New Investment Pathways to Residence Announced – Active Investor Plus

Active Investor Plus

The government has announced new pathways to residence through investment – Active Investor Plus. This replaces the previous investment categories (although applications made under the previous policy continue to be assessed against the prior policy).

Like before, partners and dependent children can be included in the application.

According to Immigration New Zealand: “The objective of the Active Investor Plus visa category is to attract skilled and experienced active investors to help build globally successful New Zealand businesses that align with Government’s objectives, by providing resident visas to those who wish to participate in New Zealand’s investment ecosystem and make a significant contribution to New Zealand's economy.”

Visa Requirements

Aside for the standard health and character requirements, principal applicants under the Active Investor Plus must meet English language requirements and have nominated funds and/or assets equivalent in value to at least NZD 15 million or weighted equivalent.

Funds

The weighting of investments are as follows: For listed equities or philanthropic investments, every 1 dollar invested will be treated as 1 dollar, but for investments in managed funds each dollar invested will be given a double rating value (NZD 1 invested will be treated as NZD 2), and direct investments will be a accorded a triple value rating (NZD 1 treated as NZD 3).

The funds need to be transferred from the nominated funds, or funds from the sale of nominated assets, into acceptable investments. As a minimum the investments must include at least, NZD 1 million into listed equities or philanthropy; or a minimum of NZD 500,000 into managed funds; or a minimum of NZD 100,000 into direct investments. The remainder of the nominated funds, or funds from the sale of nominated assets, must be transferred into holding investments (bonds, term deposits etc.) and/or acceptable investments.

The transfer of funds must occur within 6 months of being advised that the application has been approved in principle (unless granted an extension). Only once the transfer and investment has occurred will residence visa ds be issued.

There is scope in the new policy to nominate additional funds/assets after the approval in principle has been issued, such as where the original nominated funds/assets have reduced in value since nomination.

The total investment period is reduced on the Active Investor Plus down form 36 months to 48 months.

Time in New Zealand

The principal applicant spends a minimum period of time in New Zealand of 117 days as the holder of a resident visa during the 48-month investment period.

Temporary Visas

After approval in principle, and upon application, a work visa may be granted to allow the principal applicant to arrange the transfer to, and investment of funds in, New Zealand. Visitor visas for partners and dependent children can also be granted (or a student visa for school aged children). These visas will be granted with a 12-month duration.

Please let either of us know if you require further information or assistance with this new visa.

stewart@dslaw.nz

pooja@dslaw.nz