Results after three months
New settings for New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa took effect on 1 April 2025. About three months after the change, the Leader team reviewed how applications were progressing at that point.
According to figures published at the time, more than 100 applications had been approved worldwide, 10 of them for clients of our team – around 10% of all approvals at that point. Of the 7 approved applicants worldwide who had completed their investment transfers, 3 were our clients. These were interim figures at that point and do not indicate the outcome or processing time of later applications.
Early observations on investment categories
The original article noted that growth investments were the category most of the team's clients were interested in. The arrangements it described included a shorter investment period and residence requirement. Specific investment, visa and residence conditions change with the time of application, personal circumstances and the rules in force at the time, and Immigration New Zealand's formal requirements always apply.
A practical issue: transferring funds
The article also recorded common practical difficulties for applicants at the time, including cross-border fund arrangements, how the policy was applied in detail, and preparing evidence of the lawful source and transfer of funds. In the team's view, planning an investment pathway should go hand in hand with source-of-funds evidence, the transfer route and timing.
Ongoing support and careful communication
This interim review reflects the practical experience the team built up in the early stage of the new settings. For each applicant, the team provides support based on their family situation, funding arrangements and timeline. Visa and investment outcomes depend on individual circumstances, the rules in force at the time and the assessment of the relevant agencies.
If you would like to learn more about the Active Investor Plus visa or other investor pathways, you are welcome to book an initial consultation. For current requirements, please refer to information published by Immigration New Zealand.