NEW ZEALAND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Unique potential. Expert support.
World-leading businesses are being built in our corner of the globe. And they're looking for investors.
Invest New Zealand connects local businesses with the capital needed to fund their growth.
We work with businesses across different sectors and regions, to create productive, sustainable and inclusive deals that deliver opportunities for investors and for New Zealand – so the decision to invest is one you'll be proud of.
We act independently and impartially to support potential investors – with extensive private and public-sector experience, unparalleled depth of knowledge in the New Zealand market, and networks across the globe.
How we help investors
Invest and live in New Zealand with the Active Investor Plus visa
Benefit from the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa.
Become part of our investor network by getting in touch
Let our team of local experts know what you are looking for in an investment opportunity
Get investment guidance on the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa
The Active Investor Plus visa offers an unbeatable balance of business and lifestyle
By the numbers
Source: Index of Economic Freedom 2024
Source: Tax Competitiveness Index (2024)
Source: Global Peace Index (2025)
Source: NZTE Annual Report (2020/2024)
Businesses we’ve supported
Invest New Zealand operates like the central nervous system of the New Zealand start-up ecosystem, gathering information from all parts of the ecosystem and then coordinating positive activity. Its been highly effective in enabling Australian investors to stay closely connected with New Zealand's brightest start-ups, and founders are very lucky to have such a competent organisation working on their behalf.
Invest New Zealand is a unicorn among government agencies. Responsive, commercial, well-intentioned, frank. They materially impact my desire to keep investing in Kiwi start-ups.
Invest New Zealand has had a major positive impact on entrepreneurship and venture in New Zealand and Australia. They're a strong team, a critical part of the ecosystem and are getting tangible results. It's hard to imagine anyone doing it better.
Case studies
Hear first-hand from some of the businesses we've worked with.
Investment FAQs
What is the role of foreign investment in NZ?
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). An example of such as investment can 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.
Why does the Government offer this service?
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.
Does New Zealand offer a golden visa? / Does New Zealand have an investor visa?
New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa is New Zealand's pathway to residency for investors.
The Active Investor Plus visa is a little different to investor visas offered in other countries. While some passive investments are still welcome, more active investments are incentivised.
This is because we want to attract investors who will also contribute their 'human capital' of skills, experience, and networks when they move here. New Zealand is a place where progressive, sustainable businesses can thrive – and we're looking for partners who will help us build more of these global success stories.
The visa requires investment between $5m and $15m (with weighting applied for more active investments), made over three years and maintained for a fourth. At the completion of this, you'll be invited to apply for permanent residency.
Find out more about the Active Investor Plus visa
Does Invest New Zealand help investors wanting to engage in the Infrastructure sector?
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.
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 Research and Development Tax Incentive supports R&D expenditure in New Zealand by providing a 15% tax credit on eligible R&D costs.
The Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Fund is focussed on reducing energy-related emissions and helping meet climate targets.
Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures funding supports initiatives that make a positive impact on New Zealand's food and fibre sectors.
The Low Emission Transport Fund is for the adoption of low-emission transport technology.
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.
Can I invest in property in New Zealand?
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.
Can I buy a business in New Zealand?
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.
How do you set up a company in New Zealand?
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.
What professional service firms (lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, recruiters) can assist me?
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.
Can I trust the investment team with confidential and commercially sensitive information?
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.
Contact our Investment team
For more information about how we can help you uncover your next investment opportunity, send us a message and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly.