New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus investor residency visa program has seen increased interest from foreign capital since the rules were changed: as of January 19, 2026, Immigration New Zealand had received 532 applications covering 1,709 applicants (including family members) representing 33 nationalities.
According to INZ data, the minimum investment “potential” of the applications submitted is estimated at NZ$3.16 billion, with 392 applications already receiving approval in principle and 159 applications completed with the issuance of residence visas. The volume of investments already committed under issued residence visas amounts to NZ$926.2 million, with most of the funds going to Invest New Zealand-approved managed funds and bonds.
The most active applicants are US citizens (201 applications), followed by China (86), Hong Kong (69), Germany (37), Singapore and Taiwan (26 each). The statistics also include the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as Russia (3 applications) and Ukraine (1 application).
The reformed rules have been in effect since April 1, 2025, and provide for two categories of investment: Growth (minimum NZD 5 million for 3 years, more “active” and risky instruments, including managed funds and direct investments in business) and Balanced (NZD 10 million for 5 years, a mixed portfolio with the possibility of lower-risk instruments). The package of changes also includes a reduction in the investment threshold compared to the previous settings, the removal of the English language requirement, and the relaxation of certain immigration conditions for investors choosing more active investments.
