Invest in the Future: Your Gateway to New Zealand Residency
The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed for high-net-worth individuals who want to combine a world-class lifestyle with strategic investment opportunities. In late 2025, the government streamlined this category to offer faster processing and more flexibility. Whether you prefer a passive, diversified portfolio or a high-impact growth strategy, this visa provides a clear and secure path to permanent residency for you and your family.
01. Introduction
New Zealand is widely recognised as one of the most stable and transparent places in the world to invest. The Active Investor Plus Visa encourages global citizens to bring their capital and expertise to our shores, rewarding active participation with significantly reduced residency requirements.
Under the latest 2026 settings, this visa has become even more attractive. It now has no maximum age limit and no English language requirement for the principal applicant, ensuring that global leaders can secure their family’s future in New Zealand without administrative hurdles.
To provide flexibility for different risk appetites, the visa is split into two distinct tiers. Both pathways allow you to include your partner and dependent children (up to age 24) in your residency application.
The Growth Category ($5 Million)
This category is for investors who want the fastest path to residency. By focusing on high-impact “active” investments, you receive the most favourable terms available.
- Minimum investment: NZD $5 million
- Acceptable assets: Direct equity in New Zealand businesses or NZTE-approved managed funds (Venture Capital/Private Equity)
- Investment period: 3 years
- Residency requirement: Just 21 days spent in New Zealand over the 3-year period
The Balanced Category ($10 Million)
This category offers a more conservative, diversified approach for those who prefer lower-risk asset classes while still securing a residency outcome.
- Minimum investment: NZD $10 million
- Acceptable assets: A mix of bonds (government/corporate), listed equities, property development, and philanthropy
- Investment period: 5 years
- Residency requirement: 105 days spent in New Zealand over five years (this can be reduced if you shift a portion of your funds into Growth assets)
A landmark policy change taking effect in early 2026 has transformed the appeal of this visa. While New Zealand generally maintains a ban on foreign residential property ownership, Active Investor Plus holders are now granted a special exemption.
Once you hold this visa, you are eligible to:
- Buy or build one residential home in New Zealand for your own use
- The property (or the combined cost of land and construction) must be valued at NZD $5 million or more
- This allows you to establish roots and a family home immediately, rather than waiting for permanent residency
The Active Investor Plus application is a high-stakes process that requires meticulous documentation of your Source of Wealth. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) conducts an exhaustive audit of how your investment funds were legally earned or acquired, often looking back decades.
Our team specialises in managing these complex financial histories. We coordinate directly with your bankers, accountants, and the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) to ensure your investment plan is approved on the first attempt.
- Priority processing: Active Investor Plus applications are currently prioritised, with “Approval in Principle” often granted within 3 to 4 months.
- Compliance monitoring: we assist with the mandatory “retention checks” at the 24, 36, and 60-month marks to ensure your residency remains secure.
