As of April 1, 2025, significant updates to New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa have come into effect. Announced in February 2025, these changes are designed to attract high-value investors by simplifying investment categories, easing residency requirements, and expanding eligible investment options.
Key changes:
- Introduction of two investment categories:
- Growth Category:
- Minimum investment: NZD $5million
- Investment focus: Higher-risk assets, including direct investments in New Zealand businesses and managed funds.
- Residency requirement: At least 21 days in New Zealand over a three-year investment period.
- Balanced Category:
- Minimum investment: NZD $10million
- Investment focus: Lower-risk investment options such as bonds, listed equities, philanthropy, and property development (new residential, new/existing commercial, or industrial developments).
- Residency requirement: At least 105 days in New Zealand over a five-year investment period.
- Growth Category:
- Removal of English language requirement:
- Investors are no longer required to demonstrate English language proficiency, removing a barrier for non-English-speaking applicants.
- Investors are no longer required to demonstrate English language proficiency, removing a barrier for non-English-speaking applicants.
- Accelerated investment timeline:
- Investors must transfer their funds within six months of receiving approval in principle, with the possibility of a one-time six-month extension.
These updates are designed to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for international investors, fostering economic growth and job creation.
How Forsyth Barr can assist:
At Forsyth Barr, we understand the evolving investment landscape and are committed to helping you navigate these changes effectively.
Forsyth Barr’s Approved Managed Fund
For those investors seeking to invest in the Growth category, we are pleased to confirm that that New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) have confirmed that there are no changes to our existing status as an approved managed fund and that our investment solution for AIP Visa Applicants will be available to both current and future AIP Visa applicants to invest in.
We believe we offer an unparalleled proposition for AIP Visa applicants through creating a portfolio of private market funds (that does not invest in any related-party private market product). The private market holdings within each account will differ depending on the date an account is opened.
Our services include:
- Personalised investment strategies: Tailored plans aligning with the new visa categories to meet your financial and residency goals.
- Comprehensive portfolio management: Expertise in managing a range of investments within portfolios to meet the investment requirements in either the Balanced category (listed equities and bonds) or the Growth category (private market investments).
- Regulatory guidance: Helping you comply with the AIP Visa investment requirement.
Partner with Forsyth Barr to make informed investment decisions and successfully achieve residency in New Zealand – read more about our investment services for Investor visa portfolios here.
More information
Further detail, including how existing applicants or investors who have been approved in principle, can change to the new policy, is now available from Immigration New Zealand. Current visa holders and their partners remain subject to the conditions of their existing visas.
For more detailed information on the Active Investor Plus Visa changes, visit the official New Zealand Immigration website.
