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      New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa programme introduced in April 2025 significant changes to simplify the investment process, including the creation of two distinct investment categories and reduced minimum investment thresholds.  These changes are intended to incentivise direct investment and promote greater economic benefit for New Zealand.1

      WHY THIS MATTERS

      The revised Active Investor Plus Visa programme provides globally mobile investors and their families with more flexibility, more favourable terms, and accessible pathways to New Zealand residence.

      The introduction of the ‘Growth and Balanced’ categories lowers investment barriers and broadens the range of acceptable investment vehicles, which may encourage a wider pool of applicants.

      For HR leaders, global mobility managers, and global compensation teams, these changes may affect talent acquisition and retention strategies for executive and specialist roles, especially for multinational organisations seeking to relocate senior personnel through investment migration. 

      Context

      Prior to April 2025, the Active Investor Plus Visa required higher minimum investment amounts (NZD 15 million or weighted equivalent) and imposed more restrictive criteria, including an English-language requirement and stricter residency obligations.  Applications under the previous Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories are no longer accepted, though those in progress will continue to be processed.

      Key Highlights

      Introduction of Two Investment Categories

      • Growth category: Minimum investment NZD 5 million in higher-risk assets (managed funds, direct investments in New Zealand businesses) over three years.
      • Balanced category: Minimum investment NZD 10 million in mixed/lower-risk assets, including bonds and property, over five years.

      Lower Minimum Investment Thresholds

      Minimum investment reduced from NZD 15 million (previous requirement) to NZD 5 million (Growth) and NZD 10 million (Balanced).

      Expanded Investment Options

      Balanced category investors may now invest in bonds and property-type assets.

      Simplified Immigration Requirements

      • English-language requirement removed.
      • Reduced time required to be spent in New Zealand for active investors.

      Application Volumes and Economic Impact

      • Between 1 April and 25 September 2025, 348 applications (1,122 people) received; potential minimum investment of NZD $2.1 billion.
      • 251 applications approved in principle; 62 resident visas granted, with committed investments totaling NZD $398.9 million.
      • Average approval in principle: 26 working days.

      Transition Arrangements

      Applications under previous settings can no longer be transitioned to new settings; Investor 1 and Investor 2 discontinued visas for new applications.

      KPMG INSIGHTS

      Companies may wish to coordinate with legal and tax professionals to ensure investment and migration compliance, particularly as the visa categories differ in risk and residency obligations.

      Questions about eligibility and applications, as well as the impact of this new programme on individuals and organisations, should be directed to a qualified immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in New Zealand (see the Contacts section).

      FOOTNOTE:

      1  Immigration New Zealand (INZ), “Active Investor Plus Visa Overview,”  published on 29 September 2025.

      Contacts

      Georgina Haines
      Georgina Haines

      Senior Manager

      KPMG Australia

      maria-hrambanis
      Maria Hrambanis

      Director

      KPMG Australia

      Caroline Hickson
      Caroline Hickson

      Director

      KPMG Australia

      More Information

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      Disclaimer

      * Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

      **Please note also that the KPMG International member firm in Australia is currently providing New Zealand immigration services.

      The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Australia.

      GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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