Major changes on the horizon for the Active Investor Plus visa
Elly Fleming
10 February 2025
To attract more high-value investors and stimulate economic growth, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa, also known colloquially as the ‘Golden Visa’, is set for a major shakeup.
The upcoming adjustments, effective from 1 April, are expected to make New Zealand’s investor visa program more globally competitive and more appealing to wealthy migrant investors compared to similar visas available in other countries.
The revised visa framework will become simplified and more flexible, introducing two streamlined investment categories for applicants: Growth and Balanced.
New investment categories
For the Growth category, investors must:
- Spend a minimum of 21 days in the country
- Invest for three years
- Invest at least $5 million NZD into higher-risk investments such as direct investments in New Zealand businesses or managed funds.
For the Balanced category, investors must:
- Spend 105 days in the country unless eligible for a reduction in this time by investing more than the required amount into direct investments or managed funds. This time can be reduced by 14 days with a $11 million NZD investment, 28 days for a $12 million NZD investment, or 42 days for a $13 million NZD investment
- Invest for five years
- Invest a minimum of $10 million NZD into bonds, listed equities, new property developments, existing commercial or industrial property developments, philanthropy, direct investments, or managed funds.
Removal of barriers
Previously, the AIP criteria included an English language proficiency requirement. This will be eliminated, making the visa more accessible to a wider range of international investors.
This reform is set to create new opportunities for investors seeking to qualify for residence in New Zealand. However, applicants should carefully assess their eligibility under the revised criteria before submitting visa applications to Immigration New Zealand.
The full policy details and revised visa criteria are yet to be published. We will continue to monitor and report on the latest developments. We recommend that interested parties subscribe to our publications for regular updates.
How Pitt & Moore can help
If you are considering applying for the Active Investor Plus visa or want to know more, we can assist with your application and the visa process. We are experts in this area and can give you advice on your particular circumstances or help you navigate these changes as they come into effect in April.
We offer an initial, free 15-minute consultation to discuss your unique situation. Book your consultation with us today by clicking here.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.
