New Zealand has recently revamped its investor visa rules to attract more international investors and boost its economy. The country’s Active Investor Plus Visa is now simpler, more flexible, and more appealing to wealthy individuals looking to gain residency while supporting local businesses.
The changes were introduced in April 2025 and are already showing results. According to Immigration New Zealand, over 300 applications have been received since the update—nearly three times more than the total in the previous two and a half years. These applications represent around 1,000 individuals who are considering New Zealand as their next home.
What’s New in the Investor Visa Program?
The main goal of this change is to attract people who not only bring in capital, but also valuable skills and global connections. New Zealand has made the process easier by removing some of the earlier barriers and offering more flexibility in how and where people can invest.
Here are the two categories under the Active Investor Plus Visa:
1. Growth Category
- Investment required: NZ$5 million for 3 years
- Stay requirement: Only 21 days over 3 years
- Language: No English test needed
- Age limit: None
- Investment options: Equities, managed funds, and other high-growth sectors
2. Balanced Category
- Investment required: NZ$10 million for 5 years
- Stay requirement: 105 days over 5 years
- Language: No English test needed
- Age limit: None
- Investment options: Bonds, property development, equities, etc.
The reduced time required to physically stay in the country—from three years down to just three weeks in the Growth category—is especially attractive for global investors who travel frequently or have businesses in multiple countries.
Who’s Applying?
The revised visa has sparked interest from around the world. Here are the top nationalities applying for the visa as of August 31, 2025:
- USA: 129 applications (386 people)
- China: 45 applications (152 people)
- Hong Kong: 38 applications (113 people)
- Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, and others also feature in the top 10 list
These numbers show that New Zealand is becoming a preferred destination not just for its natural beauty and quality of life, but also for smart investment opportunities.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Interestingly, while wealthy foreigners are looking to invest and move into New Zealand, many New Zealanders are leaving the country. Between July 2024 and July 2025, over 73,000 citizens left to find better job opportunities overseas, while only 25,800 returned. This trend raises questions about local economic growth, wages, and job satisfaction.
New Zealand’s simplified investor visa program is clearly working to attract global interest. With fewer requirements, flexible stay options, and no language barriers, the Active Investor Plus Visa is opening the door for high-net-worth individuals to invest in the country’s future.
However, while foreign investment grows, the government may also need to focus on keeping its local talent from leaving. Balancing global interest with local opportunities will be key to long-term success.