The Active Investor Plus Visa: A Fresh Chapter for Global Investors

If you’ve been keeping an eye on New Zealand’s investor visa scene, then you may have noticed some exciting updates lately. The Active Investor Plus Visa has been redesigned to make things easier, more attractive and ultimately more impactful for both investors and the New Zealand economy. Let’s break it down.

What exactly is the Active Investor Plus Visa?

This visa is New Zealand’s way of rolling out the welcome mat to investors who want to do more than just park their money. It is designed for people who are willing to take an active role in helping Kiwi businesses grow, innovate and connect with the wider world. The aim is simple: boost productivity, create jobs and build long-term economic value.

The old settings vs. the new world

Until March 2025, applications were coming in steadily under the earlier visa settings. Then, from April 1, 2025, Immigration New Zealand decided to shake things up and make the process more streamlined. Instead of one broad category, there are now two clear investment paths:

• Growth category: Designed for investors who don’t mind taking on more risk. This one encourages investment in managed funds and direct contributions into New Zealand businesses. The minimum here is set lower, but the expectation is that you will keep it active for at least three years.
  

• Balanced category: This one is for those who prefer a steadier, lower-risk approach. It allows a mix of investments, including more traditional options like bonds and property-style investments. The commitment is higher and stretched over five years, but it gives investors peace of mind with safer choices.
  

What’s also new is the reduced minimum investment threshold compared to the old $15 million mark, broader investment options and even scrapping of the English language requirement. Time spent in New Zealand has also been relaxed for investors who are actively putting their money to work.

How’s it all going so far?

The response to the revamped visa has been huge. Since April 2025, over a thousand people (when you include family members in each application) have jumped on board, with hundreds of applications already making their way through the system.

Most people are leaning towards the Growth category, showing a strong appetite for getting involved in funds and businesses. The Balanced category is also attracting a healthy number of investors who prefer safer ground.

Approvals are coming through fairly quickly too, on average, it is taking just over three weeks for an application to get approval in principle. And the money is already flowing in. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been committed, with the bulk going into managed funds and bonds so far.

Who’s applying?

Investors are coming in from all corners of the world. The United States leads the way, followed by China, Hong Kong and Germany. But there are also applications from places as diverse as Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Canada and even smaller nations like Austria and Romania. It is a truly global pool of investors who see New Zealand as a stable, exciting place to grow their wealth while making a real impact.

Why does this matter for New Zealand?

Beyond the billions of dollars being committed, the Active Investor Plus Visa is about something bigger. It is about connecting New Zealand businesses with global expertise, capital and networks. It is about giving small companies the resources they need to go international. And it is about creating new opportunities, new jobs and long-term economic resilience.

In short, the new settings have turned this visa into more than just a pathway for wealthy individuals, it is now a real partnership between investors and New Zealand’s future.