August 2026: Source-of-Funds Rules Tightened as AIP Instructions Change

Changes to the Active Investor Plus visa instructions took effect on 12 August 2026, clarifying how investors evidence the source and transfer of their funds, easing the managed-fund agreement requirement, and extending visa eligibility to children born after an investor visa is approved.

Policy Change

New Source-of-Funds & Evidence Requirements Take Effect 12 August 2026

Amended Active Investor Plus visa instructions came into force on 12 August 2026. Investors must now show that nominated funds were earned or acquired lawfully and transferred through appropriate banking channels. Borrowed funds must come from the same country or jurisdiction as the assets supporting the application, and gifted funds must be shown to have been unconditional and to have complied with the laws of the country where the gift was made.

Source:Dentons Kensington Swan

Policy Change

Managed-Fund Agreement Rule Eased for Investors

Investors putting capital into managed funds now only need a legally binding agreement — the previous requirement for a non-revocable agreement has been removed. Other changes create a more consistent approach across investment categories by aligning transfer-of-funds requirements with the Parent Retirement and Temporary Retirement visas.

Source:Dentons Kensington Swan

Policy Change

Children Born After Visa Approval Can Now Be Included

A further change allows children born after an investor visa is approved to be granted a visa as secondary applicants in their parent's Permanent Resident Visa, variation of travel conditions, and Second or Subsequent Resident Visa applications. To be eligible, the child must be a dependent child of an AIP, Investor 1 or Investor 2 Resident Visa holder, hold a Dependent Child Resident Visa based on that relationship, and have entered New Zealand on their visa.

Source:Dentons Kensington Swan

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May 2026

Active Investor Plus Marks First Anniversary — NZ$4B Milestone

One year since the April 2025 reforms: NZ$4B in foreign funds committed, 659 applications from 2,155 people, first South Island property deal in Queenstown, Invest NZ managed funds controversy, and processing times slow to 35 working days.

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April 2026

635 Applications, Programme Review Announced Amid Cash Concerns

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford confirms Active Investor Plus programme review underway after concerns about investor funds sitting idle in cash within managed funds. DIMS licensing option closed, further policy changes possible.

4 updates

March 2026

OIA Property Reforms Take Effect & Terminology Guidance Issued

March 2026 brought a significant practical benefit for Active Investor Plus Visa holders with the Overseas Investment Act reforms taking effect. Fast-track property consent is now available, and Immigration New Zealand reinforced official programme terminology.

3 updates