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"New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa: Simplified Pathways, Expanded Investments, and Greater Flexibility from April 2025"
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Updated: May 13
New Zealand is introducing significant updates to its Active Investor Plus Visa, effective from 1 April 2025. These changes aim to attract high-value investors, simplify the investment process, and provide greater flexibility for those looking to contribute to New Zealand’s economy. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring opportunities abroad, the updated visa offers a streamlined pathway to residency and investment in one of the world’s most stable and prosperous economies.
Active Investor Plus Visa: Simplified Investment Categories
Starting 1 April 2025, the Active Investor Plus Visa will feature two simplified investment categories: Growth and Balanced. These categories are designed to cater to different investor preferences and risk appetites.
Growth Category:
Requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million over a 3-year term.
Ideal for investors seeking higher-risk, higher-return opportunities, such as equities or venture capital.
Investors must spend 21 days in New Zealand over the 3-year investment term.
Balanced Category:
Requires a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over a 5-year term.
Suitable for investors who prefer a mix of stable and growth-oriented investments, including bonds and property.
Investors must spend 105 days in New Zealand over the 5-year term, with reductions available for higher investments:
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.
These changes provide investors with clear and flexible options to align their investments with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
Expanded Investment Options for the Balanced Category
The Balanced Category now includes a broader range of acceptable investments, making it more attractive to a wider pool of investors. Key updates include:
Bonds: Government or corporate bonds are now acceptable investments.
Property Investments: Limited to new residential developments that increase housing stock or commercial/industrial developments that add value, such as earthquake strengthening.
Growth Category Investments: Investments made under the Growth Category can also count toward the Balanced Category.
Equities and Philanthropy: These remain acceptable investments under both categories.
This expansion allows investors to diversify their portfolios while contributing to New Zealand’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
Flexible Residency Requirements for Investors
To encourage active participation in New Zealand’s economy, the visa introduces flexible residency requirements tailored to each investment category.
Growth Category: Investors must spend 21 days in New Zealand over the 3-year term.
Balanced Category: Investors must spend 105 days in New Zealand over the 5-year term, with reductions available for higher investments (as outlined above).
These requirements ensure that investors engage with New Zealand’s business and investment community, fostering long-term relationships and economic contributions.
Simplified Investment Process and Timeframes
The updated visa simplifies the investment process and reduces administrative burdens for applicants. Key changes include:
No Caps on Investments: There is no upper limit on the amount investors can commit.
Full Investment Upfront: Investments must be made in full to qualify for a resident visa.
On-Call Investments: Funds committed to managed funds can be temporarily held in bonds, term deposits, listed equities, or bank accounts (for up to 6 months) until called on by the fund.
Reinvestment Flexibility: Growth Category investors can reinvest returned capital (up to NZD $1 million) into Balanced Category investments in limited circumstances.
Additionally, the time allowed for transferring and investing funds has been shortened:
All investments must be completed within 6 months of approval in principle.
A one-off 6-month extension is available if applicants can demonstrate genuine difficulties in transferring or investing funds.
These changes ensure that investments are made promptly, benefiting New Zealand’s economy sooner.
Newborn Children Eligibility and Family Flexibility
The updated visa introduces greater family flexibility for investors. Newborn children of investors will now qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa, allowing them to be added to their parent’s application for a Permanent Resident Visa. This change ensures that families can relocate to New Zealand together, providing stability and support for investors and their loved ones.
Transitioning to the New Visa Settings
Applicants with active applications (not yet granted residence) can transition to the new visa settings. Immigration New Zealand will contact current applicants in mid-March 2025 with further details on how to transition. This ensures a smooth process for those already in the application pipeline.
How to Apply for the Active Investor Plus Visa
From 1 April 2025, applicants or their advisers can use the updated Active Investor Plus Visa application form. The application process has been streamlined to make it easier than ever to invest in New Zealand’s future. Key steps include:
Choose Your Category: Decide whether to apply under the Growth or Balanced category.
Provide Documentation: Submit the relevant documentation for your chosen category.
Complete Investments: Transfer and invest funds within the specified timeframes.
Meet Residency Requirements: Fulfill the residency requirements based on your investment category.
The simplified process and expanded investment options make the Active Investor Plus Visa an attractive choice for high-net-worth individuals.
Why These Changes Matter
The updated Active Investor Plus Visa settings aim to:
Attract High-Value Investment: By offering flexible and diverse investment options, New Zealand aims to attract global investors seeking stable and prosperous opportunities.
Simplify the Investment Process: The removal of caps, introduction of on-call investments, and reduced timeframes make the process more straightforward and investor-friendly.
Encourage Active Investments: The residency requirements ensure that investors actively engage with New Zealand’s business and investment community.
Provide Flexibility: Investors can choose strategies that align with their goals, whether they prefer high-growth or balanced investments.
Foster Economic Growth: By attracting high-value investments, New Zealand aims to strengthen its economy and infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
The changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa reflect New Zealand’s commitment to attracting global investors and fostering economic growth. By simplifying the investment process, expanding acceptable investment options, and providing greater flexibility, the updated visa makes New Zealand an even more attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals.
Whether you’re looking to invest in property, equities, or managed funds, the Active Investor Plus Visa offers a clear and streamlined pathway to residency and investment in one of the world’s most stable and prosperous economies. Start planning your investment journey today and take advantage of the opportunities available from 1 April 2025.
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