Why Invest in New Zealand

 

New Zealand is a great place to live, invest and do business.  A 2009 Report from Legatum Institute, a London-based think tank, ranks New Zealand as the world's 10th most prosperous country. 

 

But just as importantly, consider this advantage:

Investing in New Zealand gives you and your family access to our country and our enviable lifestyle.

 

Capital markets along with financial institutions provide diverse offerings for equity investment and bonds.

 

In business, sectors in which New Zealand excels include information and communications technology, tourism, film and special effects production, biotechnology, agricultural research and wood-based technology.

 

For business people wanting to start, buy or invest in a business venture, New Zealand is a smart choice. We’re ranked as the easiest place in the world to start a business, according to the 2010 World Bank survey. And we’re second only to Singapore for ease of doing business.There are few restrictions on establishing, owning and operating a business here, and starting a business can take just three days. The process is among the simplest and easiest in the OECD.

 

New Zealand is a compelling destination for investors who value honesty, transparency and simplicity.

 

New Zealand offers a stable political environment and a society where honesty genuinely matters and long-term business relationships are valued. Corruption is virtually unknown here, which is why we are ranked the world’s least corrupt nation according to the 2009 Transparency International survey.

 

Our legal system is based on English law, and is supported by independent regulatory authorities. Our economy, culture and governance systems mean fewer barriers for investors and business and more opportunity for success.

 

Deregulation over the past two decades has created an open, globally competitive economy which operates on free market principles. The economy is well geared for long term international competitiveness, with other key benefits for business and investors in New Zealand that include:

The corporate tax rate in New Zealand is 30 percent, for all companies, domestic and foreign. An indirect tax of 15 percent applies to all goods and services. 

For the benefit of investors who take up residency in New Zealand, credits are unilaterally provided to residents for foreign tax paid on income that is also subject to New Zealand tax. In addition, New Zealand has a network of 35 double tax agreements (DTAs) with our main trading and investment partners which eliminate certain forms of double taxation.

 

As the first country to start each day, business has a jump start in New Zealand. Our business day covers the afternoon on the USA west coast, much of Asia’s business day, the morning in Europe, and we’re a few hours ahead of Australia. This offers considerable benefits in managing global workflows and transactions.

 

More formally, New Zealand offers close access to international markets through free trade and economic co-operation agreements with a number of countries including Australia, China, Singapore, Thailand, Chile and Brunei.

 

Beyond all the business considerations, investing in New Zealand offers one further outstanding advantage - the opportunity to live in or spend time in New Zealand.

 

With a temperate climate and stunning scenery, New Zealand is one of the most desirable locations in the world. It’s no surprise that the largest city, Auckland, is ranked number four in the world for quality of living according to the 2009 Mercer survey.

 

No matter where you’re based in New Zealand, you’re never more than an hour or so from a beach or a ski-field. And you’ll certainly spend less time commuting, giving you more time for family, friends and the great outdoors.

 

As a business person or investor, you’ll benefit from favourable visas that make it easier than ever for you to become a resident or to spend considerable time in New Zealand. Find out more here.