New Zealand is an attractive destination for new migrants. The benefits of having a life and doing business in New Zealand are well recognised.
Great commercial success has been achieved by new-to-New Zealand migrants who have invested or set up businesses in New Zealand.
Many of those people have migrated their businesses as well as set up new ventures on arrival. New Zealand's legendary environment of excellence and innovation and gets results for anyone delivers results.
NZs 'can do' attitude is underpinned by strong public infrastructure and world class telecommunications. New Zealand has a stable, free-market economy based on free trade and capital flows.
It has an efficient transport infrastructure and a first class education system and entrepreneurial culture.
From a personal perspective, New Zealand is recognised as a great place to bring up children and the country is known for its tolerant approach to migrants.
Kiwi expats are now returning home to New Zealand and now see their homeland as an attractive place to live.
For business people wanting to move to NZ, there can be significant advantages. The NZ government offers incentives for entrepreneurs, business owners and investors who choose to relocate to NZ. For anyone seeking to relocate to New Zealand or returning expats, giving thought to personal legal and tax matters is crucial.
Many people in this situation are disadvantaged financially by not researching and taking action before they move. The areas that need to be considered involve the migration of trusts, buying a home, buying investment property, setting up a business, investment advice and much more.
There are a few New Zealand Accountants who are able to offer advice both from a taxation perspective and a legal perspective.
Engaging one of these firms early, before a shift to NZ, will save a lot of time and a lot of money.
There are particular taxation rules that need to be worked through. While many New Zealand Accountants can offer very specific advice in one particular area or another, finding a good all-round practice is important.
Double taxation, the migration of pensions, the benefits of trusts and family trusts, minimising tax in business and other New Zealand specific rules all need to be considered.
The NZ Govt websites are always a good place to start. But also be prepared to research online to find New Zealand Accountants who specialise in helping those individuals and families who live outside of NZ.
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Paul Easton is working with Gilligan Rowe & Associates are
New Zealand Accountants and are a specialist
Accountant firm and experts in property and family trusts.
