📊 On February 18, 2026, the first consolidated data was published, showing how the market responded to the changes in New Zealand’s investor visa, which came into effect on April 1, 2025. The changes relate to the Active Investor Plus programme, which was significantly restructured in terms of both its framework and participation requirements.

📈 The data indicates a substantial increase in investor interest. Following the update, 573 applications were submitted, covering 1,833 applicants. Before the reform, only 116 applications had been recorded over more than two years, highlighting a multiple increase in demand. A significant share of applicants comes from the United States, China, and Hong Kong.

📑 After the reform, the Active Investor Plus programme introduced two clearly defined pathways. The first requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million over three years and focuses on direct investments in businesses or venture capital projects. The second requires NZD 10 million over five years and allows for more passive instruments, including bonds, listed equities, and diversified funds. In addition, residency requirements related to physical presence in the country have been reduced.

💰 The increase in demand is directly linked to the change in entry parameters. Reducing the minimum investment threshold from NZD 15 million to NZD 5 million significantly expands the potential investor base, effectively shifting the programme from an ultra-high-net-worth segment to a broader group of high-net-worth individuals. At the same time, shortening the investment period from four to five years down to three years in the active category reduces time-related costs. According to published estimates, the total capital associated with new applications is approximately NZD 3.39 billion, reflecting a tangible inflow of funds following the reform.

📉 As capital inflows increase, regulatory scrutiny over the source of funds and the structure of investments also intensifies, as authorities aim to ensure the quality of incoming capital. In practice, this results in more detailed due diligence on the origin of funds and the nature of investment instruments. At the same time, competition among applicants is increasing. With a higher volume of applications, greater importance is placed on the quality of investment projects, timelines, and capital structure, leading investors to take a more considered approach when selecting strategies and instruments within the programme.