New Zealand Enhances Active Investor Plus Visa to Attract High-Value Investments

From 1 April 2025, New Zealand is implementing significant changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa, aiming to attract high-value investors, simplify investment processes, and provide greater flexibility for applicants. These updates reflect feedback from investors and industry stakeholders, ensuring New Zealand remains a competitive destination for global investment.

Key Changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa

1. Introduction of Two Investment Categories

The investment structure has been simplified into two categories:

• Growth Category
  • Minimum investment: NZD $5 million
  • Investment period: 3 years
• Balanced Category
  • Minimum investment: NZD $10 million
  • Investment period: 5 years

2. Expanded Scope of Acceptable Investments

The range of permitted investments under the Balanced Category has been broadened to include:

• Bonds
• Property investments, with restrictions:
  • New residential developments that increase New Zealand’s housing stock
  • New or existing commercial and industrial developments that add value (e.g., earthquake strengthening)
• Investments from the Growth Category can be included as part of the Balanced Category
• Equities and philanthropy remain acceptable investment options

3. Adjusted Immigration Residency Requirements

Applicants must spend a certain number of days in New Zealand over their investment period, with some flexibility for higher investments:

Growth Category

• 21 days in New Zealand over the 3-year investment term

Balanced Category

• 105 days over 5 years, with potential reductions:
  • 91 days if investing at least NZD $11 million
  • 77 days if investing at least NZD $12 million
  • 63 days if investing at least NZD $13 million

💡 To qualify for reduced residency requirements, additional funds above NZD $10 million must be pre-nominated and invested in Growth Category assets.

4. Shorter Timeframes for Fund Transfers & Investments

• Investors in both categories must transfer funds and complete investments within 6 months of visa approval
• A one-time extension of 6 months may be granted if applicants provide proof of attempted transfers and investments

5. Flexibility in Changing Investment Categories

• Applicants can switch between the Growth and Balanced Categories once after applying

6. Removal of English Language Requirements

• The language requirement introduced in 2022 will be removed to make the process more accessible to global investors

7. Additional Simplifications for Investors

• Investment caps removed
• Investments must be made in full before a resident visa is granted
• Introduction of “on-call investments”:
  • Funds committed to managed funds can be placed in bonds, term deposits, listed equities, or bank accounts for up to 6 months while awaiting investment placement
• Reinvestment flexibility: Growth investors may reinvest returned capital (under NZD $1 million) into Balanced investments in limited circumstances
• Newborn children of investors qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa and can be included in the parent’s Permanent Resident Visa application

Transitioning for Current Applicants

• Those with an active application but without a residence grant can transition to the new visa settings
• Immigration NZ will contact current applicants in mid-March with guidance

Why These Changes Matter

These improvements:
✅ Attract high-value investments into New Zealand’s economy
✅ Expand investment opportunities, including property and bonds
✅ Simplify the visa process with clearer rules and fewer restrictions
✅ Encourage active investment and economic participation

The revised Active Investor Plus Visa provides a more flexible and appealing pathway for international investors, strengthening their connection with New Zealand’s business community while fostering long-term economic growth.

For more information please visit www.immigration.govt.nz