March 3, 2025 | The New Zealand government is making significant changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa to attract high-value investors and encourage economic growth. These updates, effective from April 1, 2025, introduce new investment categories, broaden the scope of acceptable investments, simplify requirements, and provide more flexibility for investors.
This article outlines the key changes and their implications for potential applicants.
Key Changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa (Effective April 1, 2025)
1. Introduction of New Investment Categories
The updated visa program introduces two structured investment categories:
- Growth Category: Requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million over a 3-year investment term.
- Balanced Category: Requires a minimum investment of NZD 10 million over a 5-year investment term.
These categories are designed to provide structured investment pathways while encouraging long-term engagement in New Zealand’s economy.
2. Expanded Scope of Acceptable Investments
The Balanced Category now allows for a broader range of investments, including:
- Bonds – Government, local government, and corporate bonds
- Property Investments – Limited to:
- New residential developments that increase New Zealand’s housing stock
- New or existing commercial or industrial developments that add value, such as earthquake strengthening
- Equities and Philanthropy – Will continue to be acceptable investments
- Growth Category Investments – Can be included as part of the Balanced Category
These changes aim to provide investors with diverse opportunities while ensuring their contributions positively impact the country’s economy.
3. Residency Requirements for Investors
Investors under both categories must spend a specified number of days in New Zealand over the investment period.
Growth Category
- Must spend 21 days in New Zealand over the 3-year investment term.
Balanced Category
- Must spend 105 days in New Zealand over the 5-year investment term.
- Reduction in stay requirements is available for investors committing additional funds:
- NZD 11 million investment → Required stay reduced to 91 days
- NZD 12 million investment → Required stay reduced to 77 days
- NZD 13 million investment → Required stay reduced to 63 days
Additional funds above NZD 10 million must be nominated before the application is approved in principle and placed in acceptable direct investments or managed funds under the Growth Category.
4. Revised Investment Timeframes
The time allowed to transfer and invest funds has been shortened to ensure a faster and more efficient process:
- All investments must be completed within 6 months of the date of Approval in Principle.
- A one-time 6-month extension may be requested if the investor provides evidence of unsuccessful transfer attempts.
5. Flexibility to Change Investment Categories
- Applicants under the Balanced Category may request to switch to the Growth Category, and vice versa.
- Each applicant is allowed only one category change.
This flexibility ensures that investors can adjust their strategies based on their financial plans and market conditions.
6. Removal of English Language Requirements
The English language requirement introduced in 2022 has been removed, making the visa program more accessible to international investors.
7. Additional Measures to Simplify the Investment Process
The government has introduced further adjustments to streamline the visa process:
- Caps on investments removed – Investors are no longer restricted by upper limits on investment amounts.
- Full investment must be made before a resident visa is granted – Partial investments will no longer be sufficient.
- Introduction of “on-call investments” – Funds committed to managed investments may be placed in temporary holding (bonds, term deposits, listed equities, or bank accounts) for up to 6 months until they are transferred into an approved managed fund.
- Growth Category applicants can reinvest up to NZD 1 million in Balanced Category investments if capital is returned.
- Newborn children of investors will qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa and can be added to the parent’s Permanent Resident Visa application.
- All applicants must still meet health and character requirements.
8. Expected Benefits of These Changes
These updates are designed to:
- Attract high-value investments and incentivize more active investments.
- Provide greater flexibility and a wider range of investment options.
- Ensure investments contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s economic growth.
- Streamline the process to make it easier for investors to participate in the program.
These changes reflect feedback from investors and industry stakeholders and are expected to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for global investors.
9. Transition for Existing Applicants
If you have already applied for an Active Investor Plus Visa and have not yet been granted residence, you will have the option to transition to the new visa settings.
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will contact existing applicants in mid-March 2025 with detailed instructions on transitioning to the new framework.
- If you need guidance on your visa status, it is advisable to contact a Licensed Immigration Adviser for professional assistance.
10. Summary of Updated Active Investor Plus Visa Requirements
| Category | Minimum Investment | Acceptable Investments | Time to Transfer & Invest | Investment Retention | Residency Requirement |
| Growth | NZD 5 million | Managed funds, direct investments | 6 months (extendable to 12 months) | 3 years | 21 days over investment term |
| Balanced | NZD 10 million | Bonds, listed equities, philanthropy, property, Growth category investments | 6 months (extendable to 12 months) | 5 years | 105 days (or reduced if investing over NZD 10 million) |
Final Thoughts
The Active Investor Plus Visa reforms are a significant step toward making New Zealand a preferred destination for high-value investors. By simplifying the investment categories, expanding the range of acceptable investments, and removing barriers such as the English language requirement, these changes create a more attractive and investor-friendly environment.
These new regulations will apply to all Active Investor Plus Visa applications submitted from April 1, 2025.
If you are considering applying for an Active Investor Plus Visa or need guidance on the new settings, consulting with a Licensed Immigration Adviser is highly recommended.
Contact Us for Assistance
For expert guidance on the Active Investor Plus Visa and other immigration pathways, get in touch:
Reference
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
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