Immigration Minister Erica Stanford recently provided an update regarding the Government’s ‘golden visa,’ officially known as the Active Investor Plus visa, designed to attract foreign investment.
Visa Changes and Investment Totals
Changes to the visa program, implemented in April of last year, established two investment categories: ‘growth’ investments requiring a minimum of $5 million over three years, and ‘balanced’ investments requiring at least $10 million over five years. These changes also reduced requirements related to time spent in Latest Zealand and English language proficiency.
To date, 573 applications have been received, representing approximately $3.39 billion in committed investment, with $1.05 billion already allocated. This contrasts sharply with the previous two-and-a-half years, which saw 116 applications and only $70 million in investment.
Investor Benefits and Economic Context
Minister Stanford expressed satisfaction with the program’s success, stating, “I am delighted that our new visa settings are helping to open up possibility and opportunity for investment.” She highlighted that these investors contribute not only capital but also valuable global experience and networks.
The announcement was made at Hectre, an AI startup founded in 2017 that focuses on orchard management and fruit quality. Hectre has secured investment through the program and now exports to 22 countries.
Minor adjustments to the visa have been made, including changes related to infrastructure investment, leading to the approval of three new funds by Invest NZ. New Zealand is positioned as a stable investment destination, particularly given global uncertainties and factors like tariffs.
Migration and Future Outlook
The Minister noted that investor home purchases have not resulted in “massive peaks” in the scheme’s growth, and We find no current plans to lower investment thresholds. Net migration figures have stabilized at their lowest level since 2013, with a recent slight increase observed.
Stanford indicated that migration figures are closely tied to economic performance and are expected to improve as the economy grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Active Investor Plus visa?
The Active Investor Plus visa, also known as the ‘golden visa,’ aims to attract investors who commit to spending at least $5 million in New Zealand.
How has the visa program changed recently?
Changes implemented in April of last year introduced two investment categories – ‘growth’ and ‘balanced’ – with varying investment amounts and timeframes, and reduced barriers such as time spent in New Zealand and English language requirements.
What is the current status of investment through this visa?
As of the recent update, 573 applications have been received, totaling approximately $3.39 billion in investment, with $1.05 billion already committed.
As New Zealand continues to navigate a changing global economic landscape, how might the success of the ‘golden visa’ program influence future immigration and investment policies?
