Investor Visa Refresh Brings $3.39B in Under a Year

Less than a year after the Government overhauled the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa, the programme has attracted $3.39 billion in committed investment, marking one of the strongest investor visa turnarounds in recent history.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the results demonstrate that the April 2025 reforms are delivering on the Government's Going for Growth economic strategy — positioning New Zealand as a competitive destination for high-value global investors.

"These results show that the significant changes the Government made to the visa are achieving our goal of attracting high-value global investors and supporting economic growth," Ms Stanford says.

Surge in Applications and Capital

Since the refresh took effect in April 2025:

• 573 applications have been received

• $3.39 billion in total investment committed

• $1.05 billion already invested

• $2.34 billion in the pipeline, expected within six months

By contrast, under the previous settings introduced by the former Government, only 116 applications were received over two-and-a-half years, with approximately $70 million committed.

The scale of change signals a sharp shift in global investor confidence and interest.

Growth Category Leads the Way

The revamped visa introduced a clearer focus on productive investment and simplified pathways for growth-focused capital.

The Growth Category has emerged as the most popular stream, with the majority of funds flowing through managed investment funds, directing capital into scalable New Zealand enterprises.

Investments are already supporting businesses across:

• Technology and cybersecurity

• Orchard and agritech innovation

• Healthcare and aged care

• Digital media

• Regional infrastructure

• Cloud computing and software services

Real-World Impact: Investment in Innovation

Ms Stanford made the announcement during a visit to Hectre, an orchard-technology firm that has received AIP investment to accelerate its expansion and create high-skilled jobs.

"Hectre is another excellent example of New Zealand innovation and potential taking flight, supported by great investors who are keen to create value together with us and do business here," she says.

International investment, she adds, plays a critical role in lifting productivity and enabling Kiwi companies to scale globally.

"AIP investment is helping local firms expand, hire more skilled workers, and grow export revenue."

Global Confidence in New Zealand

The Government views the surge in investor activity as a vote of confidence in New Zealand's economic direction.

"These investors bring not just capital, but global experience, expertise, and networks," Ms Stanford says.

"I've had the pleasure of meeting some of these investors over the last year and have seen firsthand their commitment to New Zealand."

The inflow of capital is expected to strengthen long-term growth sectors and diversify funding sources for domestic companies that have traditionally relied on limited venture markets.

Encouraging Long-Term Commitment

To deepen investors' connection to New Zealand, the refreshed settings also allow visa holders to buy or build one residential property valued at $5 million or more, reinforcing long-term ties while maintaining the programme's focus on productive investment.

New Zealand "Open for Business"

The AIP overhaul forms part of a broader strategy to enhance economic competitiveness, attract global talent and capital, and accelerate job creation.

"New Zealand is open for business," Ms Stanford says.

"I look forward to seeing the jobs, development, and long-term growth our changes continue to generate in key sectors."

With billions already committed and more capital expected in the coming months, the Government says the revitalised Active Investor Plus visa is fast becoming a cornerstone of its growth agenda.