Investor Category Update

INZ has recently (1 April 2025) made important changes to the investor category residence program. These are the "Growth" and "Balanced" categories. These are explained below:

Growth category: a minimum of $5 million NZD to be invested in either direct investments in New Zealand companies, or in a managed fund (approved by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise). Applicants will have 6 months to make their investment after approval in principle (for residence) is issued.

You must also maintain the investment for 3 years, and spend 21 days in New Zealand. While this category carries more risk, it is a lower amount than the Balanced category, and the investment period is shorter.

Balanced category: applicants will require a minimum of $10 million NZD to be invested for 5 years, and they will be required to spend at least 105 days in New Zealand (to key word being residence). The types of investments include bonds, equities, philanthropy, and property development (among others). It is worth noting that the property development investments have specific requirements - you will need to talk to a registered financial adviser to get a sense of what kind of investment is right for you and will be permissible for this program.

The current English language requirements will be removed. Investments are not required to be transferred until an application is approved in principle. The application fee will be $27,470.00 NZD, and according to INZ, 80% of applications will be completed within 5 months.

If you would like to have a chat about whether or not this option will work for you, you can book in a consultation on my website here, or email me on info@hennessyimmigration.co.nz (I will direct you back to booking in a consultation).

As always, this post is general an nature and does not constitute specific immigration advice. You can read more about this category on the INZ website here.