Starting today, April 1, 2025, new changes to New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa program take effect.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, previously announced that starting this month, two simplified categories would be applied to the Active Investor Plus Visa; Growth and Balanced, VisaGuide.World reports.
The interest of wealthy foreigners in this program, following the announcement of these changes marked a notable increase.
In this regard, the Immigration Minister of New Zealand, Erica Stanford, said that the country is seeing a red-hot interest in its revamped program from the US and Europe as increasing geopolitical tensions prompt wealthy people to consider options abroad, as reported by Bloomberg.
“I’m expecting that in the first month we’ll get a lot of applications. We’re seeing a huge amount of interest out of the US. And we’re also seeing a lot of interest out of Germany and the rest of Europe.” the Immigration Minister of New Zealand, Erica Stanford
These Changes Now Apply to the Scheme
Additional changes applied to this scheme also include the abolishment of the English-language requirement, the reduction of the time investors are required to spend in the country, the reduction of the minimum amount required for investments, and the simplification of investment categories.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said that the time Growth and Balanced category applicants have to transfer funds and also make their investments in New Zealand will be reduced.
The Ministry emphasized that under both categories investments should be completed within six months of the date of approval. However, it added that applicants may request a one-off six-month extension if they are ineligible to provide valid proof that they have tried and been unable to invest their funds.
Starting today, applications for the Active Investor Plus Visa will open in Wellington.
Abolishment of English-Language Requirement; Game Changer
Managing director at Queen City Law in Auckland, Mr Marcus Beveridge, told Bloomberg that he is noting massive interest that comes mostly from nationals of China, Japan, Indonesia and the United States.
He said that a major difference has been the abolishment of the English-language requirement, considering it a game changer.
The simplified investment categories are expected to contribute significantly to New Zealand’s economy.
The ministry highlighted that the requirement for the Growth category will be NZD $5 million over a three-year investment term, while for the Balanced category will be NZD $10 million over a five-year investment term.