New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa: Here’s What You Need to Know

In a bid to enhance the economic growth of the country, New Zealand has announced a new investor migrant visa category, under the country’s Immigration Rebalance strategy. This visa category has been designed to bring in high-value and experienced investors to invest in NZ businesses.

Speaking on the launch of the new NZ Investor visa category, the Economic and Regional Development Minister, Stuart Nash, highlighted the goal of the NZ government to support “fantastic [domestic] businesses” to become “even more successful global brands”. Therefore, updating the investor visa category was crucial to the strategy of attracting high-value investors.

Stuart Nash further stated that the investors who directly invest a minimum of NZD 5 million in NZ businesses will become eligible for the visa. Whereas, those who choose a more indirect investment, will be required to invest a minimum of NZD 15 million.

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Here are the details of the new Investor Visa category in New Zealand, that prospective investors should know about:

• The new investor category, also called the Active Investor Plus visa category has been introduced as a replacement for the current Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories.

• The Active Investor Plus visa category in New Zealand will be available from September 19, 2022. On the other hand, applications to the Investor 1 and 2 categories will not be valid starting July 27, 2022.

• However, applications received before July 27th will continue to be processed by Immigration New Zealand.

• The Active Investor Plus visa category aims to attract migrants who are interested in directly investing in NZ businesses, rather than shares and bonds. New Zealand aims to increase more high-skilled jobs and economic growth when compared to passive investment.

• Indirect investments are still allowed, however, the minimum amount that can be invested is NZD 15 million, higher than the minimum amount required for direct investments in NZ.

• The eligibility criteria for the Active Investor Plus visa category in New Zealand is defined as follows:

  • A minimum of NZD 5 million investment, where only 50% of the investment can be done in listed equities. This is applicable to those looking for active investment in New Zealand.

  • A minimum of NZD 15 million investment where only 50% of the investment can be done in listed equities (shares).

• Passive investment shall only amount to 50% of the new investment.

• Investments in bonds and property will no longer be considered passive investments.

• Increased flexibility will be offered by the New Zealand government, wherein, the investor will be allowed to invest over a period of three years and maintain their investments till the end of a fourth year.

• Interested investors are required to remain within the NZ territory for a minimum of 117 days, or one month per year, over the course of the 4-year investment period.

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With the increase in the number of days that the investors will be required to remain in New Zealand, the federal government of the country aims to ensure that the investors get a more hands-on engagement with the local companies, subsequently, helping them grow.

Source: Livemint