Active Investor Plus Visa: New Settings, Strong Start
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa is designed to attract investors who want to play an active role in growing the economy — through capital, global connections, and strategic involvement with local businesses. The goal: boost productivity, support innovation, and create jobs.
New Visa Settings from 1 April 2025
To simplify the investment process and encourage greater uptake, the government introduced two new investment pathways:
1. Growth Category
Focuses on higher-risk investments such as direct investments in NZ businesses or managed funds
Requires a minimum investment of NZ$5 million over 3 years
2. Balanced Category
Includes a mix of lower-risk options, such as bonds and property-type investments
Requires a minimum investment of NZ$10 million over 5 years
Key changes across both categories:
Lower minimum investment thresholds (previously NZ$15 million)
Broader investment options for Balanced investors
Removal of the English language requirement
Reduced time-in-country requirements for active investors
Applications On The Rise
Since the new rules took effect:
236 applications have been received (covering 766 people)
52 in the Balanced category
184 in the Growth category
NZ$1.43 billion in potential total investment
133 applications approved in principle
26 Balanced, 107 Growth
20 residence approvals granted to date
Resulting in NZ$120.6 million committed to NZ’s economy
Most investment so far has gone into NZTE-approved managed funds and bonds
The average processing time for approval in principle is currently just 14 working days — a significant improvement.
Where Are Applicants From?
The top countries applying under the new settings include:
United States – 105 applications
China – 33 applications
Hong Kong – 27 applications
Germany – 19 applications
Singapore – 11 applications
Applications have also come from Austria, France, South Korea, Switzerland, Vietnam, and more — highlighting global interest.
Investor 1 & 2 Categories Closed
The previous Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories are now closed to new applicants. Existing applications will still be processed under those rules, but all new investors must apply through the Active Investor Plus Visa.
Why This Matters
The new visa settings make New Zealand more attractive for high-value investors — not just for the money, but for the expertise and connections they bring. With clearer options, faster processing, and a broader scope of eligible investments, the visa now offers real opportunities for those who want to be part of New Zealand’s growth story.
