Other Countries

Here are the main visa pathways and investment strategies that can make overseas buyers (excluding Australians and Singaporeans) eligible to purchase residential property in New Zealand:

Visa Pathways to Property Ownership

1. Residence-Class Visa + “Ordinarily Resident” Status

If you hold a residence-class visa and have lived in New Zealand for at least 183 days in the past 12 months, you may be considered “ordinarily resident”.
This status allows you to buy residential property without Overseas Investment Office (OIO) consent.

2. One Home to Live In Consent

If you're not yet “ordinarily resident,” you can apply for OIO consent to buy one home to live in.
Requirements:
- Must intend to live in the property as your main home.
- Must move in within 3 months of purchase.
- Must maintain visa status and physical presence.
- Pre-approval is available for up to 12 months, useful for auctions.

3. Active Investor Plus Visa

Designed for high-net-worth individuals investing NZD $15 million or more.
Holders may be eligible to buy residential property valued over NZD $5 million without needing standard OIO consent.
This exemption is expected to be streamlined soon.

<Back