New Zealand — Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP)
This program is designed for high‑net‑worth investors, business owners, family offices, and globally mobile entrepreneurs
A precise, strategic pathway for globally mobile investors to live, work, and invest in New Zealand—without marketing hype or over promises.
Under current policy, eligible investors can obtain a resident visa and include a partner and dependent children (aged 24 and under). Successful applicants may live, work, and study in New Zealand on an indefinite basis, subject to meeting program conditions.
Would you like us to check your eligibility for this program?
Please get in touch with us and our experts will guide you!
Who This Pathway Suits
This program is designed for high‑net‑worth investors, business owners, family offices, and globally mobile entrepreneurs who want:
- A rules‑based, stable jurisdiction for long‑term residence and investment.
- Portfolio flexibility across managed funds, direct investments, and (for Balanced) listed equities, bonds, philanthropy, and qualifying property development.
- Clear physical‑presence settings (21 days over 3 years for Growth; 105 days over 5 years for Balanced).
- No English language requirement and an application route that accommodates families.
Program at a Glance
Two Categories
- Growth: Invest NZD 5 million (minimum), 36‑month investment period, and 21 days in NZ over 3 years.
- Balanced: Invest NZD 10 million (minimum), 60‑month investment period, and 105 days in NZ over 5 years.
Residence Outcomes
- The visa allows you to live, work, and study indefinitely in New Zealand (subject to conditions).
- You can include your partner and dependent children up to age 24 in your application.
Application & Investment Timing
- After Approval in Principle (AIP), you typically have 6 months to transfer and allocate your funds into acceptable investments (with limited flexibility available in some cases).
Processing Times (Indicative)
- INZ’s visa page indicates 80% of AIP decisions within 4 months.
- A recent INZ program update shows an average AIP approval time of ~35 working days as of 26 Feb 2026 (figures vary over time).
Government Charges
- Current government application fees start from NZD 27,470 (excludes professional fees and third‑party costs; subject to change).
Acceptable Investments
Growth Category (NZD 5m+)
- Managed funds approved for the program, and/or
- Direct investments in privately held New Zealand businesses (subject to Invest New Zealand criteria/approval).
Balanced Category (NZD 10m+)
- Any Growth‑category investments plus: listed equities, bonds (government/local/corporate), philanthropy, and qualifying property development.
Important: Immigration New Zealand and Invest New Zealand assess whether an investment is acceptable for the visa, but do not endorse or guarantee investment performance. Investors should seek independent financial/tax advice and conduct their own due diligence.
Eligibility & Key Conditions
- Investment Thresholds: NZD 5m (Growth) or 10m (Balanced) in acceptable investments.
- Lawful Funds & Good Character: You must demonstrate that your funds were lawfully acquired and meet fit‑and‑proper and health/character standards.
- Physical Presence: Growth—21 days/3 years; Balanced—105 days/5 years.
- Investment Period: Maintain investments for 36 months (Growth) or 60 months (Balanced).
- Family Inclusion: Partner and dependent children up to age 24 can be included.
- No English Language Requirement (under current settings).
Fees & Typical Third Party Costs
- Government application fees: from NZD 27,470 (excludes immigration legal/advisory fees; payable to authorities).
- Other costs may include: health checks, police certificates, translations, fund transfer fees, and professional due diligence or tax advice (varies by case).
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Initial Strategy & Documentation
Confirm objectives, structure your investment approach, and gather documents (identity, health, character, source of funds, and investment plans).
2. Application Submission
Apply online for the Active Investor Plus Resident Visa; await Approval in Principle (AIP).
3. Transfer & Invest
After AIP, transfer funds to New Zealand and allocate into acceptable investments within 6 months (limited extensions or staging may apply).
4. Maintain & Report
Keep the required minimum value invested for the full term; reinvest within specified timeframes if you change assets. Category changes are permitted once within set timing rules.
5. Residence Progression
Subject to meeting investment and presence requirements, apply for permanent residence after the applicable investment period. (Always check the latest INZ policy before planning timelines.)
Recent Policy Notes & Updates
- Two‑Category Framework (from 1 April 2025): Growth (NZD 5m) and Balanced (NZD 10m) simplified the previous weighted‑points model.
- Direct Investments—Assessment Updates: Strengthened criteria for direct investment approval by Invest New Zealand took effect 25 Oct 2025 (relevant to investee‑business eligibility and evidence of genuine investor interest).
- Physical‑Presence Reductions (Balanced): Government commentary indicates potential day‑count reductions in Balanced for additional direct/fund investments (e.g., –14 days per extra NZD 1m up to –42 days), subject to policy settings—seek current advice.
- Residential Property (High‑Value): External legal commentary indicates AIP holders are expected to be permitted to buy/build one residential property valued above NZD 5m, pending the final framework. Treat as subject to change until fully enacted.
Risks & Considerations (Read Before You Invest)
- Market & Liquidity Risk: Growth‑category assets (direct investments/managed funds) are typically higher risk and illiquid; suitability depends on your risk profile and time horizon.
- No Endorsement/Guarantee: Inclusion on acceptable lists does not constitute endorsement; neither INZ nor Invest NZ guarantees performance.
- Policy Evolution: Investment categories and instructions may change; always base decisions on current official settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Under current settings, there is no English language requirement for the principal applicant.
Yes. You may include a partner and dependent children up to age 24 in one application.
Growth: 21 days over 3 years. Balanced: 105 days over 5 years. (Check current settings if you plan to rely on any reduction mechanisms.)
You typically have 6 months to transfer funds and invest in acceptable assets. You must then maintain the required minimum value through the entire investment period.
External legal commentary indicates AIP holders are expected to be able to purchase/build one residential property above NZD 5m (for personal use), subject to the final regulatory framework. Treat this as subject to change until officially confirmed.
How We Help (Advisory Led, Compliance First)
- Strategic fit: Clarify whether Growth or Balanced aligns with your objectives, risk appetite, timelines, and family needs. (We do not provide financial product advice.)
- Documentation & compliance: Prepare lawful‑source‑of‑funds evidence and application materials aligned with INZ standards.
- Execution support: Coordinate post‑AIP steps (fund transfer windows, acceptable‑investment checks, change‑of‑asset timing).
- Ongoing monitoring: Track investment‑period obligations and presence days; plan for permanent residence application per current policy.
Plan Your Next Move with Confidence
The Active Investor Plus Visa requires thoughtful preparation and a well‑defined strategy. We invite you to start with a Professional Migration Strategy Session, where we assess your objectives and outline viable pathways grounded in New Zealand’s regulatory framework.
Important Compliance Note
This page is informational only and does not constitute immigration, financial, or tax advice. No outcomes are guaranteed. Always base decisions on the latest official guidance from Immigration New Zealand and Invest New Zealand, and seek independent financial/tax advice before investing.
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GET IN TOUCH WITH US
If you are qualified for this program and want us to review your profile, please contact us below.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
If you are qualified for this program and want us to review your profile, please contact us below.
