Immigration News:
Investor category update provides attractive investment options
Two simplified investment categories will be introduced to make investing in New Zealand more attractive.
From 1 April 2025, changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa include the following.
Two simplified investment categories will be introduced — Growth and Balanced. A minimum investment amount of NZD $5 million will be required for Growth category investors over a 3-year investment term. A minimum investment amount of NZD $10 million will be required for Balanced category investors over a 5-year investment term.
The scope of acceptable investments for Balanced category will be broadened 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.
QDII or QDLP schemes are not considered acceptable methods of transfer to meet immigration requirements under the Active Investor Plus visa.
While QDII schemes were previously accepted under the former Investor 1 and 2 visa categories, and are accepted under the Parent Retirement category, it is important to note that these visas each have distinct objectives that account for differences in visa settings and approach to visa processing.
If you apply under the Growth category, you are required to spend 21 days in New Zealand over the investment term.
If you apply under the Balanced category, you must spend 105 days in New Zealand over the investment term. However you are eligible for a reduction of time spent in New Zealand if you invest a certain amount. You must spend:
The additional funds above NZD $10 million must be nominated before the application is approved in principle and must then be placed in acceptable direct investments or managed funds under the Growth category.
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 all investments must be completed within 6 months of the date of approval in principle. However, applicants may request a one-off 6-month extension if they can provide evidence they have tried and been unable to transfer and invest their funds.
Applicants who applied under the Balanced category can request to change to the Growth category, and vice versa. Applicants may only change category once.
The English language requirements introduced in 2022 have been removed.
Additionally, the following changes have been made to simplify the investment process:
Newborn children of investors will also qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa. After they have held a Dependent Child Resident Visa for two years, they can then be included in their parent’s application for a Permanent Resident Visa.
All applicants must still meet immigration health and character requirements.
These changes help attract high value investment, simplify settings, and incentivise people to invest in ‘active’ investment classes.
They reflect feedback from investors and industry stakeholders and provide a wider range of investment options that will attract new investors to our shores. They also allow investors to become familiar with New Zealand’s investment community and gain the confidence to undertake more active investments in the future.
These changes will apply to all Active Investor Plus applications from 1 April 2025.
Applications that include all the required information will be prioritised. Even if your application is allocated first, it does not necessarily mean it will be decided in that order. The quality and completeness of any application has a direct impact on how long it takes for the application to be decided.
Contact our Business and Investor specialist, Licensed Immigration Adviser Dr.Carsten Hallwass to find out how we can help you become a New Zealand citizen.
