In a strategic effort to boost its national economy, the New Zealand government has announced major relaxations in its investment visa policy. The new regulations, set to take effect from April 1, 2025, introduce two new visa categories: the Growth Category and the Balanced Category.

Key Features of the New Investment Visa Policy:

• Minimum Investment Requirements:
  At least 75% of the total investment must be allocated to listed equities (stock market) or bonds.
  Only up to 25% can be held in New Zealand bank accounts (cash or term deposits), a major shift from the previous policy which allowed 100% of the investment to remain in bank accounts.

• New Investment Avenues:
  Investors are now allowed to invest in property development companies, significantly expanding the scope of permitted investments.

• Indefinite Residency:
  Successful applicants under the Active Investor Plus Visa will receive indefinite residency in New Zealand.

• No Investment Cap:
  The maximum investment limit has been removed, but full payment of the investment is mandatory upon approval.

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• “On-call Investments” Feature:
  Investors may initially place funds in temporary assets such as listed stocks, bonds, bank accounts, or term deposits, before transitioning to managed investments.

Additional Benefits for Investors:

• Residency for Newborn Children:
  Newborn children of visa holders will automatically qualify for a Dependent Child Resident Visa, making them eligible for permanent residency.

• No English Language Requirement:
  The English language proficiency condition has been waived, making the visa program more accessible to non-English-speaking investors.

• Timeline for Investment Completion:
  Investments must be completed within six months of approval, with a possible six-month extension if needed.

All applications must be submitted through New Zealand’s existing online system, which is being updated to accommodate the policy changes. Comprehensive details are available on the official immigration website.