Investor Category

The Active Investor Plus visa category incentivises direct investment and encourages greater economic benefit to New Zealand.

6 March 2025

2 minute read

The Active Investor Plus visa is intended to attract investors who take an active role in helping companies access global knowledge networks, capital, and markets. The visa is designed to generate higher business productivity and job growth.

As at 27 February 2025, INZ have received 103 applications involving 321 people since the Active Investor Plus category opened in September 2022. An application may have multiple applicants.

Of the 103 applications received, 46 applications have been approved, 13 were withdrawn by the applicant, 29 have been approved in principle and 15 are still being assessed.

The investment funds committed under approved applications total $593 million. The total intended to be committed under applications approved in principle is NZD $438 million.

Active Investor Plus Visa

The visa opened on 19 September 2022 and replaced the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories. On 1 April 2025 several changes will be made to simplify the investment process, including the introduction of 2 investment categories.

Growth category

Focuses on higher-risk investments, including managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It will require a minimum investment of NZD $5 million for a minimum period of 3 years.

Balanced category

Focuses on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. There will be a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over 5 years.

Other changes include:

• reducing the minimum investment amount from NZD $15 million (or weighted equivalent) to NZD $5 million for Growth and NZD $10 million for Balanced category investors 

• broadening the scope of acceptable investments to include bond and property-type investments for Balanced category investors

• removing the English language requirement, and

• fewer immigration requirements for migrants who choose more active investments such as reducing the time required to be spent in New Zealand.

You can find more information about the changes, and what options are available for current Active Investor Plus applicants in our News centre.

Investor category update provides attractive investment options

Applications under the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas are no longer accepted. All applications in the current pipeline are continuing to be processed.