At a glance:
- New Zealand’s ban of foreign real estate ownership has been lifted
- Wealthy overseas investors will be able to purchase real estate in New Zealand with a minimum investment of NZD $5million
- Investors will need to spend at least 105 days in the country
- High-net-worth applicants will be able to submit a single application for families.
- The highest number of applicants so far are from the US, China, Hong Kong and Singapore
Wealthy foreign investors will be able to buy high-value homes under the new Active Investor Plus Visa launched in April 2025.
The new residency-by-investment programme is aimed at promoting overseas investment and boosting domestic economic growth after a period of recession.
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Wealthy buyers from abroad will be able to get their foot in the door into New Zealand’s historically fiercely guarded real estate market if they are able to commit to a minimum investment of NZD $5 million (approx USD $6 million) over 5 years and spend at least 105 days in the country.
Prior to the rules changes, non New Zealand nationals were unable to purchase property in the country in a bid to curb spiralling house prices – a rule introduced in 2018.
The investment criteria fall under the ‘Balance Category’, which includes equities, philanthropy, luxury real estate and property development. Being able to speak English was a key investor criteria but has since been scrapped to bolster interest among ultra-high-net-worth foreign investors alongside fewer immigration requirements.
Further simplifying the process in the ability to submit a single application for families. The main applicant can include their spouse or partner, as well as dependent children up to the age of 24.
This flexibility allows the applicant to relocate their whole family without the need for separate submissions.
If approved, all included family members are granted residency status, giving them the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
Before the introduction of the new investment programme, visa holders who did not reside in New Zealand for at least six months a year were barred from buying property.
As of 31 August 2025, 39 applications have been approved by the New Zealand Government and applicants have been granted resident visas, 12 in the balanced category and 27 in the growth category, which focuses on higher-risk investments, including managed funds and direct investments. The total committed investment from these applications amounts to NZD $248.8 million (rounded) into New Zealand’s economy.
At time of writing, the highest number of applicants were received from the United States of America with 386 applications. Asia represented the highest number of applicants by continent with China, Hong Kong and Singapore counting the most number or interested parties. There were 16 applications from the United Kingdom.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that investors holding the foreign investor migrant visa, reintroduced in April, can now buy or build one residential property if it is valued at a minimum of NZ$5 million (USD 2.94 million).
“This change navigates a path between those who do not want foreign ownership opened up, and the desire to attract high net worth investors by deepening their connection to our country to help grow the economy,” Luxon said in a statement.
Fewer than 1% of New Zealand’s houses would be eligible for foreign investors to buy at the elevated price bracket stipulated in the investment category.
The majority of those ultra prime homes (about 80%) are in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, with around 10% in the popular skiing and lifestyle destination of Queenstown, on the South Island. The country’s political hub and capital city Wellington ranks third in terms of house prices.
New Zealand is seen as a safe haven for foreign investment given its geographical location, high standard of living, excellent healthcare and education system, breathtaking scenery and stable government.
Foreign celebrities that own or have owned currently in New Zealand include singer Shania Twain, film director James Cameron in Wairarapa, Ben Harper and musician Anthony Keidis in the Bay of Islands.
An option for monied investors is the super prime, ultra rare Westhaven Retreat listing with Sothebys with an asking price of USD $13,373,395.
The estate offers 5 miles of private coastline, secluded sandy beaches, ancient limestone formations, verdant indigenous bush and Nikau palm forests.
The sprawling estate is a ‘one of a kind’ property set amidst 815 magnificent acres of breathtaking natural beauty, ensuring complete privacy and serenity.
Interested parties should visit the official New Zealand Government Active Investment Plus Visa portal.
