New Zealand is open for business
On 9 February 2025 the Minister of Finance and Minister of Immigration announced changes to the Active Investor Plus category to attract migrants to invest in New Zealand.
The details of these new investment categories have not yet been announced. However, we have summarised the key changes below.
When are the new changes due to come into effect?
The new changes will be effective from 1 April this year.
What are the changes?
Two new simplified investment categories will come into effect – they are the Growth and Balanced.
How much will migrants have to invest?
NZD5 million under the Growth Category and NZD10 million under the Balanced category.
What acceptable investments will migrants have to invest in?
Under the Growth category migrants must invest NZD5 million in managed funds or direct investments.
Under the Balanced category must invest NZD10 million in:
- bonds (Government, local government, corporate)
- listed equities,
- philanthropy,
- property development (new residential or new/existing commercial or industrial),
- growth category acceptable investments.
What conditions will be attached to any resident visa?
For migrants who invest under the Growth category, they must:
- Retain their investment for three years
- Spend a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand over the investment period
- Complete a questionnaire about investment activity.
For those who apply under the Balanced category, migrants must:
- Retain their investment for five years
- Spend a minimum of 105 days in New Zealand over the investment period, unless they are eligible for a reduction by investing above the minimum investment amount into direct investments or managed funds (NZD11 million = 14-day reduction, NZD12 million = 28-day reduction, NZD13 million = 42-day reduction)
- Complete questionnaire about investment activity
How much time will migrants have to invest their funds?
Growth and Balanced category visa holders will have to make their investments in New Zealand within six months of their approval in principle but may apply for a six-month extension.
Is there an English language requirement?
No – there will not be any English language requirement.
Summary
The Duncan Cotterill immigration team will continue to monitor any announcements regarding these two new investment categories.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact a member of our Immigration Team.
Special thanks to Special Counsel Nicky Robertson for preparing this article.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
