The Active Investor Plus Visa is intended to attract investors who take an active role in helping companies access global knowledge networks, capital, and markets. The visa is designed to generate higher business productivity and job growth.

It opened on 19 September 2022 and replaced the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories. Eligibility criteria includes a minimum NZD$5 million investment if it is a direct investment. It encourages greater economic benefit to New Zealand companies. As at 5 February 2025, we have received 101 applications involving 318 people since the Active Investor Plus category opened in September 2022. An application may have multiple applicants.

Of the 101 applications received, 43 applications have been approved, 13 were withdrawn by the applicant, 31 have been approved in principle and 14 are still being assessed as of 5 February 2025.

The investment funds committed under approved applications total NZD$545 million. The total intended to be committed under applications approved in principle is NZD$363 million.

Active Investor Plus Visa

From 1 April 2025, there will be changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa to encourage growth and make investing in New Zealand more attractive. These include:

• introducing 2 simplified investment categories — Growth and Balanced
• a minimum investment amount of NZD$5 million for Growth category investors and NZD$10 million for Balanced category investors
• broadening the scope of acceptable investments for Balanced category to include bond and property (new residential, new/existing commercial or industrial developments) investments
• fewer immigration requirements for migrants who choose more active investments (such as time required to be spent in New Zealand)
• reducing the time Growth and Balanced category visa holders have to make their investments in New Zealand, both categories must make all investments within 6 months of their approval in principle but may apply for a 6 month extension, and
• removing the English language requirement.

Further information will be available in early March, including information on options for current Active Investor Plus Visa applicants.

Investor category update provides attractive investment options

Applications under the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas are no longer accepted. All applications in the current pipeline are continuing to be processed.