New Zealand’s new Active Investor Plus Visa program, launched in early 2025, has already attracted significant attention of foreign investors. According to New Zealand authorities, 168 applications have been submitted, with a total investment potential of up to USD 1 billion. Of these, 68 applications were received from US citizens, who top the list by the number of applications submitted. Also among the participants:
From 1 April 2025, the Active Investor Plus visa is evolving to be more attractive. According to New Zealand Migration Minister Erica Stanford, the new model is “working much better” than the previous system and demonstrates the interest of large investors in a long-term presence in the country. The minister stressed that “applications are literally queuing up” with files being processed in an average of 11 days. The previous investment program attracted only 115 applications and USD 29 million in investments over three years.
Features and conditions of Active Investor Plus
1. Meet minimum investment amounts of: $5 million (approximately USD 3 million) for Growth and $10 million for Balanced categories. Now you choose from only two simple options.
Growth Category
- Managed Funds
- Direct Investments*
Balanced Category
- Listed equities
- Philanthropy
- Property development
- Bonds
* Direct investments can now include businesses which rely on property to deliver their business model, including but not limited to the sectors such as technology, manufacturing, food and beverage etc.
2. Follow simplified settings: Replacing the current weighting system with more straightforward options.
3. Minimum residency requirements: it is enough to be in New Zealand for 21 days within 4 years. Spend 21 days over three years for Growth, and 105 days over five years for Balanced, in New Zealand.
4. Benefit from incentives for active investment: A shorter three-year investment period for less time in country for Growth category applicants.
5. No requirement for the level of English.
According to the rules, an Active Investor Plus visa application can include your family. For example, your spouse/partner and any dependent children under the age of 24.
The Active Investor Plus visa gives holders access to residency benefits, including subsidies for education and healthcare.
Rich Americans Want to Become New Zealanders
This year, James Cameron will receive New Zealand citizenship. The film director has long admired the country – back in 2016, he starred in an advertising campaign for Tourism New Zealand.
In 2023, Cameron sold his California estate and moved to Wellington (the capital of New Zealand). He applied for citizenship last year, and now, according to him, he has lived the required time for naturalization, so he will receive a passport in the coming months.
By the way, Cameron opposes Trump’s policies. After the new president was elected, he said: “I think it’s terrible. I see a departure from everything decent.”
