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  New Zealand is making significant changes to its “golden visa” program, officially known as the Active Investor Plus visa, to attract high-net-worth individuals. The government has announced that from April 1, the visa will be streamlined into two categories, with a broader range of acceptable investments. Most notably, the English language requirement will be removed, making it easier for immigrants to qualify. Why is New Zealand Changing its Investor Visa? After experiencing a recession in 2024, New Zealand’s government is focused on economic recovery. One major challenge has been a shortfall in available capital, which has prompted a revision of foreign investment regulations. The government aims to attract wealthy individuals who can contribute to the country’s economy while taking advantage of the country’s stable and secure environment. Key changes to the visa program include: Scrapping the English language test, making the visa more accessible to non-English-speaking investors. Adjusting the required time investors must spend in New Zealand, offers more flexibility. Expanding the types of acceptable investments creates more opportunities for foreign capital to flow into the economy. The Impact of Previous Investor Visa Rule Changes The Active Investor Plus visa has historically brought in an average of NZ$1 billion ($570 million) annually. However, interest dropped sharply after rule changes in late 2022. Since then, only 43 applications have been fully approved, contributing just NZ$545 million in nominated investment funds. The amount transferred into New Zealand was even lower, raising concerns about the visa’s effectiveness under the previous regulations. Why New Zealand? According to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, these changes are designed to make New Zealand a more appealing option for investors who seek a safe and stable business environment. “Capital is highly mobile and in an increasingly complex world, people are looking for a safe and stable country to do business. We are now making our investor visa simpler and more flexible to incentivize investors to choose New Zealand as a destination.” By removing the English requirement and making the Active Investor Plus visa more flexible, New Zealand is positioning itself as a prime destination for wealthy investors. These changes are expected to revive interest in the investor visa program and bring much-needed capital into the country, helping drive economic recovery and long-term growth. For high-net-worth individuals looking for a new home and business opportunities, New Zealand’s revamped golden visa could be the perfect gateway to a prosperous future. Contact RBS Immigration today for expert guidance on securing your New Zealand Investor Visa!

  Starting April 1, 2025, New Zealand will implement significant changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa to attract high-value investors, simplify the application process, and encourage more active investments. These updates are designed to make New Zealand a more appealing destination for investors by offering lower-risk investment options and streamlined immigration requirements. Key Changes to the Investor Visa New Zealand’s revised Active Investor Plus Visa will introduce two simplified investment categories: Growth Category – Requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million. Balanced Category – Requires a minimum investment of NZD 10 million. The Balanced category now allows a broader range of investments, including: Bonds and property investments New residential developments New or existing commercial and industrial developments Simplified Immigration Requirements To encourage active investments, the government has introduced relaxed immigration conditions: Investors opting for approved active investments may now spend less time in NZ. The investment timeline is now shorter – visa holders must complete investments within six months of approval. A six-month extension may be granted if needed. The English language requirement is removed, making the visa more accessible to a wider range of investors. Other Important Updates The New Zealand government has also introduced additional changes to enhance flexibility: Removal of investment caps – Investors can place higher amounts without restrictions. New investment payment rule – The full investment amount must be paid to qualify for a resident visa. On-call investments option – Applicants can temporarily hold funds in acceptable assets (bonds, term deposits, listed equities, bank accounts) for up to six months before transferring them to managed funds. Newborn children of investors will now be eligible for a Dependent Child Resident Visa. What This Means for Investors These updates make investing in New Zealand more attractive and less risky while providing greater flexibility. Investors can continue applying through the existing online application system, which will be updated to reflect these changes. Further details will be announced to clarify the implementation process. How RBS Immigration Can Help At RBS Immigration, we specialize in guiding investors through the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa process. Our expert team can help you: Understand the new investment categories and eligibility criteria. Guide you to navigate the application and documentation processes. Understand the investment process and select the appropriate investment option.  Ensure compliance with New Zealand’s immigration laws for a smooth transition. With these relaxed rules, now is the perfect time to invest in New Zealand. Whether you’re looking to expand your business, invest in property, or secure residency, the Active Investor Plus Visa offers a unique opportunity. Contact RBS Immigration today for expert guidance on securing your New Zealand Investor Visa!

  While top education countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia make immigration progressively harder for students, New Zealand is rising as a savior. New Zealand introduces immigrant-friendly changes in post-study work visas that benefit students. Study in New Zealand, a place that welcomes you with open arms and helps students like you to achieve your dreams. What makes them the top pick in the student community right now? The New Zealand Government recently announced that international students who are willing to pursue their postgraduate diploma for 30 weeks or take a transfer for a master’s degree are now able to opt for the PSW (Post-Study Work Visa). For example, suppose a student has just completed a degree that is PSW visa eligible and switches to another high-level qualification that is not PSW visa eligible. In that case, they will have 12 months from the end date of their student visa for the initial qualification to apply for it. What is this 30-week policy? The 30-week policy enables you to apply for a three-year New Zealand Post-work Visa (PSW). To avail yourself of this opportunity, you must apply for a full-time study 30-week master’s degree. Eligible applicants must have a verified New Zealand qualification, study full-time, and apply within the given time frame. The New Zealand government recent updates made it possible for students who did a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma and soon after, switched to a Master’s degree, without fulfilling the 30-week master’s enrolment requirement. New Zealand allowed them to apply for the PSW visa based on their Postgraduate Diploma. How does this help the students? This policy change gives more flexibility while maintaining eligibility for post-study work opportunities. Moreover, new rules align PSW visa qualifications with the green list. Secondary/Middle school teaching roles do not require a bachelor’s degree that specializes in mathematics, science, technology, or Pacific languages. The Teaching Council’s criteria are now applicable to Graduate Diploma holders for a PSW visa to teach in primary or intermediate schools. Another change in New Zealand’s education system is the addition of Mechanical Engineering which can now qualify for a PSW visa. Study In New Zealand with RBS Intellect Grab the opportunity before it slips away. New Zealand’s growing education sector might be the boost you need, especially if you are willing to pursue engineering. Contact our study-abroad experts to know if it truly is meant for you in our 1:1 counseling session. Contact RBS Intellect, your trusted study-abroad partner.