で経験を積んでいる必要があります。さらに、その職歴が本当に “skilled” と評価される必要があります。単にフルタイムで働いていた、ビザがあった、職名がそれらしい、というだけでは足りません。

なお、資格が必要なskilled work experienceでポイントを主張する場合、その registrationやlicence を取得後の work experience しか使えない点も重要です。

Skilled Employment

現在の雇用または job offer は、INZから認定された雇用主（Accredited Employer）からのものである必要があります。

雇用は full-time、つまり週30時間以上で、原則として permanent または12か月以上の fixed-term、または6か月以上継続する契約である必要があります。

なお、職名（Job title）だけでは判断されず、INZは実際の職務内容（Job description）を見て、ANZSCO上の職種とその内容が、実質的に一致（substantial match）するかを確認します。また、その職種に通常必要とされる資格・経験を本人が有しているか（suitably qualified）どうかも見られます。

また、INZは employment agreement の内容だけでなく、実際の業務内容についても確認する場合があります。申請内容によっては、組織図（organisation chart）、給与記録（payslip）、IRD records、bank statements、雇用主への照会などが行われることもしばしばあります。

Registration/Licence

職種によっては、NZで働くために registration が必要です。この場合、full registration が求められるケースが多く、いわゆる暫定資格（provisional / limited licence）のみでは要件を満たさない場合があります。

一方で、資格そのものによりポイント取得が認められる職業資格もあります。それらは、INZの該当リスト上で認められる登録資格（occupational registration）である必要があります。https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/resident-visas-to-live-in-new-zealand/skilled-residence-pathways-in-new-zealand/skilled-migrant-category-pathway-to-residence/claiming-skilled-resident-points-from-occupational-registration/

SMC Interim Visa

SMC申請中にワークビザなどの一時ビザ（Temporary class visa）が切れる場合で、新しい一時ビザを申請していなければ、SMC暫定ビザ（SMC Interim Visa ）が発行される可能性があります。

ただし、INZは、SMC申請中に現在のビザが切れそうなら、別途、ワークビザやビジタービザなどの一時ビザを申請しておくことを推奨しています。interim visa では条件面での柔軟性が低く、もしSMCが却下された場合のリスクも大きいためです。

最近の変更点・補足

2026年8月後半から、SMCにさらに変更が入る予定です。INZは、Trades and Technician pathway、Red / Amber list、賃金設定の簡素化、資格要件の明確化、英語テスト有効期間の一部延長、会計士の occupational registration 追加などを発表しています。

特に重要なのは、2026年8月以降、一定の場合に「申請時点でさらに高い賃金に上がっていなければならない」という要件が緩和され、必要なNZ職歴期間中に同じ median wage rate を維持すればよい方向になる点です。

まとめ

SMC（技能移民カテゴリー）の6ポイント制は、以前の制度よりシンプルになったと言われていますが、実際には賃金、職務内容、職歴、資格、雇用条件など、細かな制度要件があります。特に、「年収が高いから大丈夫」「managerだからskilled」「NZで働いていたからポイントが取れる」と考えていたものの、実際にはINZの要件を満たしていなかった、というケースは少なくありません。

また、2026年後半以降も制度変更が予定されており、今後さらに実務上の注意点が変わる可能性があります。

SMC申請を検討されている場合は、早い段階で、現在の employment や将来のキャリアプランが residency pathway に適合しているか確認することをおすすめします。

本記事は一般的な情報提供のみを目的としており、法的助言を構成するものではありません。個別の事情によって適用関係は異なるため、投資または移民に関する判断を行う前に、必ずニュージーランドの有資格弁護士へご相談ください。

ご相談は、shimpeisato@parryfield.com / immigration@parryfield.com または 03 348 8480 にお問い合わせください。

強制退去は、ニュージーランド移民法上、最も重大な行政処分の一つです。一時ビザ保持者、永住権保持者のいずれにも影響を及ぼし得るものであり、本人のみならず、家族や仕事にも大きな影響を与える可能性があります。

近年、強制退去を巡る法制度は重要な変更を受けており、さらに追加の法改正も提案されています。特に、Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Act 2025およびImmigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Billは、より厳格な執行と裁量的救済への依存縮小という明確な政策転換を示しています。

当事務所の移民チームでは、移民の方々を支援するため、各種情報、ガイド、動画等を提供しています。その一環として、移民に影響を及ぼす可能性のある法改正や制度変更についても随時情報発信を行っています。近年特に注目されているテーマの一つが「強制退去（Deportation）」です。

本稿では、Immigration Act 2009に基づく現行の強制退去制度を概説するとともに、今後の実務に大きな影響を与える主要な変更点について解説します。

2026年5月時点:

Immigration Act 2009 – 現行の強制退去制度

ニュージーランドにおける強制退去制度はImmigration Act 2009に基づいており、保持しているビザの種類によって適用されるルールが大きく異なります。

永住権（Residence class visa）保持者については、主に同法Section 161に基づき、強制退去の可否が判断されます。重要な判断要素は、犯罪の重大性と、永住権取得からの経過期間です。一般的に、永住権取得からの期間が短いほど、より低い基準で強制退去の対象となります。

例えば、永住権取得から2年以内に犯罪を犯した場合、その犯罪について3か月以上の禁固刑が科され得るものであれば、強制退去の対象となる可能性があります。ここで重要なのは、実際に科された刑罰ではなく、その犯罪について法律上定められている最大刑が基準となる点です。そのため、最終的に裁判所が罰金刑のみを科した場合であっても、その犯罪について3か月以上の禁固刑が法律上予定されている場合には、強制退去の対象となる可能性があります。

比較的身近な例としては、Land Transport Act 1998に基づく飲酒運転や、過失運転による傷害などがあります。これらの違反であっても、有罪判決を受けた場合には、強制退去の対象となる可能性があります。

これに対し、ワークビザや学生ビザなどの一時ビザ保持者（Temporary entry class visa）については、Immigration Act 2009 Section 157に基づき、移民大臣が「十分な理由（sufficient reason）」があると判断した場合、強制退去の対象となります。この権限は非常に広範であり、犯罪の重大性による制限はありません。「sufficient reason」には、ビザ条件違反、犯罪行為、ビザ申請時に虚偽または誤解を招く情報の提供などが含まれます。特に重要なのは、一時ビザの場合、犯罪の重さについて最低基準が設けられていないため、比較的軽微な違反であっても強制退去の対象となり得る点です。

ニュージーランド移民局（Immigration New Zealand: INZ）が、その人物が強制退去の対象となる可能性があると判断した場合に発行する通知書を、Deportation Liability Notice（DLN）といいます。DLNが発行された場合、利用可能な手続は、保持しているビザの種類によって異なります。

永住権保持者については、DLN送達日から28日以内に、Immigration and Protection Tribunal（IPT）に対して人道的理由（Humanitarian Ground）によるアピールを行うことができます。また、難民または保護対象者に該当する場合には、追加的なアピール権が認められる場合があります。

一時ビザ保持者については、DLN送達日から14日以内に、強制退去が行われるべきでない「正当な理由（good reason）」を移民局に提出することができます。さらに、DLN送達日から28日以内に、IPTに対してHumanitarian Groundに基づくアピールを行うことも可能です。Humanitarian Groundによるアピールが認められるためには、人道的観点から例外的事情が存在し、強制退去が不当または過度に過酷であり、さらにニュージーランドへの滞在を認めることが公共の利益に反しないことを示す必要があります。

Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Act 2025 (partly effective 27 May 2026)

(2026年5月27日一部施行）

本改正法は、特に永住権保持者に対する強制退去の判断基準について、大きな変更を導入します。

従来、Section 161に基づく強制退去の対象となるためには、「有罪判決を受けた（convicted）」が必要でした。しかし、今回の改正により、「有罪認定：裁判により有罪と認定された（found guilty）」および「有罪答弁：自身が有罪を認めた（pleaded guilty）」も対象に含まれることになります。この変更により、正式な有罪判決が記録される前の段階であっても、強制退去の対象となる可能性が生じます。

例えば、刑事手続の早い段階で罪を認めた場合や、争われた審理の結果として有罪認定を受けた場合には、その後に裁判所がDischarge without Conviction（有罪認定はするが有罪判決は記録しない処分）を認めたとしても、移民法上は強制退去の対象となる可能性があります。つまり、正式なconvictionが記録されていなくても、移民法上は強制退去の基準を満たすのに十分とされることになります。

これは、従来一定程度有効であった「convictionを回避することで移民上の影響を避ける」という戦略の有効性を大きく低下させる改正といえます。

Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill

2026年3月18日に公表された本改正法案では、強制退去制度のさらなる厳格化が提案されています。

最も重要な提案の一つは、一部の一時ビザ保持者に対するHumanitarian Groundによるアピール権の制限です。現時点では法案の適用範囲について議論の余地がありますが、Visitor Visa保持者全員に加え、有罪判決、有罪認定、または有罪答弁をしたWork Visa保持者およびStudent Visa保持者については、IPTに対するHumanitarian Groundによるアピールが利用できなくなる可能性があります。これが実施された場合、一時ビザ保持者に対する人道的救済の範囲は大幅に縮小されることになります。

さらに、本法案では、永住権保持者に対する強制退去可能期間の延長も提案されています。現行法では、永住権取得から10年が経過した後は、強制退去は大きく制限されています。しかし、本法案ではこの期間を20年へ延長することが提案されており、長期滞在者であっても、重大犯罪を犯した場合にはより長期間にわたり強制退去の対象となる可能性があります。

なお、本法案は2026年5月時点ではまだ成立しておらず、今後の立法過程において内容が変更される可能性があります。

まとめ

これらの改正は、ニュージーランドの移民政策が、より厳格かつ執行重視の方向へ大きく転換していることを示しています。

2025年改正法は、強制退去の基準を「有罪判決ベース」から「有罪認定・有罪答弁ベース」へと変更することで、強制退去のハードルを引き下げました。同時に、今回提案されている改正法案は、一部の一時ビザ保持者に対する人道的救済の範囲を縮小し、長期滞在者に対する強制退去リスクを拡大するものとなっています。

その結果、移民上の問題は、刑事手続のより早い段階で発生する可能性があります。実務上は、起訴段階や有罪答弁の判断が、重大な移民上の影響を直ちに引き起こし得ることを意味します。

これらの法改正は、ニュージーランド政府が移民制度の健全性維持と公共の安全・国家安全保障を重視していることを示しています。一方で、人道的アピールの制限を含め、移民法の執行と個人の権利保護とのバランスについて、新たな議論を生じさせるものでもあります。特に刑事手続が関係する場合には、できる限り早い段階で専門家から法的助言を受けることが、これまで以上に重要になっています。

ご相談は、shimpeisato@parryfield.com / immigration@parryfield.com または 03 348 8480 にお問い合わせください。

Deportation is one of the most serious consequences under New Zealand immigration law. It can affect both temporary visa holders and residence class visa holders, often with significant personal and professional implications.

In recent years, the legal framework governing deportation has undergone important changes, with further reforms currently proposed. In particular, the Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Act 2025 and the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill signal a clear shift towards stricter enforcement and reduced reliance on discretionary relief.

Our immigration team is very active supporting migrants and provide free information, guides and videos here. As part of this commitment to support migrants, we comment on recent changes related to deportation. This article outlines the current deportation framework under the Immigration Act 2009 and highlights key changes that will affect how deportation risk is assessed in practice.

As of 20 March 2026:

Immigration Act 2009 – Current Deportation Framework

Deportation in New Zealand is governed by the Immigration Act 2009, and the applicable rules differ significantly depending on the type of visa held.

For residence class visa holders, deportation liability is primarily determined under section 161 of this Act. The key factors are the seriousness of the offending and the length of time since the person was granted residence. In general, the shorter the time since residence was granted, the lower the threshold for deportation.

For example, if a person commits an offence within two years of obtaining a residence visa, they may become liable for deportation if the offence is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three months or more. Importantly, the focus is not on the sentence actually imposed, but on the maximum penalty available for the offence. This means that even where the court ultimately imposes only a fine, the person may still fall within the deportation threshold if the offence is punishable by imprisonment of three months or more.

Common examples include relatively everyday offending such as drink driving or careless driving causing injury under the Land Transport Act 1998. These offences can carry sufficient penalties to trigger deportation liability if a person is convicted.

By contrast, temporary visa holders are subject to section 157 of the Immigration Act 2009, under which the Minister may deport a person if there is a “sufficient reason”. This is a broad discretionary power and is not limited by the seriousness of the offending. “Sufficient reason” may include breach of visa conditions, criminal offending, or concealing relevant information in a visa application. Notably, there is no minimum threshold of offending, meaning that even relatively minor conduct may result in deportation.

Where a Deportation Liability Notice (DLN) is issued, the available options depend on the type of visa held. For residence class visa holders, the individual may appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) within 28 days of the DLN on humanitarian grounds. If the person is a refugee or protected person, additional appeal rights may also arise.

For temporary visa holders, the individual has 14 days from the date of service of the DLN to give good reason why deportation should not proceed. In addition, they may appeal to the IPT within 28 days of the date of service of the DLN on humanitarian grounds.

A humanitarian appeal will only succeed where there are exceptional circumstances of a humanitarian nature, deportation would be unjust or unduly harsh and allowing the person to remain would not be contrary to the public interest.

Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Act 2025 (partly effective 27 May 2026)

The Amendment Act 2025 introduces a significant shift in how deportation liability is assessed, particularly for residence class visa holders.

Previously, deportation liability under section 161 required that a person be “convicted” of an offence. Under the amendment, this threshold is expanded to include situations where a person has been “found guilty” or has “pleaded guilty”. This change means that deportation liability may arise at an earlier stage in the criminal process, before a formal conviction is entered.

For example, where a person pleads guilty at an early stage, or is found guilty following a defended hearing, deportation liability may arise even if the court later grants a discharge without conviction. In such cases, although no conviction is formally recorded, the finding or admission of guilt is sufficient for immigration purposes.

This represents a material shift away from reliance on sentencing outcomes, and reduces the effectiveness of strategies that previously focused on avoiding a recorded conviction.

Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill

The Amendment Bill, announced on 18 March 2026, proposes further tightening of the deportation framework.

One of the most significant proposed changes relates to the restriction of access to humanitarian appeals for certain temporary visa holders. While the scope of the reform remains subject to discussion, it is arguable that the Bill would prevent all visitor visa holders, as well as work visa and student visa holders who have been convicted, found guilty, or have pleaded guilty, from bringing an appeal to the IPT on humanitarian grounds. If implemented, this would represent a substantial reduction in the availability of humanitarian relief for temporary migrants.

In addition, the Bill proposes extending the period during which residence class visa holders may be deported. Under the current law, deportation becomes restricted after a person has held a residence visa for 10 years. The Bill proposes to extend this period to 20 years, thereby enabling the deportation of long-term residents who commit serious offences over a longer timeframe.

Conclusion

Taken together, these developments represent a clear shift in New Zealand’s immigration policy towards a stricter and more enforcement-focused deportation regime.

The introduction of the 2025 Amendment Act marks a significant shift by lowering the threshold for deportation by moving from a conviction-based system to one based on findings or admissions of guilt. At the same time, the proposed Amendment Bill seeks to tighten the deportation framework by reducing in access to humanitarian relief for certain temporary visa holders and extending deportation exposure for long-term residents.

As a result, immigration consequences may arise at a much earlier stage in the criminal process. In practice, this means that decisions made at the point of charge or plea can have immediate and significant immigration implications.

These legislative developments underscore New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its immigration system while addressing concerns about public safety and national security. However, they also raise important questions about the balance between enforcing immigration laws and safeguarding the rights of individuals, particularly in light of the proposed restrictions on humanitarian appeals.

Early legal advice, particularly where criminal proceedings are involved, is now more important than ever.

Please feel free to contact us by email immigration@parryfield.com or by phone 03 348 8480.

This post was written by Steven Moe, Partner at Parry Field Lawyers

I am an immigrant to New Zealand.

In this article I want to share some personal reflections on what it was like to move here and both the opportunities and challenges to be aware of.

This is relevant because in a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, we are seeing a lot of interest in New Zealand’s revamped Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa. This is also known as AIP visa and sometimes as the ‘Golden Visa’. For more information on the AIP visa, view our Information Hub here.

Recent data shows the programme’s simplified structure means there has been a 500% surge with 573 applications and $1.05 billion already invested, with an additional $2.34 billion expected soon. It opens up a possibility to move here, that was previously harder to access. But what is it like to move to Aotearoa New Zealand? I look at that below, but first let’s outline how the AIP visa works.

What are the key points for the AIP visa?

Our Immigration team is extremely active in this area and in this article we outline all the details on how the AIP visa works. In summary, the key points are:

There are two investment categories:
- Growth (minimum $5m) or
- Balanced (minimum $10m)
You need to spend 21 days over three years in NZ for Growth category and 105 days over five years for Balanced.
There are now no English language requirements.

Invest New Zealand was established less than a year ago and it exists as “an Autonomous Crown Entity dedicated to attracting and enabling high-quality foreign direct investment that supports long-term economic growth and productivity”. Resources from Invest New Zealand on this topic are here.

So, what should immigrants be aware of?

I was just eight years old when my family moved from America to New Zealand. This means I am not a typical immigrant as I did not come as an adult, and instead grew up in this culture and place.

We first arrived in a small rural town called Papakaio. When I say town, I should explain that I mean a sign and the local school where I went. Being that young means that I grew up across two cultures and, as a child, we also lived in other places such as Chile and back in California – but our family was always in love with this country and so I lived here until I was about 25 years old. I then did a 15-year ‘overseas experience’ in other parts of the world, before returning 10 years ago.

Steven with younger sister Natalie near Aoraki Mt Cook among lupins about 1984.

The positives are perhaps obvious: the scenery in Lord of the Rings is real, you can visit glaciers, lakes, mountains and the sea in one day. The contrasting seasons are a reminder of time passing and are each beautiful. There is good food and wine all produced here, the housing is cheaper than elsewhere (though expensive compared to local salaries), there are good education opportunities for children and at Universities. A lot of positives.

A few key things that it is good to go in with eyes open about:

Distance: Its just far away here and so after the initial honeymoon period of a few months or longer, you will start noticing things like “oh, we cannot just stop in for that important birthday party”, or worse, “that health diagnosis for my father is bad, I wish I was there to make a meal and sit with him”. This is when you realise that being far away from family is really hard.

Culture: You might think that because English is the main language spoken that the culture is also the same as other places, but that is not accurate. In fact, there is a lot that new immigrants need to learn about, such as the way to interact and do business. Typically this might involve listening more than speaking and my advice is to be very cautious of statements that start, “Well the way we do things back home is…”.

Friendships: It can take time to build up friendships here that go deeper than the superficial. This can be disconcerting as moving to a new country can be an unsettling time. This isn’t to say Kiwis are not friendly, it is just they want to see the measure of the person.

Māori relationships: Take time to understand the culture and you will find yourself changed. This is my own experience. It is more than saying “Kia ora”, though that is a great start. It is about realising that the intergenerational wisdom that comes from Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) just might affect all aspects of who we are, and how our businesses and organisations operate as well. If you’d like some books to start understanding this feel free to reach out (StevenMoe@parryfield.com) but one example is Huia come Home and I recommend the work of Tūmanako consultants here.

Connections and size: Because there are only a few million people, the entire country is the size of a medium-sized city in other places. This means that you can quickly get to know everyone and your reputation will precede you far more than in other places – this can be very good (or if you mistreat others, very bad!). It also means that unlike other places, if you go to an awards dinner or celebration you just might find that you are sitting near the Prime Minister or others in important positions and it is easier to access people who, in other places, you might have trouble meeting.

Ecosystems: Continuing the last point, it is important to engage with those involved in the same ecosystem and beyond. For me that has meant being part of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, as well as the Institute of Directors and the XRB Advisory Panel, Charities Services sector group, etc – I view each group I am part of as being like an Island and my job is to be a bridge of connection between them.

Home, and your attitude to the move: At some point you will need to make a decision about where you want to build a home. For my wife and I, we travelled for 15 years living in Tokyo, London, and Sydney, but finally realised with young children that we wanted to put down roots in a place so the children could build a sense of identity. We wanted to be somewhere we could contribute and have relationships for when we retire. For me this also involved renouncing my US citizenship and I am happy to share what that was like and why I did that a few years ago. The point is that if you are always thinking of where you came from as ‘home’ and the new place as a place you are visiting, then it will be hard to truly integrate well.

My hope is these reflections will help if you are considering coming to Aotearoa New Zealand. From my own experience it has been positive and I think it is a great place to be based from. You will always be a global citizen if you have lived in other places but you can start to build a life here too. If you would like more personal advice, then I have a commute each day and am very happy to connect and give you thoughts or answer any questions you may have.

How We Can Help

Moving to a new country can be a challenge. Our team of 100 across five offices combines expertise in immigration, commercial, legal structuring, and property to provide comprehensive guidance tailored to your needs.

Please note that this article is not a substitute for legal advice and contains personal reflections rather than any specific legal guidance. Please feel free to contact me by email at StevenMoe@parryfield.com or by phone 021 761 292.

Seeds Podcast Episode

To hear more, listen to this recent Seeds Podcast episode where Steven speaks with Associate, Rebecca Carruthers, who is an immigration specialist at Parry Field Lawyers about tips for moving to New Zealand as well as how the Active Investor Plus visa actually works.

Additional resources

For more reading from a variety of angles on this topic of the AIP and immigration we recommend the following sources:

Invest New Zealand website: https://www.nzte.govt.nz/page/invest-or-raise-capital-with-nzte

Beehive information with Government summary of recent statistics: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/active-investor-plus-delivers-3-billion-investment-new-zealand

Immigration NZ summary of the Visa: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/active-investor-plus-visa/

Icehouse Ventures with a guide from startups perspective: https://resources.icehouseventures.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-golden-visa-a-guide-to-the-active-investor-plus-aip-program?hs_amp=true

In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, we are seeing a lot of interest in New Zealand’s revamped Active Investor Plus visa (known as AIP and sometimes as the ‘Golden Visa’). For more information on the AIP visa, view our Information Hub here.

Recent data shows billions of dollars is coming in as offshore investors look to secure a place here by showing they are investing in local initiatives. In fact, the programme’s simplified structure means there has been a 500% surge in applications and 573 applications, with $1.05 billion already invested and an additional $2.34 billion expected soon.

This could have significant implications for New Zealand companies, funds, and startups. In this article we explain what they need to consider to gain a share of the funds flowing in.

What are the key points for the AIP visa?

In our other article on the AIP we outlined all the details of how it works. In summary the key points are:

There are two investment categories:
- Growth (minimum $5m) or
- Balanced (minimum $10m)
You need to spend 21 days over three years in New Zealand for the Growth category, and 105 days over five years for the Balanced category.
There are now no English language requirements.

Implications for New Zealand entities seeking investment

All this can assist New Zealand-based fund managers as well as venture capitalists, private equity, startups, and those seeking investors.

What we are seeing is that it is important to structure things well, in order to be able to access this source of capital. Legal input is critical to ensure your initiative is “ticking the box” for these AIP investors. This is because they want to meet two key factors: both the investment being a good one and it allowing them to qualify for immigration purposes.

You should be considering your strategy and whether you meet the AIP investment criteria – something we can help with when deciding on a legal structure, such as:

companies,
limited partnerships,
joint ventures,
funds, and more.

The key point is that both Invest New Zealand are involved, looking at the legal investment vehicle, as well as Immigration New Zealand (INZ), from the immigration side.

At Parry Field Lawyers, our immigration team are actively helping investors and can advise on what they are looking for. This informs the structure that New Zealand entities should consider when seeking that investment, helping to attract more AIP investors.

We also regularly comment and release updates on Immigration changes and the Active Investor Visa, as well as acting for those involved in this area, so are well placed to assist and answer any questions you have.

How We Can Help

Our team combines expertise in immigration, commercial, and property to provide comprehensive guidance tailored to your needs. We can assist those in charge of startups and funds to ensure you get it right from the very start and identify issues early on, enabling you to attract more investors. Whether you require assistance with immigration procedures, investment structuring, or property regulations, we are here to help.

Please note that this article is not a substitute for legal advice and you should contact your lawyer about your specific situation. Please feel free to contact us to discuss how we can support you.

Additional resources

For more reading from a variety of angles on this topic of the AIP we recommend the following sources:

Invest New Zealand website

Beehive information with Government summary of recent statistics

Immigration NZ summary of the Visa

Icehouse Ventures perspective with a guide from startups perspective

Throughout 2025, the Overseas Investment Act 2005 underwent various amendments to promote global investment and create a more productive economy under the Overseas Investment (National Test and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2025. This article adds to our earlier articles, which outlined the Overseas Investment Act 2005 and how it relates to transactions involving overseas persons and sensitive land.

On the 6^th of March 2026, Hon David Seymour released a Ministerial Directive Letter (the Letter). The Letter provided guidance to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) regarding its administration of the overseas investment regime. We summarise some of the key takeaways and their practical implications below:

Key points:

The Letter sets out aims to retain the scope of the OIO’s screening, while increasing the regime’s efficiency. In particular, the Letter directs the OIO to:

Increase the consent rate of lower risk or less sensitive assets;
Focus resources on high-risk transactions; and
Rely on information provided by investors unless there is reason to question it.

The Letter essentially directs the OIO to adopt a risk-based approach, with only certain transactions requiring the full assessment process (for instance, where there are concerns regarding threats to New Zealand’s national security or public interest).

National Interest Test

The letter also provided guidance regarding how the “national interest test” should operate in practice, which now comprises three stages as follows:

Stage 1: The initial risk assessment to determine whether a full interest assessment is necessary for the transaction. When carrying out this stage, the OIO is directed to minimise compliance costs for investors, imposing a burden “no broader than necessary”.

Stage 2: The national interest assessment, which assesses whether the transaction is likely to pose a risk to New Zealand’s national interest, and if so, whether this can be managed.

Stage 3: Where the minister decides whether to decline a transaction on the basis that it is contrary to the national interest.

How long is the process expected to take?

The Letter set out revised expectations for timeframes under the regime as follows:

Assess 80% of stage 1 national interest assessments within 5 working days (excluding time where the regulator is waiting for information from you),
Assess 80% of consent applications within half the relevant time frame.

What does this mean for you?

It is all the more important that you provide the necessary information from the outset of your consent application to ensure that the OIO can complete an efficient stage 1 assessment. As highlighted above, the indicated time frames do not account for any time the OIO spends waiting for additional information from the applicant.
You can likely expect shorter processing timeframes for transactions that are not considered “high risk” under the OIO’s criteria.
On the contrary, applications requiring additional scrutiny from the OIO may have delayed timeframes owing to increased investigation. For instance, if the OIO considers:
- There is a material risk that the asset acquired may be operated in a way that is contrary to NZ’s interest; or
- If the trust, company or entity in the transaction has a complex or opaque structure.
Reduced costs if you are an entity, trust or company that has a positive track record in contributing to New Zealand’s economy, a record of regulatory compliance, and that has previous consents under the regime.

Conclusion

If you are unclear whether your proposed purchase or sale of land may require consent, we encourage you to reach out to us. It is wise to err on the side of caution if in doubt, as a failure to do so could result in costs and other penalties. If you require consent under the OIA, it is best to engage in the process early to reduce the risk of delays impacting your proposed transaction.

Resources: Ministerial Directive Letter

Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2025

The revamped Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa is driving a surge in international investment into New Zealand. We summarised the key requirements of the AIP visa in a previous article, which can be viewed here. Our Immigration team is very active supporting migrant investors and provide free information, guides and videos here. As part of our commitment to support migrants, the following article provides an overview of the AIP visa, its investment requirements, and the benefits it offers to both investors and New Zealand’s economy.

Recently, Immigration Minister Hon Erica Stanford announced that the AIP visa programme has attracted $3.39 billion in international investment into New Zealand in less than a year. “These results show that the significant changes the Government has made to the visa are achieving our goal of making an investor visa available that attracts high-value global investors and supports the Government’s Going for Growth approach,” said Hon Stanford.

The programme’s simplified structure has also led to a 500% surge in applications, with U.S. investors making up nearly a third of the pool. Since its refresh in April 2025, the AIP visa has received 573 applications, with $1.05 billion already invested and an additional $2.34 billion expected in the next six months. This marks a dramatic increase compared to the previous system, which saw only 115 applications and $70 million in committed investment over two-and-a-half years.

The AIP visa offers a pathway to residency in exchange for a minimum NZ$5 million investment in businesses or government-approved funds. It also allows visa holders to purchase homes valued at NZ$5 million or more, a privilege generally unavailable to foreign buyers.

The Growth category, which focuses on higher-risk investments such as managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses, has been particularly popular. Investments are already supporting key sectors, including technology, healthcare, aged care, horticulture, and digital media.

During a visit to Hectre, an orchard-technology firm benefiting from AIP investment, Hon Stanford emphasised the broader benefits of the programme. “International investment is critical for lifting productivity, supporting jobs, and helping New Zealand businesses to expand. The results we are seeing indicate strong overseas confidence in our direction and economic ambition,” she said.

The visa application process, which takes up to four months, requires applicants to prove the source of their assets and undergo a medical exam. Once approved, applicants have six months to commit their capital, which must remain invested for at least three years.

While global instability has driven demand, New Zealand’s lifestyle, political stability and safety are key motivators for applicants.

Auckland and the Southern Lakes region, including Queenstown, are top choices for foreign homebuyers. However, other areas like Nelson and Christchurch offer opportunities for buyers seeking more value for their investment.

We Can Help

At Parry Field Lawyers, we specialise in guiding clients through the complexities of the AIP visa application process. If you are considering investing in New Zealand through the AIP visa, our experienced team is here to assist you every step of the way. Please feel free to contact us by email at immigration@parryfield.com or by phone 03 348 8480 to explore how we can help you achieve your investment and residency goals.

Methods of Entering the New Zealand Market

Difference Between a Subsidiary and a Branch

Company Incorporation Process

Business Acquisition as an Alternative

M&A (Share Purchase)

NZ Expansion and Visa Considerations

Conclusion

ニュージーランド進出の方法

現地法人と支店の違い

会社設立の流れ

ビジネス購入という選択肢

M&A（Share Purchase）

NZ進出とビザ

まとめ

What Is the Active Investor Plus Visa?

Two Ways to Invest

What Counts as a Philanthropic Investment?

A Meaningful Way to Invest

技能移民カテゴリーの 6ポイント制とは

Skilled Work Experience の注意点

Skilled Employment

Registration/Licence

SMC Interim Visa

最近の変更点・補足

まとめ

Immigration Act 2009 – 現行の強制退去制度

Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Act 2025 (partly effective 27 May 2026)

Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill

まとめ

Immigration Act 2009 – Current Deportation Framework

Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Act 2025 (partly effective 27 May 2026)

Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill

Conclusion

What are the key points for the AIP visa?

So, what should immigrants be aware of?

How We Can Help

Seeds Podcast Episode

Additional resources

What are the key points for the AIP visa?

Implications for New Zealand entities seeking investment

How We Can Help

Additional resources

Key points:

National Interest Test

How long is the process expected to take?

What does this mean for you?

Conclusion

We Can Help

Christchurch CBD

Christchurch – Riccarton

Rolleston

Hokitika

Auckland