Immigration New Zealand (INZ) reports that the Active Investor Plus Visa has attracted $549.2 million in committed investment into New Zealand’s economy since the introduction of new settings on April 1st, 2025.
The visa is meant to attract investors who take an active role in helping local businesses access international markets, knowledge, and capital, supporting job growth and productivity.
As stated above, since new visa settings were introduced in April 2025, foreign investors have committed about NZD $549 million to New Zealand’s economy. These investments mainly go into managed funds and bonds approved by Invest New Zealand, which help local companies access capital and expand their operations.
The visa makes it easier for foreigners to invest and gain residence in New Zealand. The minimum investment amount was reduced to NZD $5 million for higher-risk business investments and NZD $10 million for lower-risk mixed investments.
This allows a more possible range for investors to take part. It also removes the English language requirement and simplifies other immigration rules, making the process faster and more accessible.
Foreigners from 27 different countries have applied for this visa, showing the wide international interest in New Zealand as an investment destination. The largest number of applicants come from the United States, China, and Hong Kong, with others from countries such as Germany, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan. This global participation brings diverse experience, networks, and financial resources to New Zealand’s economy.
By investing in local businesses, foreign investors help connect New Zealand to global markets and knowledge networks. Their capital supports the growth of new industries and strengthens existing ones, which can lead to more jobs and innovation.
The visa also encourages investors to take an active role in business growth, not just to invest money but to contribute skills and connections.
New Settings Increase Investor Applications
According to Immigration New Zealand, between September 2022 and March 31st, 2025, the previous visa settings received 115 applications covering 362 applicants. Of these, 46 were approved for resident visas, 13 were withdrawn, and 33 were granted approval in principle.
Following the new settings launched on April 1st 2025, INZ has received 416 applications covering 1,335 people. The new system introduces two investment categories — Growth and Balanced — aimed at simplifying the process and diversifying investment types.
Growth and Balanced Investment Categories
Under the new framework, the Growth category focuses on higher-risk investments such as managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses, requiring a minimum investment of NZD $5 million over three years. The Balanced category includes lower-risk options such as bonds and property-related investments, requiring a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over five years.
INZ said the changes reduced the previous minimum investment threshold from NZD $15 million and removed English language requirements. The adjustments also eased residence requirements for investors choosing more active investment options.
Applications and Approvals Under the New System
Of the 416 applications received under the new settings, 50 are from applicants transitioning from previous applications and 366 are new submissions. No further transitions are permitted. The total potential minimum investment from these applications amounts to NZD $2.47 billion.
As of November 10th, 2025, 304 applications have been approved in principle, including 57 in the Balanced category and 247 in the Growth category. Three withdrawal requests have been processed, and 112 applications remain under assessment. INZ stated that the average time to approve an application in principle is 28 working days.
Eighty-six applicants have received resident visas so far, including 25 in the Balanced category and 54 in the Growth category. Most investments have been directed into INZ-approved managed funds and bonds.
Applications by Nationality
Applications have been received from investors representing 27 countries. The United States has submitted the highest number, with 164 applications covering 482 people, followed by China with 64 applications for 209 people, and Hong Kong with 53 applications for 164 people. Other notable sources include Germany (31 applications), Singapore (20), Taiwan (20), and Japan (11).
Smaller numbers of applications have come from a range of European, Asian, and Pacific countries.
Investor Visa Updates
INZ confirmed that applications under the previous Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories are no longer accepted, though those already in progress will continue to be processed. The agency said the revised Active Investor Plus Visa aims to align investment migration with long-term economic goals by supporting business growth through global capital and expertise.
Through the Active Investor Plus Visa, New Zealand benefits from the financial and professional input of international investors. At the same time, foreign investors gain the opportunity to live in a stable country and participate in a growing economy.
The programme showcases how international investment and migration can work together to support economic development and long-term national goals.
