On 5 March Immigration New Zealand released more details about the new Growth and Balanced Investment categories effective from 1 April 2025. The final instructions are still pending but we now have a fairly full picture. There are exciting changes. For an overview see here.
New investment categories Growth and Balanced
Two simplified investment categories have been introduced — Growth and Balanced. A minimum investment amount of NZD $5 million will be required for Growth category investors over a 3-year investment term. This is for either direct investment in unlisted NZ companies approved by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise NZTE or Managed Portfolio investments in listed companies. We can refer you to fund managers for advice.
A minimum investment amount of NZD $10 million will be required for Balanced category investors over a 5-year investment term. Balanced investments are discussed below.
Increasing the scope of acceptable investments Property developments added for Balanced category only
The scope of acceptable investments for Balanced category ( NZD $10 Million) will be broadened to include bonds and property investments. Property investments will be limited to new residential developments that increase the housing stock in New Zealand and new or existing commercial or industrial developments which add value, such as earthquake strengthening. Investments from the Growth category can be included as part of the Balanced category. Equities and philanthropy will continue to be acceptable investments. Please note that this does not apply to the Growth category.
Less time in NZ for Growth Category
If you apply under the Growth Category, you are required to spend 21 days in New Zealand over the investment term. This is a major reduction.
More time in New Zealand for Balanced Category
If you apply under the Balanced category, you must spend 105 days in New Zealand over the investment term. However you are eligible for a reduction of time spent in New Zealand if you invest a certain amount. You must spend:
- 91 days in New Zealand if your total investment is at least NZD $11 million
- 77 days in New Zealand if your total investment is at least NZD $12 million, or
- 63 days in New Zealand if your total investment is at least NZD $13 million.
The additional funds above NZD $10 million must be nominated before the application is approved in principle and must then be placed in acceptable direct investments or managed funds under the Growth Category.
Changes to investment timeframes
The time Growth and Balanced category applicants have to transfer funds and to make their investments in New Zealand will be reduced. Under both categories all investments must be completed within 6 months of the date of approval in principle. However, applicants may request a one-off 6-month extension if they can provide evidence they have tried and been unable to transfer and invest their funds.
Changing investment categories
Applicants who applied under the Balanced category can request to change to the Growth category, and vice versa. Applicants may only change category once.
English language requirements removed
The English language requirements introduced in 2022 will be removed.
Changes toinvestment process
Additionally, the following changes have been made to simplify the investment process:
- Caps on investments will be removed.
- Investments must now be made in full to be granted a resident visa.
- Introduction of “on-call investments” for funds which the applicant has committed to placing in managed funds. These can be placed in acceptable investments (bonds, term deposits, listed equities, banks accounts (maximum of 6 months for funds placed in term deposits and bank accounts)) until they are “called on” by the managed fund.
- Growth category applicants will, in limited circumstances, be able to re-invest returned capital into balanced category investments if it is less than NZD $1 million.
Newborn children of investors will also qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa. They can then be added to their parent’s application for a Permanent Resident Visa.
All applicants must still meet immigration health and character requirements.
These changes will apply to all Active Investor Plus applications from 1 April 2025.
If you have already applied for an Active Investor Plus Visa Can you change to the new conditions?
If you have an active application for an Active Investor Plus Visa, and you have not been granted residence yet, you will be able to transition to the new visa settings.
Early thoughts?
It is early days but we think clients will welcome the added investment types and shorted timeframe for the Growth Category.
Contact us
Contact us today for legal advice on then option that is right for you.
Immigration instructions and rules regularly change and applied differently in every case. The above general information was up to date as it February 2025: contact our office for most up-to-date information.
