Queen City Law

08/10/2026

Qualifying for the Golden Visa is one thing. Making a smart investment is another.

Here’s something worth knowing: getting your investment approved is only half the story. The bigger question is whether it’s the right investment for you and your future.

Managing Director Marcus Beveridge recently sat down with New Zealand Economic Times to talk about how the Active Investor Plus Visa is changing, why so many families choose the Growth pathway, and what to check before you commit your money.

His advice is simple: know where your money is going, spread your risk, and get good advice early.

Read the full article in our recent blog.

Marcus Beveridge on New Zealand's AIP Visa: private credit, property, due diligence, and why qualifying isn't the same as investing well. Get advice early.

07/10/2026

What a trip! Our team has just come home from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and we are still buzzing.

Marcus spoke to a room of more than 300 lawyers about why New Zealand is a great place to invest and do business. Tom and Marcus presented at a business school, and Yolanda and Tom joined thousands of delegates at the Belt and Road Summit.

The best part was the people. We caught up with longtime clients, made plenty of new friends, and had a lot of great conversations about what New Zealand has to offer.

A big thank you to everyone who welcomed us. Read our full blog to discover more about our visit, the conversations and insights shared with international lawyers and industry leaders, and the key highlights from our week in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

https://www.queencitylaw.co.nz/news-views/qcl-in-hong-kong-shenzhen

02/10/2026

An AIP visa does not, by itself, make you a New Zealand tax resident. Buying a house alone doesn’t either. But using that house as an enduring home can establish NZ tax residence even below the ordinary 183 day-count threshold.

Immigration New Zealand asks an AIP Growth investor for 21 days in three years. Inland Revenue is more interested in the other 1,074.

Inland Revenue has released draft guidance (PUB00548) on when an Active Investor Plus holder becomes New Zealand tax resident under the permanent place of abode test. Comments close on 13 October.

Read the thirteen examples together and a line appears. Short visits of two or three weeks: no. The summer house used for two months a year: no. Four months every winter in your own Queenstown home, year after year: yes, even if your life is in Zurich.

Read Luke Beveridge's recent blog for the full breakdown.

An AIP visa does not, by itself, make you a New Zealand tax resident. Buying a house alone doesn’t either. But using that house as an enduring home can establish NZ tax residence even below the ordinary 183 day-count threshold. Immigration New Zealand asks an AIP Growth investor for 21 days in thr...

30/09/2026

Dreaming of a home in New Zealand? The door is opening wider. 🏡

Since March, eligible investor visa holders have been able to buy a home worth over $5 million here. Five months in, 25 buyers have already been approved, from the US and China to Germany, Japan, Ireland and beyond.

Where are they buying? Mostly Auckland, with Otago a close second.

The best part is how quickly things are moving. One of our recent home applications was approved in just 24 hours.

Our Joseph Diao explains what the latest figures mean for buyers. Read more:

LINZ data shows 25 consents granted under NZ's $5 million-plus house pathway, led by US and Chinese investors. Here's what it means for overseas buyers.

24/09/2026

A very special congratulations to Carissa Smith, who was admitted to the Bar at the Auckland High Court last Thursday. Carissa was proudly accompanied by QCL Director Tina Hwang, who acted as her moving counsel and mentor.

Being admitted to the Bar is a significant milestone in any lawyer’s career, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in legal practice. It is a reflection of the dedication, hard work and commitment that Carissa has shown throughout her journey into the profession.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement with Carissa and look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in her legal career as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court.

23/09/2026

Finished your studies in New Zealand but don't qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa? There's good news. 🎓

From Monday 16 November, you can apply for the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa. It gives you six months to work for any employer while you look for the job that could keep you here longer.

It's open to graduates with a Level 5–7 qualification who studied full-time in NZ for at least 24 weeks. You'll need to apply within three months of your student visa ending, and you can only hold this visa once.

Not sure if you qualify? Our Immigration Team is here to help. Send us a message or read the full details here:

New Zealand's new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens 16 November 2026, offering eligible graduates 6 months of open work rights. Check your eligibility today.

18/09/2026

Changes are coming to the Active Investor Plus visa on 28 September, and they're worth knowing about if you're an investor migrant or thinking about becoming one.

The investment thresholds aren't moving. But the rules around how funds get approved, and how they can lose that approval, are.

We've broken down the four key changes and what they could mean for your investment. Have a read and get in touch if you want to talk through your own position.

Active Investor Plus changes take effect 28 September, adding deployment plan rules, fund revocation powers, and a stand-down period. What investors need to check now.

17/09/2026

Big news at Queen City Law, we've welcomed Mathew to our immigration team.

With over a decade inside Immigration New Zealand, including national office roles, and hands on experience across investor and business migration categories, Mathew has seen immigration decisions from every angle.

That means our clients get real insight into how INZ actually thinks, paired with genuine care for the people and decisions behind every case. Mathew also brings a personal appreciation of the cultural dimensions that often sit behind immigration matters, drawn from his own Thai heritage.

Please join us in giving Mathew a warm welcome.

09/09/2026

Ever had to scan your ID just to prove you're old enough to be online? A new Bill could make that the norm for every New Zealander, not just teenagers. We took a look at how similar bans have played out overseas, what happens to your personal information along the way, and whether any of it actually keeps kids safer. Have a read and let us know what you think.

A look at NZ's new social media age verification Bill, what Australia's ban shows so far, and the privacy risks of centralising ID data.

08/09/2026

Thinking about studying in New Zealand? This one's worth reading.

New rules mean an eligible NZ master's degree can now count for up to six points toward residence, which could shorten the path considerably for graduates who qualify.

Our own Sonny Lam shared his insights with RNZ on what this shift could mean for international students. Have a read below.

New Skilled Migrant Category settings mean an eligible NZ master's degree can attract 6 points toward residence. QCL's Sonny Lam explains to RNZ.