The New Zealand government, as part of its Immigration Rebalance strategy, has introduced a new migrant investor visa to bring in experienced and valuable investors to invest in New Zealand businesses.
Introduction of the Active Investor Plus Visa
Plans for the new Active Investor Plus visa were announced in Christchurch on Wednesday 20 July by New Zealandʼs Minister for Economic and Regional Development, Stuart Nash, and New Zealandʼs Minister for Immigration, Michael Wood. This new visa category will replace the old Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories and will require migrants to invest in New Zealand companies.
The old investment visas meant that migrants often invested in stocks and bonds rather than directly in New Zealand companies. The New Zealand government hopes this will encourage active investments in New Zealand, which would create more jobs for highly skilled migrants and economic growth.
Requirements for the Active Investor Plus Visa
One of the requirements to qualify for the new visa is that applicants make an acceptable direct investments of at least USD 5 million. This will give them the highest possible investment rate, which is a lower minimum amount than those who opt for more indirect investments. The minimum amount required for indirect investments will be around USD 15 million.
In addition, the New Zealand government is going to improve investor flexibility by allowing them to invest for a three-year period and keep their investments until the end of the fourth year. During the four-year investment period, investors will have to spend at least 117 days, or about one month per year, in New Zealand. This is more than the 88 days in the previous visa category. In this way, investors are encouraged to roll up their sleeves to help local businesses grow.
Official start date of the Active Investor Plus visa
The new investment visa will take effect from 19 September 2022. Applications made for the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas will no longer be granted after 27 July 2022. Until that date, all applications will continue to be processed by New Zealand Immigration.
No investment plans? Then apply for the NZeTA
Travellers who do not intend to invest in New Zealand companies will need to apply for a New Zealand visa instead of an investment visa. This is an electronic travel authorisation that is digitally linked to the passport once granted. Applying for an NZeTA is the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to apply for a New Zealand visa. The visa costs £99.95, is valid for two years from the date of issue and allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to three consecutive months.
Please note: this news article about the visa for New Zealand is more than one year old. It might contain outdated information and advice, and no rights can therefore be derived from this article. Are you going on a trip soon and do you wish to do know what rules currently apply? Read all about the up-to-date information about the visa for New Zealand.