Investor Category Updates Unlocks Lucrative Opportunities for the Active Investor Plus Visa

New Zealand is making significant changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa to attract high-value investments, simplify investment processes, and provide more options for investors. These updates aim to create a more attractive and streamlined investment landscape.

Key Changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa

1. Introduction of New Investment Categories: Two simplified investment categories will be introduced:

   1. Growth Category: Minimum investment of NZD $5 million over a 3-year term.

   2. Balanced Category: Minimum investment of NZD $10 million over a 5-year term.

2. Expanded Investment Options: The scope of acceptable investments under the Balanced category has been broadened to include Bonds & Property investments, limited to:

   1. New residential developments that increase housing stock.

   2. New or existing commercial or industrial developments that add value (e.g., earthquake strengthening).

   3. Equities and philanthropy remain acceptable investments.

   4. Note: Investments under the Growth category can also be counted towards the Balanced category.

3. Immigration Requirements for Active Investors: If you apply under:

   1. Growth Category: You must spend 21 days in New Zealand over the investment term.

   2. Balanced Category: You must spend 105 days in New Zealand over the investment term. However, if you invest more, you can reduce this requirement:

      1. 91 days if investing at least NZD $11 million

      2. 77 days if investing at least NZD $12 million

      3. 63 days if investing at least NZD $13 million

4. Faster Investment Processing Timeframes:

   1. All investments must be completed within 6 months of receiving approval in principle.

   2. Applicants can request a one-time extension of 6 months if they provide evidence of attempting to transfer funds.

5. Flexibility in Changing Investment Categories: Applicants can switch once between Growth and Balanced categories.

6. Removal of English Language Requirements: The English language requirement introduced in 2022 has been removed.

7. Other Key Updates:

   1. Investment caps removed – No upper limit on investments.

   2. Investments must be completed in full to be granted a resident visa.

   3. On-call investments introduced – Temporary holding of funds in bonds, equities, or term deposits until invested in managed funds.

   4. Reinvestment flexibility – Growth investors can reinvest up to NZD $1 million into Balanced category investments under certain conditions.

   5. Newborn Children Included

      1. Newborn children of investors will qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa.

      2. After holding this visa for two years, they can be included in their parent’s Permanent Resident Visa application.

Transitioning to the New Visa Settings

These changes apply to all Active Investor Plus Visa applications from 1 April 2025.

• If you have already applied under the Active Investor Plus Visa before 1 April 2025 and have not received residence yet, you can transition to the new settings.

• Applications must be submitted by 31 May 2025 to transition.

• Application fees will be waived, but additional documentation may be required.

What This Means for Investors

These changes make investing in New Zealand more attractive by offering simplified investment pathways, increased flexibility, and more investment options. Investors will also have opportunities to engage with New Zealand’s investment landscape, fostering long-term growth and confidence.