New Zealand Revamps Golden Visa: Lower Investment & New Categories from April 2025

New Zealand Revamps Golden Visa: Lower Investment & New Categories from April 2025

03/04/2025

Visas & Passport
New Zealand is set to overhaul its Golden Visa program, making it more accessible and attractive to foreign investors. Starting from April 1, 2025, the country has introduced two new investment categories replacing the existing Active Investor Plus Visa.

These changes aim to simplify the investment process, widen the scope of acceptable investments, and reduce immigration requirements for investor migrants.

Understanding the New Zealand Golden Visa

The New Zealand Golden Visa, also known as an investor visa, allows wealthy individuals to gain residency by investing a significant sum in the country. It aims to attract capital, boost the New Zealand economy through foreign investment, and create job opportunities.

New Investment Categories: Growth and Balanced

Under the revised framework, investors can choose between two categories:

1. Growth Category

Requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million over a three-year term. This category prioritizes high-risk investments, such as direct investments in New Zealand enterprises.

2. Balanced Category

Requires a minimum investment of NZD 10 million over a five-year term. This category allows investors to opt for lower-risk investments, including bonds and property investments.

Property and Bond Investments Now Accepted

For the first time, the Balanced category will include property investments. However, these will be limited to:

New residential developments that increase housing availability.

New or existing commercial and industrial developments.

Bond investments will also be permitted, expanding the investment scope for foreign applicants. This marks a significant shift from previous regulations, which focused primarily on direct investments.
Lower Immigration Requirements for Investors

New Zealand is easing residency requirements for investor migrants. The new stay requirements are:

Growth Category: Investors must spend only 21 days in New Zealand over the investment period.

Balanced Category: Investors must spend 105 days in New Zealand unless they qualify for a reduction.

Investors who invest above the minimum amount can reduce the stay requirement.

Investment AmountStay Requirement ReductionNZD 11 million14-day reductionNZD 12 million28-day reductionNZD 13 million42-day reduction

Additionally, investors must complete all investments within six months of approval, expediting the process.

Removal of English Language Requirements

One of the most notable changes eliminates the English language requirements introduced in 2022. This makes it easier for a wider pool of global investors to apply for the New Zealand Golden Visa.

Key Benefits of the New Golden Visa Program

Lower Minimum Investment: New Zealand has reduced the minimum investment amount from NZD 15 million (or weighted equivalent) to NZD 5 million for Growth investors and NZD 10 million for Balanced investors.

Other benefits include;

Faster Processing: Investors must transfer funds and complete investments within six months, streamlining the visa process.

Expanded Investment Options: Inclusion of bonds and property investments in the Balanced category.

Relaxed Residency Rules: Significantly reduced stay requirements for investors.

No English Proficiency Requirement: This provides More flexibility for non-English-speaking applicants.

A Shift from Previous Visa Categories

Previously, investor migrants could apply under the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories, which are no longer being accepted. These changes mark a significant shift in New Zealand’s approach, making it easier for high-net-worth individuals to invest in the country and contribute to economic growth.

Why Invest in New Zealand?

New Zealand offers a stable economy, a high quality of life, and a welcoming environment for investors. The revamped Golden Visa program makes it even more attractive. The focus on direct investments and strategic property development aims to stimulate economic growth and create new opportunities.

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s revamped Golden Visa program is designed to attract global investors with a more straightforward and flexible investment process. With reduced minimum investment amounts, expanded investment options, and relaxed residency rules, the country is positioning itself as a top destination for wealthy immigrants seeking residency through investment.

With these changes taking effect from April 1, 2025, investor migrants should start preparing their applications to take advantage of New Zealand’s more accessible and appealing investment residency program.

Видео New Zealand Revamps Golden Visa: Lower Investment & New Categories from April 2025 канала Trend Rond