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In April 2025, the visa was reformed and clearly structured. There are now two investment pathways.
The Growth category requires an investment of at least NZD 5 million over three years. The residency requirement is minimal at 21 days during this period. Investors here focus on higher-risk assets such as managed funds or direct equity stakes in companies.
The Balanced category is aimed at investors with NZD 10 million and a five-year investment horizon. In return, 105 days of residence are required, and the range of options extends from bonds and listed shares to philanthropic projects and property developments.
The reform also brought further innovations. Proof of English is no longer required. Applications are processed more quickly – on average within 17 working days. At the same time, the range of investment opportunities has grown, for example through infrastructure or housing projects. And those investing particularly large sums are rewarded: from NZD 13 million upwards, the residency requirement is reduced to just 63 days.
That this combination works is shown by the international response. Interest from Germany has grown strongly, especially since the delegation trip of the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, led by CEO Monique Surges, to Frankfurt, Berlin and Hamburg in early 2025. Many participants at the events took the opportunity to learn directly about the possibilities. Malcolm Pacific Immigration summed up the sentiment as follows:
“Whether it is people looking for a plan B or wanting to relocate at some stage securing permanent residence now makes complete sense to protect opportunities for the next generation. In an increasingly troubled world, there are few countries who are open for business. New Zealand welcomes foreign direct investment and it is a direct pathway to become a permanent resident.”
Investment bank JBWere also reports record numbers:
“With the new changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa coming into play in April this year, there has been a surge of applications from migrant investors. There have been over 250 applications since April, representing NZ$1.6 billion of capital that will contribute to growth across New Zealand’s economy over coming years. The USA and Asia are leading the charge but there is also good interest from Europe, and this is dominated by applications from Germany.”
Local providers are also benefiting from this momentum. The Private Capital Group (PCG) has used the program to bring international investors on board and connect them with private credit opportunities in New Zealand.
Figure: Number of applicants per country for the program (as of August 2025)
The company describes the impact as follows: “Private Capital Group is thriving on the back of New Zealand’s new Active Investor Plus visa, which has opened a fresh channel of sophisticated global capital into the country. The programme attracts experienced, high-net-worth investors committed to supporting New Zealand’s growth companies and private funds. This has been a perfect match for PCG’s expertise in private credit and investor relations: the firm has been able to connect motivated investor migrants with high-quality opportunities, fostering relationships that bring both capital and international networks to the table.”
The overall economic impact is now clearly visible. More than NZD 200 million in investments have already been approved, mainly in funds and bonds authorized by InvestNZ. The government has high expectations for the visa: it is intended to create jobs, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, boost housing construction, support infrastructure projects, and deepen New Zealand’s international economic relations.
Banks are confirming this effect. Evan Veza from Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) emphasizes: “New Zealand is positioning itself as an attractive destination for investors. As a nation committed to shaping its future, we welcome international capital that brings expertise and access to global markets. German investors, known for their innovative drive, see New Zealand as fertile ground for high-tech innovation and advanced manufacturing sectors with strong growth potential. This partnership opens valuable pathways for New Zealand business to enter the German market – one of high quality and depth. I have seen first-hand the positive impact German investors bring, and we warmly welcome this to New Zealand “
But the program is not only an economic driver, it is also a human story. Bridget Romanes from Mobile Relocation reports on a German family that moved to Auckland in 2019 under an investor visa: “With our support, they selected their ideal neighbourhood, purchased a seaside home on the North Shore, and their son enjoyed a genuine Kiwi school experience. Today, he is completing an internship in Auckland, while his parents split their time between the two countries, following summer across the hemispheres.”
Stories like these show that the visa program brings not only capital but also people and their stories to New Zealand.
Recent Policy Update: Foreign Investors with Residency Visa to Purchase Homes
In a significant policy shift, the New Zealand Government has announced that wealthy foreign investors holding an Active Investor Plus residency visa will now be permitted to purchase one residential property in New Zealand. This move aims to deepen their connection to the country and encourage further investment. The property must be valued at a minimum of NZD 5 million, representing less than 1% of the nation's housing stock. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized that this change balances the desire to attract high-net-worth individuals with the need to maintain control over foreign ownership of residential properties.
Compared to previous visa schemes, the Active Investor Plus Visa is considered more modern and flexible. Andrew Sturgeon of JBWere sums it up: “The new Visa has proven more attractive than previous investor visas due to reduced days in country required, simpler rules and lower investments required. We support investors closely throughout the entire process and ensure their investments are safe, compliant, and targeted.”
In a short period of time, the Active Investor Plus Visa has thus established itself as a central instrument for channeling international capital into New Zealand – while at the same time creating bonds between investors, businesses, and society. It represents an approach that goes far beyond pure financial flows and opens up new economic as well as social perspectives for New Zealand.
Further information:
Current details on the Active Investor Plus Visa as well as conditions and application procedures can be found on the official Immigration New Zealand website: www.immigration.govt.nz.
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