Open from 19 September 2022, a new Active Investor Plus visa category will be introduced to New Zealand’s range of visa options, replacing the current Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories.
Attracting high-value investors, the eligibility criteria includes a minimum NZD$5 million investment and encourages greater economic benefit to New Zealand companies by capping passive investment in listed equities to 50 per cent and excluding bonds and property.
The announcement of this new visa is part of the NZ Government’s ‘Immigration Rebalance Strategy’ – aiming to attract experienced high-value investors who will bring growth opportunities to domestic businesses. The Government’s goal is to support successful growing businesses and enabling them to grow into even more successful global brands. as well as updating the country’s investor visa settings which are a key part of the strategy to attract high-value investors
Applicants who make acceptable direct investments, among other requirements, will be eligible for the new visa with a $5 million minimum investment and receive the highest rating which is a lower minimum amount than those who choose more indirect investments. The minimum amount required for indirect investments will be $15 million.
Investors will be offered improved flexibility, allowing them to invest over a three-year period and maintain their investments up to the end of a fourth year. Investors will need to spend at least 117 days, or around a month a year, in New Zealand over the four-year investment period. This is increased from 88 days in the previous category in order to ensure that investors are actively getting hands-on with local companies to help them grow.
The new Active Investor Plus visa will open on 19 September 2022. Applications under the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas will no longer be accepted after 27 July 2022. All applications in the current pipeline will continue to be processed by Immigration New Zealand.
Get in touch with Arno and the team to find out how we can help: Arno.Nothnagel@absoluteimmigration.com
