The Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program in New Zealand has generated NZD $3.39 billion in investment less than one year after being refreshed in April 2025, according to an announcement by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The refreshed AIP visa settings have significantly increased the volume and value of inbound investment, compared with previous years, supporting the government’s “Going for Growth” strategy. This development is relevant to global mobility managers, HR leaders, and organizations with internationally mobile employees, as it signals New Zealand’s openness to high-value investors and the potential for expanded business and employment opportunities. The substantial increase in investment could result in greater demand for skilled talent, facilitate business expansion, and offer new opportunities for globally mobile professionals. Additionally, investor visa holders can now deepen their connection to New Zealand through property ownership, which may further influence mobility and relocation considerations.
Key Highlights
Metric | Since April 2025 refresh | Previous settings (2.5 years) |
Applications Received | 573 | 116 |
Total Investment | NZD $3.39 billion | ~ NZD $70 million |
Investment Already Deployed | NZD $1.05 billion | Not specified |
Investment in Pipeline (6 months) | NZD $2.34 billion | Not specified |
Most Popular Category | Growth Category (managed funds) | Not specified |
Sectors Supported | Tech, healthcare, aged care, horticulture, digital media, cybersecurity, cloud technology, regional infrastructure | Not specified |
Investor Visa Property Provision | May buy/build one home valued at NZD $5 million or more | Not specified |
- The Growth Category is the most popular, with most investment flowing through managed funds.
- Investments are supporting growth across multiple sectors and facilitating access to critical capital for New Zealand companies.
- Visa holders can now buy or build a home valued at NZD $5 million or more, encouraging deeper connection to New Zealand.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, organizations may wish to:
- Monitor ongoing developments related to the AIP visa for potential talent and business opportunities.
- Assess the impact of increased investment on local hiring, expansion, and partnerships.
- Advise internationally mobile employees and prospective investors about new property ownership provisions and sectoral opportunities.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in Australia (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Beehive.govt.nz, New Zealand Government, “Active Investor Plus delivers $3 billion in investment in New Zealand,” published on 13 February 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
**Please note also that the KPMG International member firm in Australia is currently providing New Zealand immigration services.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Australia.
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