Government Overhauls Investor Visa Program

Author | Jono Cole, Partner

Major Changes Effective 1 April 2025

The New Zealand Government has announced significant changes to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa to attract more high-value investment while offering greater flexibility to investors.

The updates come in response to concerns that current high investment thresholds and riskier requirements discouraged applicants, with just $70m invested in New Zealand since 2022 under the current rules implemented by the previous Government.

What’s Changing?

Two New Investment Categories:

Growth Category: Minimum NZD $5 million in approved managed funds and/or direct investments, with a requirement to spend 21 days in New Zealand over three years.

Balanced Category: Minimum NZD $10 million in a broader range of investments, including bonds, equities, philanthropy, and property development. Investors must spend 105 days in New Zealand over five years.

More Investment Options in the Balanced Category:

• Bonds (government, local, and corporate).
• Listed equities.
• Philanthropic donations.
• Property development (new residential, commercial, and industrial projects).
• Approved Growth investments (managed funds and direct business investments).

Flexible Residency Requirement Reductions:

Balanced Category investors can reduce their required in-country days by investing additional funds into direct investments or managed funds:

• +NZD $1 million (total $11 million) → 14-day reduction.

• +NZD $2 million (total $12 million) → 28-day reduction.

• +NZD $3 million (total $13 million) → 42-day reduction.

Other Key Changes:

• The English language requirement is removed.
• Faster investment process – applicants must complete investments within six months, with an optional six-month extension.

Why These Changes Matter

This overhaul aims to strike a balance between attracting capital and ensuring meaningful economic contributions. The Growth Category rewards risk-taking investors with a lower threshold and reduced residency requirement, while the Balanced Category provides lower-risk options with added flexibility.

The Government expects these changes will revive investor interest, boost economic activity, and strengthen New Zealand’s global appeal as an investment destination.

The new program opens for applications on 1 April 2025. If you’re considering applying or need assistance understanding these updates, our team is here to help.