The Global Resident | Relocation to New Zealand and French Polynesia

As the landscape of the world continues to change every day, people are looking closely for investment opportunities. Placing their quality of life at the forefront of their decision making, some of these investments will inevitably mean relocation to a new home – and potentially even a new country. In this continuing series we’ll explore destinations around the world with benefits like residency and citizenship by investment programs, tax incentives, and more, as well as hear from local experts throughout the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand network along the way. 

New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty

A beautiful island nation known for its picturesque landscape, the Haka, kiwifruit, and made famous for the role it has played in modern film productions like Lord of the Rings, New Zealand is a reassuringly sturdy beacon of economic, political and social stability – ranked 1st for ease of doing business in the 2020 World Bank Doing Business study. In order to make a residential real estate investment, New Zealand requires that you become a resident. There are two pathways to consider; the Investor 1 option requires you to invest $10 million NZD over a three-year period before applying for residence and the Investor 2 option allows experienced businesspeople with a minimum of $3 million NZD in available funds to apply for residence.

Queenstown, New Zealand | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty 

“Now is the time to consider New Zealand as your new home,” says Mark Harris, Managing Director and Founder, New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty. “New Zealand’s growing reputation on the world stage has increased over 2020. The virtual elimination of Covid, a stable government, sound economic environment, and minimal taxes make investment in New Zealand attractive. The market is buoyant due to record low interest rates and renewed interest in the countries future opportunities. “

French Polynesia

French Polynesia | French Polynesia Sotheby’s International Realty 

Travel north east from New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean and you’ll find French Polynesia – a nation comprising 118 islands with a maritime territory as large as Europe. A perfect mix of deep ocean, lagoon, white sand beaches, and tropical mountains, along with economic stability and nearly no crime, French Polynesia is what many consider paradise. For most foreigners, a visa is not required for consecutive stays shorter than 3 months in length, and less than 6 months a year total. Citizens from an EU country, Switzerland, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, or the Vatican do not need a visa to stay longer than 3 months, but must declare residency at a local office.

French Polynesia | French Polynesia Sotheby’s International Realty

“Our geographic remoteness offers, now more than ever, a natural protection during these troubled times,” says French Polynesia Sotheby’s International Realty Owner Jacques Menahem. “In addition to the economic, political, social, and natural stability, our tax advantages, and our strong local currency, the sparsely populated territory offers large areas of preserved nature – something unique in the world. There is no minimum investment required here either, however, it is necessary to be able to demonstrate a minimum income of $3,000 per month while residing in the territory.”