New Zealand Simplifies Investor Visa Program to Attract Foreign Investment

Starting April 1, 2025, New Zealand will introduce significant changes to its Active Investor Plus Visa program, making it more appealing to foreign investors. The updated program offers two simplified investment categories:

1. Growth Category:

   - Minimum investment: NZD$5 million

   - Duration: At least 3 years

   - Focus: Higher-risk investments, including direct investments in NZ businesses

2. Balanced Category:

   - Minimum investment: NZD$10 million

   - Duration: 5 years

   - Focus: Mixed investments, including lower-risk options like bonds and property

Key changes to the program include:

- Expanded investment options for the Balanced category, now including bonds and property investments

- Reduced immigration requirements for those choosing active investments

- Shorter time frame for making investments: 6 months from approval, with a possible 6-month extension

- Removal of the English language requirement

These changes aim to attract high-value investments, simplify the process, and encourage investment in active asset classes. The updated program reflects feedback from investors and industry stakeholders, offering more attractive options for lower-risk investments while allowing investors to familiarize themselves with New Zealand's investment landscape.

Interested investors can apply using the existing online application form, which will be updated to reflect the new changes. More details about the program will be available in early March 2025.

Source: Immigration New Zealand