Overseas investment

The Overseas Investment Office administers New Zealand’s overseas investment laws. In general, overseas people who are not residents cannot buy homes to live in, but other investment opportunities are available.

The investing in New Zealand graphic gives an overview of investment opportunities in New Zealand.

Investing in New Zealand graphic

You can also select from the options below to find out more and apply for consent to invest.

Changes to the Overseas Investment Act

Four key amendments have been introduced in June 2020.

One home to live in

Certain overseas people can apply for OIO consent to buy one New Zealand home and live in it.

Developing or investing in residential land

New Zealand encourages investment in residential land and offers several ways to do this.

Forestry

There is a streamlined process for investing in forestry and forestry rights.

Significant business assets

There are specialised rules for very large commercial overseas investments

Other sensitive land

Land that is not residential also often requires OIO consent.