March 2025: UNCTAD Notes NZ's Policy Liberalisation as a Global Benchmark

The United Nations trade body UNCTAD acknowledged New Zealand's February 2025 investor visa reforms in its Investment Policy Monitor, positioning New Zealand as a leader in investor-friendly immigration liberalisation.

Policy Analysis

UNCTAD: NZ Eases Investor Visa Rules to Attract Capital

UNCTAD's Investment Policy Monitor recorded New Zealand's February 2025 Active Investor Plus Visa reforms as a significant policy liberalisation. Key changes noted include the introduction of the Balanced category (NZD $10M, 5 years, lower residency days), expansion of acceptable investment types to include philanthropy, managed funds, and property developments, and removal of the English language requirement for Growth category applicants.

Source:UNCTAD Investment Policy Hub

Policy Change

April 2025 Reforms: Balanced Category, Lower Residency Days, Broader Investment Types

The April 2025 reforms to the Active Investor Plus Visa introduced the Balanced category (NZD $10M, 105 days over 5 years), reduced the Growth category residency requirement from 117 days to 21 days over 3 years, eliminated the English language requirement for Growth category applicants, and expanded acceptable investments to include philanthropy, property developments, and managed funds. The reforms replaced the previous single-category $15M programme.

Source:Immigration New Zealand

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November 2025

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