Elemental Legal

09/02/2025

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Immigration announced changes to the investor category requirements for residency. We have produced a podcast "New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa: A Strategic Pathway" covering the announced changes. The podcast is on Spotify here https://open.spotify.com/show/5DIc4UXPbKOotRG76tzD4D?si=X6KxrgtqTjiFMFFVFni6dA

Share it if you like it and if you want more information, you can write to us at [email protected].

Podcast · Alexander Lee · Navigating Immigration by Elemental Legal offers expert insights into New Zealand's immigration laws, providing essential advice on visas, residency, work permits, and more. With over 35 years of experience, Elemental Legal has served clients across Southeast Asia, Hong K...

09/02/2025

🚀 New Zealand's Investor Visa Overhaul: What You Need to Know! 🇳🇿💼
🌍 Looking to invest in New Zealand and secure permanent residency? The Active Investor Plus Visa has undergone major changes, making it more accessible and strategic for high-net-worth individuals. Here’s what you need to know:

🔹 Two Investment Pathways:
✅ Growth Category (NZD $5M | 3 years) – Higher risk, high-reward investments in startups, innovation, and managed funds.
✅ Balanced Category (NZD $10M | 5 years) – Mixed-risk portfolio with real estate, equities, bonds, philanthropy (capped at 15%), and direct business investments.

📈 Why New Zealand?
✔️ Lifetime Permanent Residency (PRV) upon completion
✔️ No English requirement (Barrier removed!)
✔️ Strong economy, political stability, and high global mobility
✔️ Attractive investment options with flexible compliance requirements

⚠️ Key Insights:
🔸 Philanthropic investments (max 15%) are allowed but don’t receive weighting multipliers.
🔸 Investors must spend at least 117 days in NZ over the investment period.
🔸 New framework aims to reverse the low uptake seen since 2022.
🔸 Investments must comply with AML/CFT regulations and source of funds verification.

📩 Want expert guidance on your NZ investor visa?
💡 Email: [email protected] for personalized consultation on investment pathways, compliance, and long-term opportunities in New Zealand.

💬 Let’s discuss! Do you think these changes will attract more investors? Comment below! ⬇️

28/01/2025

Happy Chinese New Year and if you are also celebrating Lunar New year, Happy Lunar New Year. And if you are not celebrating either, celebrate the day - its an other opportunity to reset your year.

May your year be filled with blessings, happiness, good health, love and success.

My wish for all is that in 2025, we learn to come together as a world. If we want peace, we need to exemplify it and show by example.

The Chinese believe that our actions and thoughts in the first two days set the tone and template for the rest of our year.

27/01/2025

New Zealand has recently updated its visitor visa conditions to attract digital nomads—individuals who work remotely while traveling. Effective from January 27, 2025, visitors can now work remotely for overseas employers or clients during their stay in New Zealand without breaching visa conditions.
Immigration New Zealand

Key Points:
Permitted Activities:
Visitors are allowed to work remotely for employers or clients based outside New Zealand.

Prohibited Activities:
Visitor visa holders must not:
- Work for a New Zealand employer.
- Provide goods or services to individuals or businesses in New Zealand.
- Engage in work that requires physical presence at a New Zealand workplace.

Tax Considerations:
Those planning to work remotely from New Zealand for more than 92 days within a 12-month period should be aware of potential tax implications.

New Zealand provides an ideal destination for digital nomads, offering the opportunity to explore the country's stunning landscapes while maintaining professional commitments. We are known for our stunning beauty, friendly and skilled locals, incredible hospitality, and an economy that welcomes innovation and impact while being based in New Zealand.

We welcome digital nomads high-value tourists, who may wish to stay longer and contribute more to the local economy.

Elemental Legal and Immigration Lawyers is committed to assisting digital nomads in navigating these new visa conditions. Our team can provide guidance on visa applications, tax obligations, and compliance with New Zealand's immigration laws.

To support digital nomads considering New Zealand as their next destination, we offer a complimentary introductory guide titled "Navigating New Zealand's New Digital Nomad Visa Rules: A Comprehensive Guide." This resource covers essential information on visa requirements, tax considerations, and tips for a successful stay in New Zealand.

Write to us as [email protected] with your details and we will send you a free copy. Alternatively, you can private message us here.

We are here to help you embark on your New Zealand adventure with confidence.

For personalized assistance, contact Elemental Legal and Immigration Lawyers to ensure a seamless experience as you work and explore in New Zealand.
E: [email protected] P: + 64 21 682868 (also WhatsApp). Our Team (Alexander Lee, Lau, Albert Arbolario and Alex Lee-Tetter).

27/01/2025

My opinion piece published in the Dominion Post today (and Stuff) on Melissa Lee and her removal as Minister of Ethnic Affairs in the broader topic what that means for ethnic representation and belonging.

OPINION: The displacement of Melissa Lee represents more than a political miscalculation – it reveals the persistent gap between New Zealand's aspirations for diversity and the reality of power distribution in our institutions.

17/01/2025

A hopeful group of eight Filipinos landed in New Zealand, their lives brimming with dreams for a brighter future. They had arrived on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), eager to build new lives for themselves and their families back home. Yet, just nine months after their arrival, their aspirations took an unexpected turn when their employer suddenly went out of business.

Adrift in a foreign land, they faced an uncertain future. They were left without income or jobs, making their stay in New Zealand precarious unless they could change their AEWV to another visa. With no assistance available, they faced an imminent and daunting prospect of returning to the Philippines when they lost their AEWV.

Through the caring of Streams Community Church, they crossed paths with Michelle Lau and Albert Arbolario from Elemental Legal. Their compassion recognised the urgency of their plight and stepped in to offer help.
They worked diligently to gather documents and stories. Together, they submitted a complaint to Employment NZ, outlining the injustices of employment conditions and application for Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visas (MEPV) to Immigration NZ for each affected man.

After six long weeks, their collective efforts paid off, and all eight individuals successfully secured their MEPV visas. Now, the men and their families have a renewed chance to pursue their goals of working lawfully in New Zealand.

Our wonderful team of Michelle L and Albert Aca are dedicated, committed and passionate to help. Just reach out to us on 09 3600290 or write to [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1UYgLvVY7J/

17/01/2025

We're grateful to help this group of Filipinos who found themselves set draft in New Zealand.

A hopeful group of eight Filipinos landed in New Zealand, their lives brimming with dreams for a brighter future. They had arrived on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), eager to build new lives for themselves and their families back home. Yet, just nine months after their arrival, their aspirations took an unexpected turn when their employer suddenly went out of business.

Adrift in a foreign land, they faced an uncertain future. They were left without income or jobs, making their stay in New Zealand precarious unless they could change their AEWV to another visa. With no assistance available, they faced an imminent and daunting prospect of returning to the Philippines when they lost their AEWV.

Through the caring of Streams Community Church, they crossed paths with Michelle Lau and Albert Arbolario from Elemental Legal. Their compassion recognised the urgency of their plight and stepped in to offer help.
They worked diligently to gather documents and stories. Together, they submitted a complaint to Employment NZ, outlining the injustices of employment conditions and application for Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visas (MEPV) to Immigration NZ for each affected man.

After six long weeks, their collective efforts paid off, and all eight individuals successfully secured their MEPV visas. Now, the men and their families have a renewed chance to pursue their goals of working lawfully in New Zealand.

Thanks to Michelle Lau and Albert Aca for their passion and hardwork. If you need any help, contact us on 09 3600290 or write to us at [email protected]

26/09/2024

Sa mga nagnanais magtrabaho, mag-aral, O magsimula kasama ang pamilya sa NZ, makipag ugnayan Kay Albert para sa payo at gabay.

Albert Arbolario
Head of Pastoral Care and Filipino Community Advocate