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In a move to strengthen the economy through its new investment visa policy, the New Zealand government has relaxed its visa rules to attract global investment.
Starting from April 1, 2025, the revised rules introduce two new categories – Growth and Balanced – offering more flexible investment options.
Investors are encouraged to put funds into productive sectors of the economy.
Under the new policy, 75 percent of investment must go into listed equities or bonds. Only 25 percent can be kept in local bank accounts as cash or term deposits.
This is a major shift from the previous policy, where 100 percent of the investment could be held in bank accounts, making the new approach more dynamic.
According to Fragomen.com, the government now also allows investment in property development companies. This expansion opens more doors for serious international investors.
Approved applicants will be granted indefinite residency under the Active Investor Plus Visa. Full payment of the investment amount must be made once approval is given.
Another key change is the removal of the investment cap. This means investors can commit any amount above the minimum limit, as long as rules are followed.
A feature called “On-call Investments” has also been added. It permits investors to temporarily place funds in acceptable assets before switching to managed investments.
The program further benefits families. Children born to investor parents now qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa, granting them permanent residency status in New Zealand.
There is no longer a requirement for English language skills. This makes the visa program accessible to a broader group of international investors from non-English-speaking countries.
Investors must complete their investment within six months of visa approval. A one-time six-month extension may be granted if formally requested.
Applications should be submitted online. The system is currently being updated to reflect the new guidelines. Official information is available on New Zealand’s immigration website.
