Overseas Investment Office (OIO)

Pitt & Moore & your business investments

We offer timely, practical and tailored legal advice for overseas investors wanting to purchase land or business assets in New Zealand,including those navigating Overseas Investment Office (OIO) consent and investor visa requirements.

Investing in New Zealand can present significant opportunities, but it also involves complex regulatory requirements under the Overseas Investment Act and immigration settings.

Our overseas investment practice work closely with an experienced team to support overseas investors acquiring land and business interests across New Zealand.

We can provide you with timely and practical advice on all aspects of your proposed investment, from negotiation of entry into the sale and purchase agreement to applying for and securing Overseas Investment Office consent (and everything in between).

We have extensive experience acting for overseas investors in a range of transactions, across various industries. We advise on transactions across the spectrum, from individuals looking to acquire a personal beach-front holiday home to large-scale institutional investors purchasing significant farming or horticultural businesses.

Our focus is clear guidance, efficient processes and commercially sound outcomes.

For advice on personal property purchases, click here.

Speak with our overseas investment team

If you are considering acquiring land or business assets in New Zealand, early advice is essential to determine whether Overseas Investment Office (OIO) consent is required.

We are ready to guide you through the process from transaction structuring to securing consent.

Contact us today to discuss your proposed investment

Do you require Overseas Investment Office consent?

The Overseas Investment Act regulates the purchase of certain New Zealand land and significant business assets by overseas persons.

If you are an overseas person acquiring sensitive land or significant business assets, consent may be required.

Our experienced team can guide you through the entire process by:

Providing you with the advice you need to determine whether Overseas Investment Act consent is required and if so, what the cost and timing implications are.
Preparing your application to the Overseas Investment Office.
Liaising with the Overseas Investment Office.

Understanding these requirements early can prevent costly delays or failed transactions.

Get an eligibility assessment

Supporting your transaction from start to finish

Overseas investment transactions often intersect with:

Commercial property Business structuring Business financing Resource management considerations Governance and regulatory compliance Immigration rules, including investor visas and residence pathways

As a full-service firm, your overseas investment lawyers collaborate closely with our commercial property, business structuring and regulatory specialists to provide coordinated advice throughout your transaction.

Why work with Pitt & Moore?

Clear regulatory guidance.

We provide straightforward advice on complex statutory requirements and evolving policy settings.

Commercially grounded advice.

Our clients trust us to give them the best commercial advice to get the results they need.

Regional depth, national capability.

With experience acting for overseas investors across Nelson, Tasman and throughout New Zealand, we understand both local land issues and national regulatory frameworks.

If you are looking for experienced legal advisers to assist with your overseas investment in New Zealand, we are ready to help.