The New Zealand government has recently announced plans to adjust migrant investor visa categories, with the goal of attracting more investment to the New Zealand economy. The changes are aiming to provide better pathways to New Zealand residency for wealthy individuals and families.
Since 2022, migrants entering New Zealand under the Active Investor Plus (AIP) category have invested just NZD $70 million. By contrast, in the two years prior to COVID-19, migrants invested NZD $2.2 billion. This huge difference shows why these changes are needed to make investing in New Zealand more appealing and easier going forward.
With applications being taken from 1 April 2025, the AIP Visa now has two categories: Growth (direct NZTE-approved investments) and Balanced. The minimum investable amounts required are now NZD $5 million for the Growth category and NZD $10 million for the Balanced category, down from the previous ‘weighted’ NZD $15 million.
Acceptable investments now include bonds and property and remove the allocation threshold of 50% for listed equities. Immigration requirements are easier, with less time needed to have spent in New Zealand. The English language requirement has also been removed. The investment period for the Growth category is 3 years, and for the Balanced category, it is 5 years.
Cambridge Partners welcomes these changes. Not only do they make investing in New Zealand more attractive, they allow investors to make better investment decisions around how to obtain the visa based on their risk profile and objectives. Getting proper advice is very important, so if you or anyone you are helping (immigration advisers or family members) needs guidance, reach out to us today for a no-obligation chat.