Changes to New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa

On 3rd March 2025, the New Zealand Government announced key changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa, set to take effect from 1 April 2025. These updates aim to attract high-value investors by simplifying investment pathways and providing greater flexibility in investment choices. 

Key changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa 

The two new investment categories are as follows: 

Growth category 

• Minimum investment: $5 million NZD 

• Investment term: 3 years 

• Focus on higher-risk investments, including direct investment in New Zealand businesses 

Balanced category 

• Minimum investment: $10 million NZD 

• Investment term: 5 years 

• Includes bonds, property development, and mixed investments 

• Property investments will be limited to new residential developments or commercial and industrial projects that add value 

Applicants can switch between Growth and Balanced categories but can only change once. 

Enhanced immigration requirements for active investors 

Investors who commit to more active investments will have reduced residency requirements: 

Growth category: must spend 21 days in New Zealand over the investment term 

Balanced category: must spend 105 days over 5 years, with reductions for larger investments: 

• 91 days totalling $11m investment and over (NZD) 

• 77 days totalling $12m investment and over (NZD) 

• 63 days totalling $13m investment and over (NZD) 

Greater flexibility and benefits in investment choices 

The range of eligible investments has been broadened, particularly under the Balanced category. Investors can now utilise “on-call investments”, enabling them to temporarily place funds in bonds, term deposits, bank accounts, or listed equities until they are ”called on” by a managed fund. 

Additionally, investments from the Growth category can now be included within the Balanced category, offering investors greater flexibility. 

Key benefits of these changes include: 

• Simplified process – two clear investment pathways allowing greater ease. 

• No English requirement – eliminates a key barrier for some investors. 

• Shorter timeframes – faster approvals and streamlined investment process 

• Newborns qualify for DCRV – newborns of investors will automatically qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa and can be added to their parent’s Permanent Resident Visa application. 

These changes will apply to all Active Investor Plus applications from 1 April 2025. 

Investment timeframes and processing improvements 

• Investors must transfer funds and make investments within 6 months. 

• A one-time 6-month extension is available if investors can prove difficulties in transferring funds. 

• Investment caps have been removed, allowing greater investment opportunities. 

Next steps for investors 

Existing applicants – eligible individuals may transition to the new options available. Expect communication by mid-March. 
New applicants – applications using the updated visa criteria will open on 1 April 2025. 
Investment advisers and legal representatives – ensure your clients are aware of these changes and prepare documentation accordingly. 

If you are considering investing in New Zealand, now is the time to explore your options under the new visa settings. 

For more details on the new Active Investor Plus Visa, visit here.  

Need expert assistance? Absolute Immigration NZ can help! Contact us today at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com