Residence in New ZealandOverview
The Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa was introduced in September 2022, replacing New Zealand's earlier Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories. Its purpose is to attract experienced investors who bring capital into productive New Zealand assets rather than passive holdings. Immigration New Zealand decides the visa, while New Zealand Trade and Enterprise assesses investment plans and qualifying direct investments.
On 1 April 2025 the Government reset the visa to make it more competitive. The former weighted scoring system was replaced by two categories. The Growth category requires NZD 5 million invested for three years in higher-risk, active investments such as direct investment in New Zealand businesses and approved managed funds. The Balanced category requires NZD 10 million invested for five years and accepts a wider mix, including listed equities, bonds, managed funds, property development and limited philanthropy. The English language requirement was removed and minimum time in New Zealand was reduced substantially.
Presence requirements are deliberately light. Growth investors must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over the three-year investment period, and Balanced investors at least 105 days over five years. Investments must be maintained throughout the period, and the visa is granted with conditions that are lifted once the investment and presence obligations have been met, at which point permanent residence can be obtained.
Residence status does not on its own give an unrestricted right to purchase residential property. Under the Overseas Investment Act, visa holders who are not ordinarily resident in New Zealand generally need consent or must meet a specific exemption to buy a home, so property plans should be reviewed against the rules in force at the time of purchase. Residents who later satisfy the presence and good character requirements may apply for citizenship after five years.
Key benefits
- Residence for the whole family with modest presence requirements: 21 days over three years in the Growth category
- No English language test and no upper age limit
- Choice between a shorter, growth-oriented commitment and a longer, diversified one
- Investment can be deployed into businesses, funds and other productive assets that remain the investor's own
- Clear route from conditional residence to permanent residence and, with sufficient residence, citizenship
- Access to a stable, transparent common-law jurisdiction with a strong rule of law
- Dependent children can study in New Zealand at domestic fee rates as residents
Requirements
- Minimum investment of NZD 5 million (Growth) or NZD 10 million (Balanced) in acceptable investments
- Funds lawfully earned and transferred to New Zealand through the banking system
- Investment maintained for the full investment period: three years (Growth) or five years (Balanced)
- Minimum time in New Zealand: 21 days (Growth) or 105 days (Balanced) during the investment period
- Investments must meet NZTE and Immigration New Zealand criteria for acceptable investments
- Health requirements for the principal applicant and all included family members
- Character requirements, including police certificates
- Partner and dependent children must meet relationship and dependency criteria
Investment options
Growth category
NZD 5,000,000
Three-year investment period focused on direct investment in New Zealand businesses and approved managed funds, with a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand.
Balanced category
NZD 10,000,000
Five-year investment period across a broader range of assets, including listed equities, bonds, managed funds, property development and limited philanthropy, with a minimum of 105 days in New Zealand.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Strategy and category choice
We assess the family's investment appetite, liquidity and travel patterns to choose between the Growth and Balanced categories.
- 2
Source-of-funds preparation
We build a documented trail showing how the investment capital was earned and how it will reach New Zealand.
- 3
Application lodgement
The application is lodged with Immigration New Zealand, including the investment plan and family members' health and character documents.
- 4
Approval in principle
On approval in principle, the investor transfers funds and deploys them into acceptable investments within the permitted timeframe.
- 5
Resident visa grant
Once investments are verified, resident visas are granted with conditions requiring the investment and presence obligations to be met.
- 6
Monitoring and permanent residence
We track investments and days in New Zealand throughout the period, then apply to lift conditions and secure permanent residence.
Typical documents
- Valid passports for all applicants
- Police certificates for all applicants aged 17 and over
- Medical and chest X-ray certificates
- Evidence of lawful source of funds and source of wealth
- Bank statements confirming ownership of the investment funds
- Investment plan and supporting documents for proposed investments
- Marriage or partnership evidence and birth certificates for children
- Evidence of dependency for older dependent children
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth treats the Active Investor Plus visa as both an immigration and an investment mandate. We help clients choose the category that suits their risk profile, prepare a source-of-funds file built for Immigration New Zealand's scrutiny, coordinate with licensed New Zealand advisers and investment managers, and maintain a compliance calendar for investment holdings and days in the country. We also consider how New Zealand residence and tax residence interact with the family's wider structures and succession plans. Contact us at info@legalwealthglobal.com.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for the Active Investor Plus visa?
NZD 5 million in the Growth category, held for three years, or NZD 10 million in the Balanced category, held for five years.
How much time must I spend in New Zealand?
At least 21 days over the three-year investment period in the Growth category, or 105 days over five years in the Balanced category.
Is there an English language requirement?
No. The English language requirement was removed as part of the changes that took effect on 1 April 2025.
Can I invest in residential property?
Residential property bought for personal use is not an acceptable investment for the visa. Property development may count in the Balanced category. Buying a home is governed separately by the Overseas Investment Act, which generally restricts purchases by non-residents.
Who can be included in the application?
The principal applicant's partner and dependent children, generally up to age 24, can be included, subject to health, character and dependency requirements.
Does the visa lead to citizenship?
After meeting the visa conditions, holders can obtain permanent residence. Citizenship requires at least five years of residence with the required days physically present in New Zealand, plus good character.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
