Active Investor Plus Visa

Invest in New Zealand's Future, Secure Your Own

New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa offers a premium pathway to permanent residency for high-net-worth individuals and experienced investors who are ready to make a significant contribution to New Zealand's economic growth. This visa is designed to attract capital, skills, and global networks that directly benefit the New Zealand economy.

At ZFS NZ, we specialise in guiding discerning investors through this comprehensive resident visa process. We provide tailored advice and support to ensure your investment aligns with New Zealand's objectives and secures your future in Aotearoa.

The Revamped Active Investor Plus Visa: Two Tailored Pathways (Effective April 1, 2025)

The Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa has been significantly updated to simplify investment categories and offer more flexibility, aiming to make New Zealand an even more attractive destination for international investors. There are now two distinct investment categories:

1. Growth Category

  • Minimum Investment: NZD $5 million

  • Investment Term: 3 years

  • Residency Requirement: At least 21 days in New Zealand over the 3-year investment period.

  • Acceptable Investments:

    • NZTE-approved managed funds: These funds must be focused on New Zealand growth businesses (e.g., venture capital, private equity, private credit).

    • Direct investments: In NZTE-approved New Zealand businesses (e.g., startups, businesses seeking expansion capital).

  • Focus: Designed for investors seeking direct, high-impact involvement in New Zealand's business ecosystem, willing to undertake higher risk for potentially higher returns.

2. Balanced Category

  • Minimum Investment: NZD $10 million

  • Investment Term: 5 years

  • Residency Requirement: At least 105 days in New Zealand over the 5-year investment period.

    • Residency Reduction: For every additional NZD $1 million invested in Growth-type assets above the NZD $10 million minimum, the residency requirement can be reduced by 14 days (down to a minimum of 63 days with a NZD $13 million investment).

  • Acceptable Investments: This category offers a broader range of options, allowing for diversification:

    • Bonds: New Zealand government, local government, or corporate bonds (traded on NZDX).

    • Listed Equities: Shares in companies listed on the NZX.

    • Property Development: New residential developments (increasing housing stock) or value-adding commercial/industrial developments. Pure residential property for personal use is generally not permitted.

    • Philanthropy: Donations to registered New Zealand charities with donee status.

    • Growth-type investments: Managed funds and direct investments as per the Growth category (these can be blended into a Balanced portfolio).

  • Focus: Best for investors seeking a diversified, potentially lower-risk portfolio with flexibility to include both traditional and growth-oriented assets.

General Eligibility Requirements for Both Categories

Beyond the investment specifics, all Active Investor Plus Visa applicants must meet general New Zealand immigration criteria:

  1. Fit and Proper Person: You must confirm you meet "fit and proper person" requirements. This includes no convictions for dishonesty, fraud, or serious criminal offences, and ensuring businesses you influence have complied with immigration, employment, and taxation laws.

  2. Legally Obtained Funds: You must provide comprehensive evidence that your investment funds and assets have been lawfully acquired and can be transferred to New Zealand.

  3. Good Health & Character: You and all family members (partner and dependent children aged 24 or under) included in your application must meet Immigration New Zealand's health and character requirements. This will involve medical examinations and police certificates.

  4. No English Language Requirement: As of April 1, 2025, the English language requirement for the principal applicant has been removed for the AIP visa.

The Application Process for the Active Investor Plus Visa

The process for the AIP Visa is generally structured:

  1. Expression of Interest (EOI): You submit an online EOI, outlining your chosen investment category, proposed investment amount, and how you meet the general eligibility criteria.

  2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI is successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply for the Active Investor Plus Resident Visa.

  3. Investment & Documentation: Once you have the ITA (or 'Approval in Principle'), you typically have 6 months to transfer your funds to New Zealand and make your acceptable investments. A one-time 6-month extension may be possible under specific circumstances. You will then submit your comprehensive Resident Visa application with all supporting documents, including proof of your investments.

  4. Visa Grant: Upon successful verification of your investments and all other criteria, your Active Investor Plus Resident Visa is granted.

  5. Maintain Investment & Residency: You must maintain your investment for the required term (3 years for Growth, 5 years for Balanced) and meet the specified residency days in New Zealand to ensure your visa remains valid and to be eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa later.

Benefits of the Active Investor Plus Visa

  • Direct Path to Residence: Gain New Zealand Resident Visa status for yourself and your family.

  • Family Inclusion: Your partner and dependent children (aged 24 or under) can be included in your application.

  • No English Requirement: A significant benefit for many international investors.

  • Flexible Investment Options: Choose a category that best suits your investment appetite and strategic goals.

  • Reduced Residence Requirements: Relatively low minimum stay requirements compared to many other residency pathways.

  • Contribution to NZ Growth: Actively participate in and benefit from New Zealand's vibrant economy.

  • High Quality of Life: Access New Zealand's stable political and economic environment, excellent education system, public healthcare, and stunning natural beauty.

  • Pathway to Permanent Residence: After successfully maintaining your investment and meeting all conditions for the required term, you will be eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV).

  • Pathway to Citizenship: Ultimately, the PRV can lead to eligibility for New Zealand citizenship.

How ZFS NZ Can Guide Your Investment Journey

The Active Investor Plus Visa, while offering a clear pathway, involves substantial financial commitments and complex immigration requirements. Our expertise is invaluable in navigating this process effectively. We provide:

  • Tailored Investment Strategy Advice: We help you understand the nuances of the Growth and Balanced categories and how they align with your investment and residency goals. (Note: We do not provide financial advice, but we can help you understand the immigration requirements for various investment types and refer you to trusted financial advisors).

  • Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment: A thorough review of your financial background, character, and family situation against all INZ criteria.

  • Funds Verification & Transfer: Expert guidance on demonstrating the legal source of your funds and the process for transferring them to New Zealand in a compliant manner.

  • NZTE/INZ Investment Alignment: Assistance in understanding which investments require NZTE approval (for Growth category and Growth-type within Balanced) and how to ensure your investment plan meets INZ's specific definitions.

  • Application Preparation: Meticulous completion and submission of your Expression of Interest and, once invited, your full Resident Visa application.

  • Liaison with INZ: Managing all communication with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf, promptly responding to any queries or requests for further information.

  • Ongoing Compliance: Advice on maintaining your investment and residency requirements throughout the conditional visa period to ensure eligibility for your Permanent Resident Visa.

Ready to make a strategic investment in New Zealand and secure a future for your family? Contact ZFS NZ today for a confidential consultation on the Active Investor Plus Visa. Let our Auckland-based Licensed Immigration Adviser expertise lead your pathway to residency in Aotearoa.