New Zealand announces changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has published further details of the previously-announced changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa.
The Active Investor Plus Visa allows you to live, work and invest in New Zealand if you have at least NZD $15 million or the weighted equivalent in available assets or funds.
Changes due to take effect from 1 April 2025 include the following:
New investment categories
Two simplified investment categories will be introduced — Growth and Balanced. A minimum investment amount of NZD 5 million will be required for Growth category investors over a three-year investment term. A minimum investment amount of NZD 10 million will be required for Balanced category investors over a five-year investment term.
Increasing the scope of acceptable investments
The scope of acceptable investments for the Balanced category will be broadened to include bonds and property investments. Property investments will be limited to new residential developments that increase the housing stock in New Zealand and new or existing commercial or industrial developments which add value, such as earthquake strengthening. Investments from the Growth category can be included as part of the Balanced category. Equities and philanthropy will continue to be acceptable investments.
Enhanced immigration requirements for migrants who choose more active investments
Those who apply under the Growth Category are required to spend 21 days in New Zealand over the investment term.
Those who apply under the Balanced category must spend 105 days in New Zealand over the investment term. However, they are eligible for a reduction of time spent in New Zealand if they invest a certain amount, namely:
- 91 days in New Zealand if the total investment is at least NZD 11 million;
- 77 days in New Zealand if the total investment is at least NZD 12 million; or
- 63 days in New Zealand if the total investment is at least NZD 13 million.
The additional funds above NZD 10 million must be nominated before the application is approved in principle and must then be placed in acceptable direct investments or managed funds under the Growth Category.
Changes to investment timeframes
The time applicants have to transfer funds and to make their investments in New Zealand will be reduced. Under both categories all investments must be completed within six months of the date of approval in principle. However, applicants may request a one-off six-month extension if they can provide evidence they have tried and been unable to transfer and invest their funds.
Changing investment categories
Applicants who applied under the Balanced category can request to change to the Growth category, and vice versa. Applicants may only change category once.
English language requirements removed
The English language requirements introduced in 2022 will be removed.
Changes to simplify investment process
Additionally, the following changes have been made to simplify the investment process:
- Caps on investments will be removed.
- Investments must now be made in full to be granted a resident visa.
- Introduction of “on-call investments” for funds which the applicant has committed to placing in managed funds. These can be placed in acceptable investments (bonds, term deposits, listed equities, banks accounts (maximum of six months for funds placed in term deposits and bank accounts)) until they are “called on” by the managed fund.
- Growth category applicants will, in limited circumstances, be able to re-invest returned capital into balanced category investments if it is less than NZD 1 million.
Newborn children of investors will also qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa. They can then be added to their parent’s application for a Permanent Resident Visa.
All applicants must still meet immigration health and character requirements.
These changes help attract high value investment, simplify settings, and incentivise people to invest in ‘active’ investment classes.
They reflect feedback from investors and industry stakeholders and provide a wider range of investment options that will attract new investors to our shores. They also allow investors to become familiar with New Zealand’s investment community and gain the confidence to undertake more active investments in the future.
These changes will apply to all Active Investor Plus applications from 1 April 2025.
Information for new applicants
Applicants or their representatives can apply using the existing application form for Active Investor Plus which will be updated on 1 April 2025 to reflect these changes.
Applicants will be asked whether they want to apply for the Balanced or Growth category and must provide the relevant documentation for that category.
Those who have already applied for an Active Investor Plus Visa
Those who have an active application for an Active Investor Plus Visa, and have not been granted residence yet, will be able to transition to the new visa settings.
INZ will contact current applicants in mid-March to provide further information on transitioning to the new settings.
Immigration support in New Zealand
If you require advice or support in relation to New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa, our global immigration team can help.
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This partnership will significantly expand our global immigration services and enable us to offer an even higher level of support for individuals and employers worldwide. To find out more, please contact us today.
