On 26th November 2007, a new Investor visa policy was introduced called the Active Investor Migrant policy. The new policy is aimed to provide a more commercial basis for individuals wishing to invest in New Zealand and is split into 3 categories:

The category under which individuals apply depends on the potential to contribute to New Zealand in terms of financial as well as human capital, the level of investment and how active that investment is. Simply putting money away in a bank account would not meet the criteria of active investment.

GLOBAL INVESTORS	High value investors investing $20million
PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS	Second priority investors investing $10million
GENERAL (ACTIVE) INVESTORS	A points based category for those investing $2.5million

The government has set an annual limit of places available annually under the new Active Investor Migrant policy which is 1000 (around 300 applications). Priority will be given to those qualifying as Global Investors and Professional Investors with the remaining places going to General Investors.

The General category will be a points based system to prioritise people on the basis of their ability to contribute to New Zealand. Points will be awarded to recognise:

	Importance of human and financial capital
	Active investment
	Value of export links, technology transfers and management skills
	Age and business experience will also be a factor

Below is a summary of the key criteria for each of the categories mentioned above:

Criteria	Global Investor	Professional Investor	General Investor (Active)
Investment capital	$20m for 4 years. At least $5m in active investment	$10m for 4 years. At least $2m in active investment	$2.5m for 4 years. Must be at least semi-active
Maximum age	None	Up to 64	Up to 54
Minimum settlement funds	None	None	$1m
Minimum time in NZ	20% every year	30% every year	40% every year
Minimum business experience	4 years	4 years	4 years

The previous policy which was introduced in 2005 has been replaced with this new one as it was not attracting many investors to New Zealand and was failing to connect investors with New Zealand business. It was designed to ensure only those that were committed to living in New Zealand and able to contribute to the economy in the long term would gain residence.

Whilst this remains true, the new policy will help to create closer links between investors and business in New Zealand.

The above only scratches the surface of what is quite a detailed and in-depth policy. For more specific information and advice, please contact us.