Property and Immigration News

Recent Golden visa Update
Sept
1

Recent Golden visa Update

Under a new change announced by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, overseas investors who hold an Active Investor Plus residency visa will be permitted to purchase one home in New Zealand, as long as it is valued at a minimum of $5 million. This policy aims to attract high-net-worth individuals to invest in the country's economy.
While the general ban on foreign ownership of residential housing remains, this exception is being made for visa holders who have already committed a minimum of $5 million in investments to New Zealand. The Prime Minister notes that this change seeks to balance concerns about foreign ownership with the desire to attract investment and grow the economy.

“Globally, New Zealand has a deserved reputation as a great place to live and we want to grow our economy. By opening our door just a little to allow significant investors to own a home, we will help attract more of those who want to contribute to the community and country.” - Christopher Luxon

Read more here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/change-announced-overseas-investors

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Active Investor Plus Visa "GOLDEN VISA"
Jul
31

Active Investor Plus Visa "GOLDEN VISA"

“As of 20 July 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received 236 AIP applications, with 184 applications in the Growth category and 52 in the Balanced category. These numbers reflect a potential minimum investment of NZD $1.43 billion, and a significant injection of capital into the New Zealand economy. To date 133 applications have been approved in principle, and 20 applicants have transferred investment funds totaling NZ$120 million and have already been issued their resident visas. The average processing time to approval in principle is just 14 working days (we have also seen approvals in just 3 days), which is testament to the efficient processing and priority INZ is affording AIP applications.

Applicants are from 21 countries with the USA (105 applications) being the main source country, followed by China (33), Hong Kong (27), Germany (19) and Singapore (11).” - https://www.pathwaysnz.com/news-item/new-zealand-golden-visa-shines-brightly

New Zealand's "Golden Visa" is officially known as the Active Investor Plus Visa. There have been significant changes to the program, which came into effect on April 1, 2025. These changes aim to attract more high-value investors and simplify the application process.

Here's a summary of the latest information, with evidence of where the information was found:

Key Changes and Requirements (as of April 1, 2025):

Application Process (General Steps):

  1. Submit Residence Application (online): This includes providing documents like passport copies, passport photos, and evidence of nominated funds.

  2. Receive Approval in Principle: If approved, you have 6 months to make your initial investment. You can apply for a work visa to facilitate this.

  3. Make Your Investment: Transfer funds and invest in acceptable categories.

  4. Receive Residence Permit: Once investments are confirmed and other conditions met.

    Evidence:

Other Important Information:

  • Health and Character Requirements: All applicants must meet good health and character requirements, including providing police certificates and undergoing medical examinations.

  • Source of Funds: You must prove that your investment funds were lawfully obtained and can be easily transferred to New Zealand.

  • Pathway to Citizenship: The Active Investor Plus Visa is a direct pathway to residency, and after holding the visa for the required investment period, you can apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency is not required for citizenship, but generally, you can apply after living in New Zealand for five years as a resident, subject to other conditions.

    Sources:

Latest News/Developments:

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult the official Immigration New Zealand website.

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