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New Zealand Revises Active Investor Plus Visa Rules: Will High-Net-Worth Indians Benefit?

New Zealand has long been a favoured destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking residency through investment. With its breathtaking landscapes, high quality of life, and stable economy, the island nation has attracted global investors through its Active Investor Plus Visa program.

Recently, the New Zealand government has revised its investor visa scheme, tightening specific criteria while also making it more appealing for serious investors. This move comes as countries worldwide refine their residency-by-investment policies to attract long-term economic contributions rather than passive capital inflows.

From 1 April 2025, there will be changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa to encourage growth and make investing in New Zealand more attractive. These include introducing two simplified investment categories, namely Growth and Balanced.

For wealthy Indians eyeing opportunities abroad, these changes to New Zealand’s visa program could present fresh prospects. Unimoni offers comprehensive solutions to facilitate every step of the relocation process, from financial transactions to documentation.

Understanding New Zealand’s ‘Active Investor Plus Visa’ Revisions

New Zealand previously offered two primary investment-based residency programs: the Investor 1 Visa (for those investing NZD 10 million over three years) and the Investor 2 Visa (for those investing NZD 3 million over four years). However, the government has now replaced these with a single, more structured ‘Active Investor Plus’ Visa.

Key Changes in the Investor Visa Program:

  • Simplified Investment Categories: The current “weighted investment” approach is replaced with two categories: “Growth” (higher risk, lower minimum investment, less time required in New Zealand) and “Balanced” (more diversified, higher minimum investment, more time required in New Zealand). 
  • Investment Amount: The minimum investment for the Growth category is NZD $5 million over three years, while the Balanced category requires NZD $10 million over five years
  • Residency Requirements: Depending on the category chosen, investors will need to spend a certain amount of time in New Zealand. For example, Growth category investors may only need to reside for 21 days over three years, while Balanced category investors may need to reside for 105 days over five years
  • English Language Requirement Removed: The requirement to demonstrate English language proficiency has been removed. 
  • Broader Investment Options: The Balanced category allows for a wider range of investments including bonds and property, making it more attractive for investors seeking a more diversified portfolio.

How Wealthy Indians Can Benefit

1. A New Pathway for Business Expansion

The revised visa rules favour entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or support businesses in New Zealand. Wealthy Indians with successful ventures in IT, healthcare, fintech, manufacturing, or education may find this an attractive avenue for international expansion.

2. Long-Term Residency with High Living Standards

New Zealand ranks high in quality of life, healthcare, and education, making it a desirable country for HNWIs and their families. The visa provides an opportunity for long-term residency, eventually leading to citizenship.

3. Portfolio Diversification and Economic Stability

Investing in New Zealand businesses allows Indian investors to diversify their wealth, gain exposure to a stable economy, and benefit from business-friendly policies. Unlike volatile markets, New Zealand offers a safe and transparent investment environment with high returns in key sectors.

4. Better Educational Opportunities for Families

Many wealthy Indians apply for investor visas primarily to provide their children with world-class education. New Zealand boasts top-ranked universities and schools, making it a great choice for families seeking global academic excellence.

Unimoni’s Role: Simplifying the Immigration and Investment Process

Unimoni provides a variety of services designed to assist you in smoothly relocating to New Zealand.

1. Passport and PAN Card Assistance

Applying for an investor visa requires an up-to-date passport and PAN card, both crucial for financial transactions and compliance. Unimoni assists clients in obtaining, renewing, and managing these documents efficiently.

2. Flight Ticket Booking

Given that investor visa holders must spend a minimum number of days in New Zealand, Unimoni’s flight booking services ensure convenient travel arrangements for applicants and their families.

3. Outward Remittance: Hassle-Free International Transactions

The investor visa program requires significant financial commitments, including visa fees, investment transfers, and settlement funds. Unimoni simplifies this through:

  • Visa Fee Payments – Assisting applicants in paying visa fees.
  • Employment and Migration Expense Transfers – Covering relocation costs, including housing and employment setup.
  • Maintenance of Close Relatives – Ensuring financial support for family members.
  • NRO & NRE Repatriation – Helping investors manage funds between their Indian and overseas accounts.

4. Visa Assistance & Certificate Attestation

Investor visa applicants must submit verified documents such as financial statements, business records, and educational qualifications. Unimoni provides professional visa assistance and document attestation services, ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s immigration authorities.

5. Foreign Exchange Solutions

Managing currency exchange efficiently is critical when investing in another country. Unimoni’s services include:

  • Competitive Forex Rates – Offering the best exchange rates.
  • Hassle-Free Currency Exchange – Assisting investors in converting Indian Rupees to New Zealand Dollars or vice versa.

6. Forex Cards

Unimoni provides prepaid forex cards, making financial transactions in New Zealand easier. Benefits include:

  • Multi-Currency Support – Allows seamless transactions in New Zealand Dollars.
  • Security & Convenience – Reduces dependency on cash while offering fraud protection.

7. Travel Insurance for Secure Relocation

Investor visa holders and their families benefit from Unimoni’s comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, baggage loss, and trip cancellations for up to 3 months. This is particularly crucial during the transition phase of international relocation.

With New Zealand revising its Active Investor Plus Visa policies, wealthy Indians stand to gain significant opportunities for business expansion, financial diversification, and a high-quality lifestyle. The new ‘Active Investor Plus’ visa is a structured program requiring active participation.

Navigating this journey requires financial expertise and regulatory compliance, which Unimoni facilitates through its passport services, outward remittance solutions, visa assistance, forex management, and travel support. As a trusted financial partner with 25+ years of expertise and a network of 300+ branches and 15,000+ agent locations across India, Unimoni ensures a seamless transition for Indian investors exploring New Zealand’s opportunities.

If you’re considering this pathway, Unimoni can help you take the next step with expert guidance and financial solutions tailored to your needs.

Would you like to know more? Contact Unimoni today!