New Zealand's ‘Active Investor Plus Visa’ Opens the Door for Discerning Global Investors
For many Europeans, New Zealand is a dream destination - peaceful, prosperous and beautiful, it seems out of reach, especially when the migration entry is so strict.
However, a new opportunity has emerged for Europeans with the right mix of skills, attitude and investment capability. The Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa programme is opening the door for global investors who value not only financial returns but also the quality of life and connection to the natural world
The Essence of the AIP Visa Program
The AIP Visa is designed to attract investors who wish to contribute to the growth of New Zealand businesses - and live, work, or study in New Zealand. It also provides an unusual level of flexibility, for you and your family to experience New Zealand's lifestyle full-time or to fluidly move between New Zealand and other countries, ensuring you maintain your connections and interests, wherever they may be.
How It Works:
Live Flexibly: Opt to reside in New Zealand full-time or split your time as you see fit, accommodating those who value their ties to both New Zealand and Europe.
- Family Inclusion: Bring your family along, offering them the opportunity to experience or contribute to New Zealand's community and way of life.
- Investment Diversity: Choose from a range of investment options, including direct investments in New Zealand businesses, managed funds with a focus on innovation and sustainability, and listed equities on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX).
- Pathway to Residency: After four years of meaningful investment and engagement with New Zealand's economy and society, you may apply for permanent residency.
Visa Requirements:
To participate, investors are required to:
- Invest between NZ$5 million and NZ$15 million, with investments spread over three years and maintained for a fourth year.
- Fulfil a minimum stay of 117 days in New Zealand over the four-year visa period, fostering genuine connections with the community and country.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English to at least Level 5 of the International English Language Testing System, ensuring ease of integration and communication.
-
Investment Categories and Incentives:
The AIP Visa encourages active engagement with New Zealand's economy through a weighted investment system:
- Direct Investments (3x multiple): Investments in approved New Zealand businesses are especially valued, with each dollar invested counting as three towards your visa conditions.
- Managed Funds (2x multiple): Including venture capital funds like Punakaiki Fund, each dollar invested is doubled in value towards meeting the visa conditions.
- Listed Equities (1x multiple): Investments in shares on the NZX, providing a more traditional but essential contribution to the economic landscape.
- Philanthropy (1x multiple): Contributions to approved charities, supporting the social fabric of New Zealand.
-
Note: A cap exists where a maximum of $7.5 million can be invested in listed equities and philanthropy, encouraging a balanced and engaged investment approach.
Why Choose New Zealand?
For those in Germany and across Europe, New Zealand offers not just an investment opportunity but a lifestyle choice. It's a chance to be part of a community known for its warm hospitality, safety, transparency, good governance, vibrant economy and of course, easy access to oceans, lakes, mountains and rivers. The AIP Visa is a reflection of New Zealand's values — an invitation to contribute to our economy and society in a meaningful way while enjoying the quality of life second to none. As we see shifts in global investor migration programmes, New Zealand's AIP Visa stands as a compelling option for those seeking stability, growth, and a genuine connection to their adopted country.
By the numbers
- 1st out of 141 countries for Macroeconomic Stability
Source: World Economic Forum, Global Competitiveness Report 2019 - 2nd most peaceful country in the world
Source: 2021 Global Peace Index - 3rd In the OECD for international tax competitiveness
Source: 2021 International Tax Competitiveness Index - 9/10 migrants found the welcome met or exceeded their expectations
Source: Settling in New Zealand Migrant Survey, Immigration New Zealand, 2019
Engage with the Future: A Call to GNZCC Members
We warmly invite GNZCC members, who have long been fostering German-New Zealand relations, to explore the opportunities that the AIP Visa programme offers. This program is not merely an avenue for investment; it’s a pathway to becoming part of New Zealand's future.
Willkommen in Neuseeland — where your engagement and investments contribute to a legacy of prosperity and sustainable living.
If you’re interested in learning more about the AIP Visa and investment opportunities, reach out to: tom@2040ventures.com
About 2040 Ventures
2040 Ventures is one of New Zealand’s most seasoned venture capital firms and manages two ‘acceptable managed funds’ under the AIP Visa program:
Punakaiki Fund
Punakaiki Fund Limited (PFL) is an actively managed venture capital investment company with total assets of c.$100 million and targets 20% returns for investors. PFL currently holds positions in 17 NZ technology companies and the fund's notable exits include Moxion, Vend and Timely. Unlike other venture funds, PFL is evergreen and intends to IPO over the medium term. This structure provides AIP investors with unique benefits, including: 1) visibility of the existing high-growth portfolio you are investing in 2) likely liquidity at the end of the AIP Visa term, and 3) the ability to rapidly process investments on-demand. PFL has already helped AIP Visa holders to quickly invest their funds and begin their four year visa term.
Climate Venture Capital Fund Extension (CVCFe)
The Climate Venture Capital Fund is New Zealand's first venture fund exclusively investing in companies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The first fund in the Climate VC Fund series commenced in 2020. Our second Climate Fund (CVCF Extension or simply “CVCFe”) allows investors to derive strong commercial returns (target 25% IRR) while supporting the transformation to a cleaner global economy.