New Changes to Active Investor Plus Visa

Photo by Thomas Coker on Unsplash

Changes to the Active Investor Plus visa start on 1 April 2025 and will have two categories: Growth and Balanced aimed at attracting skilled and experienced foreign investors to align with the Government’s economic strategy aimed at making a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy.  Key features are:

·      The Growth category investors will need a minimum of NZD $5 million over a 3-year investment period. The focus will be high-risk investments, including direct investments in New Zealand businesses.

·      The Balanced category investors will need a minimum of NZD$ 10 million over a 5-year investment period. Investments will focus on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk.

The scope of acceptable investments for the Balanced category will include bonds and property investments (new residential, new / existing commercial or industrial developments).

The amount of time an investor needs to stay in New Zealand depends on the amount invested.

For the Growth Category, a 3-year investment, foreign nationals will need to stay for 21 days over the investment term.

For the Balanced Category, a 5-year investment term, foreign nationals will need to stay 105 days.  The amount of time investors are required to stay in New Zealand will be reduced if they spend:

·      At least 91 days in New Zealand if investment is NZD $11 million

·      At least 77 days in New Zealand if investment is NZD $12 million

·      At least 63 days in New Zealand if the investment is NZD$ 13 million or more

Investments must be completed within 6 months of the visa approval.  Investors may qualify for a one-off six month extension if they can show they have tried and been unable to invest their funds.

At the end of the 3 year or 5 year investment period, eligible applicants included in an Active Investor Plus visa will obtain a Permanent Resident Visa allowing an unlimited stay in New Zealand. 

For more information about the Active Investor Plus visa contact emma@blueskymigration.com