Active Investor Plus Visa Update: More Attractive Investment Opportunities Await

March 17, 2025

Exciting changes are coming to New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa! Starting 1 April 2025, the visa program will take on a refreshed approach, offering high-net-worth individuals more accessible, flexible, and meaningful investment opportunities. Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio or set up a home away from home, these updates could open doors to incredible possibilities—for you, your family, and your investments.

Here’s everything you need to know about these changes and how they could work for you.

What’s New?

These updates are designed to make it easier—and more rewarding—for investors to connect with New Zealand’s economy. By simplifying the process, broadening investment options, and removing barriers, the program is becoming more inclusive and investor-friendly.

Two Tailored Investment Categories

You now have the freedom to choose where and how you’d like to invest, thanks to two clear pathways:

Growth Category

• Minimum investment: NZD $5 million
• Investment term: 3 years
• What it’s for:
  • Active investments such as equities, managed funds, or philanthropy.

Balanced Category

• Minimum investment: NZD $10 million
• Investment term: 5 years
• What it’s for:
  • Broader options include bonds, property developments, and projects like earthquake-proofing buildings.
  • You can also invest in new residential housing to help expand New Zealand’s housing supply or fund larger-scale commercial and industrial initiatives.

If you choose the Balanced Category, there’s a bonus—you can blend Growth Category investments into your portfolio. This flexibility ensures there’s something for every risk appetite and investment style.

Immigration That Fits Your Lifestyle

Rather than just bringing your funds, New Zealand is encouraging you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and economy. Here’s how much time you’d need to spend in the country during the investment period to maintain your eligibility:

Growth Category:

At least 21 days over 3 years.

Balanced Category:

105 days over 5 years (but with reductions for larger investments):

• 91 days if you invest NZD $11 million
• 77 days if you invest NZD $12 million
• 63 days if you invest NZD $13 million

It’s not about meeting a quota—it’s about fostering meaningful connections between you and life in New Zealand.

Faster and Easier Applications

Good news for those who want clarity and efficiency—the process is now straightforward and timely.

• You’ll have six months to complete your investments upon receiving visa approval in principle.
• Extensions of up to six months may be granted under special circumstances.
• Flexibility is built right in—you’re allowed to switch between investment categories one time if your interests shift.

No More English Language Requirement

One of the standout changes is the removal of the English language prerequisite. New Zealand recognizes that expertise in investment is what truly matters, so this update makes the visa even more accessible to global investors.

Other Simplifications

The visa is also cutting through red tape to make things even smoother:

• Eliminating caps on investments.
• Requiring full investment completion before the visa is granted.
• Introducing flexible “on-call investments,” which allow your funds to be held in short-term accounts while awaiting allocation into managed investments.
• Adding the option to re-invest Growth Category funds below NZD $1 million into the Balanced Category.
• Including newborn children of investors in the residency process—ensuring your whole family is set for the future.

Why It Matters

The revamped Active Investor Plus Visa is more than a residency pathway—it’s an incredible opportunity to make a difference. Whether you’re funding innovative commercial projects or helping to expand the housing market, your investment actively contributes to a stronger, more resilient New Zealand.

Plus, with the simplified process and flexible categories, you can customize your investment approach to reflect your goals and preferences. And by encouraging a deeper connection with the country, the program offers more than just financial benefits—it creates a unique opportunity to build a lasting relationship with New Zealand.

How to Apply

Thinking of applying? Here’s the step-by-step:

• Applications using the new framework will open on 1 April 2025.
• Decide between the Growth or Balanced investment categories and gather your documentation.
• If you’ve already applied under the current visa settings but haven’t received approval by this time, you can switch to the updated framework. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will offer guidance by March 2025.

Take the Next Step Toward an Endless Opportunity

New Zealand is rolling out the welcome mat, and there’s never been a better time to explore your options. With these updates, the Active Investor Plus Visa is more inclusive, rewarding, and flexible than ever before. From significant returns on your investments to the chance to make New Zealand your second home, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Get in touch with a Licensed Immigration Adviser at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd or visit Immigration New Zealand’s website to learn more. Your dream of investing in New Zealand—and becoming a part of its story—could be just around the corner.