New Zealand Introduces Two New Visa Categories to Attract Global Investors
In a major policy shift aimed at boosting foreign investment and strengthening the national economy, the New Zealand government has announced the launch of two new visa categories — the Growth Category and the Balanced Category — under its investment immigration program. These new rules will officially come into effect on April 1, 2025.
✨ Key Features of the Updated Investment Visa Program
1. New Investment Structure
-
Minimum 75% of the total investment must be placed in listed equities or bonds.
-
Only 25% can be kept in New Zealand bank accounts, either as cash or term deposits.
(Previously, investors could hold up to 100% in bank accounts.)
2. Expanded Investment Options
-
For the first time, investors are allowed to invest in property development companies, broadening their investment opportunities within New Zealand.
🏠 Active Investor Plus Visa: Indefinite Residency
Foreign investors who qualify under the Active Investor Plus Visa will be granted permanent residency in New Zealand. Key benefits include:
-
No investment cap, but full payment of the investment is required upon visa approval.
-
“On-call Investments” option: Temporarily hold funds in approved assets (e.g., bonds, stocks, term deposits) before committing to long-term managed investments.
👨👩👧 Family Benefits & Waived Requirements
-
Newborn children of investors will be eligible for a Dependent Child Resident Visa, securing their path to permanent residency.
-
No English language test required, making the visa more accessible to global investors from non-English-speaking countries.
📅 Application Timeline & Process
-
Investors must complete their full investment within 6 months of visa approval. A one-time extension of up to 6 months is available upon request.
-
Applications must be submitted via the official online immigration portal, which is being updated to accommodate the new visa categories.
-
For full eligibility criteria and official guidelines, applicants are encouraged to visit the New Zealand Immigration website.
🌏 A Golden Opportunity for Global Investors
With simplified rules, expanded investment avenues, and attractive residency benefits, New Zealand’s updated investment visa program offers a strong incentive for individuals seeking long-term opportunities in a stable and thriving economy.
