Authorities in New Zealand have announced that starting from April 1, 2025, new changes will be applied to the Active Investor Plus Visa program.
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa program aims to attract skilled and experienced foreign investors to New Zealand into areas that are in line with the Government’s economic strategy, by offering resident visas in exchange for investments made in the country’s investment ecosystem, VisaGuide.World reports.
Through a statement, New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, has announced that starting from next month, two simplified investment categories will be introduced to the Active Investor Plus Visa: Growth and Balanced.
While the minimum investment requirement for the Growth category will be NZD $5 million over a three-year investment term, the minimum amount requirement for the Balanced category will be NZD $10 million over a five-year investment term.
Authorities in New Zealand have also unfolded plans to expand the scope of acceptable investments for the Balanced category in order 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.
Requirements for Investment Through Active Investments
In order to apply under the Growth Category, foreign nationals are required to stay 21 days in New Zealand over the investment term.
Those interested in applying under the Balanced category are required to stay for 105 days in New Zealand, over the investment term. However, applicants are eligible for a reduction time required to stay in New Zealand provided they invest a certain amount, or more specifically they must spend:
- At least 91 days in NZ if their investment is NZD $11 million or more
- At least 77 days if their total investment is NZD $12 million or more
- At least 63 days if their total investment is at least NZD $13 million
The Ministry has also announced that applicants choosing the Growth of Balanced category will be subject to reduced times when transferring their funds.
The time Growth and Balanced category applicants have to transfer funds and to make their investments in New Zealand will be reduced.
Under both categories, investments must be completed within six months of the date of approval, according to the Ministry. However, applicants may request a one-off six-month extension if they can show valid proof that they have tried and been unable to invest their funds.