Key Takeaways
• Active Investor Plus Visa launched April 1, 2025, offers flexible residency via NZD 5m or NZD 10m investments.
• No English test or prior business experience required; minimum stay varies by investment category.
• Visa holders can live, work, access education, and may apply for permanent residency after investment period.
The Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP) is New Zealand’s latest approach to attracting investors by offering a revised and more flexible version of its well-known “Golden Visa” program. Launched on April 1, 2025, this program creates easier paths to residency for those willing to invest in the country. Its design aims to encourage higher levels of investment, broaden the types of acceptable investments, and make processes simpler for investors from around the world.
Definition of the Active Investor Plus Visa
The Active Investor Plus Visa is a residency program in New Zealand that allows individuals and their immediate families to live in the country if they make specific levels of investments in approved areas of the New Zealand economy. This “Golden Visa” targets people with significant financial resources who wish to settle, open businesses, or otherwise participate in New Zealand’s economic growth while also enjoying a stable and high-quality lifestyle.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a clean criminal record and meet character standards.
- Make approved investments within one of two structured categories: Growth or Balanced.
- Prove that their investment funds come from legal sources.
- Be able to transfer the required investment amounts into New Zealand within six months of visa approval.
Significantly, there is no English language requirement, and applicants don’t need previous management or business experience.
Purpose and Benefits of the Active Investor Plus Visa
The main purpose of this visa is to attract investment into New Zealand, supporting the growth of innovative businesses, development projects, and the national economy. For applicants, the program offers several benefits:
- Residency for the applicant and their family.
- Access to New Zealand’s top-tier education and healthcare systems.
- A path to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
- A safe and stable environment for living and investing.
For New Zealand, the program is structured to boost job creation, promote new businesses, and expand areas like real estate, commercial development, and philanthropy.
Application Process
Applying for the Active Investor Plus Visa involves several steps:
- Prepare Your Application:
- Gather documents proving your identity, clean criminal record, and evidence of legal funds.
- Decide on the investment category (Growth or Balanced).
- Submit the Application:
- Lodge an online application with supporting documents through the New Zealand Immigration Service.
- Assessment Stage:
- The authorities will review your application details and check your background.
- Conditional Approval:
- If approved, you receive a letter allowing you to transfer your funds into New Zealand.
- Make the Investment:
- Transfer and invest the required amount within six months of approval.
- Receive Your Visa:
- Provide proof of your investment to the authorities and, once verified, receive the Active Investor Plus Visa.
In special cases, you may ask for a one-time extension of up to six months if you need extra time to complete your investment.
Required Documents and Evidence
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- Valid passport and identification documents.
- Clean criminal record (police clearances from each country of residence).
- Proof of investment funds’ legal source (bank statements, sale of property, or business earnings).
- Details of the intended investment (for both Growth or Balanced categories).
- Proof of relationship for family members included in the application.
Processing Times and Fees
Based on early results, the authorities process Active Investor Plus Visa applications reasonably quickly due to simplified requirements and online systems. In its first two weeks, the program processed 44 applications, approving 7. Specific government fees may vary based on the investment category and the number of family members but are detailed on Immigration New Zealand’s official site.
Validity Period and Renewal Options
The Growth Category requires the investment to remain in place for at least 3 years, with applicants needing to spend a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand during the investment period. The Balanced Category has a longer term—at least 5 years—with a 105-day stay requirement spread over the period. The visa itself is tied to the length of the investment. Once the minimum requirements are met, applicants can then apply for permanent residency if they wish to settle in New Zealand permanently.
Rights and Restrictions
Active Investor Plus Visa holders enjoy many of the same rights as long-term residents. These include:
- Living and working in New Zealand.
- Access to local education and health services.
- The ability to bring immediate family.
However, there are some restrictions:
- You cannot vote in national elections until you become a permanent resident or citizen.
- You must maintain your investment for the required period.
- You must meet the minimum stay requirement in New Zealand.
- Not all types of property are eligible (for example, only certain new developments are allowed as investment).
Pathways to Permanent Residency
After fulfilling the Active Investor Plus Visa’s requirements (investment duration and minimum stay), applicants may apply for permanent residency. This process involves:
- Proving that the investment was held for the correct time.
- Proving that the minimum stay conditions were satisfied.
- Providing updated identity and security documents.
Permanent residents can eventually seek citizenship, opening full participation in New Zealand life.
Comparison with Similar Visa Types
Many countries have their own “Golden Visa” residency programs for investors. New Zealand’s approach shares some similarities, especially with Australia and several European programs, but also has notable differences:
New Zealand vs. Australia:
– Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visa (BIIP) previously attracted many investors, but was closed in 2024. This has led many looking for a stable alternative to choose New Zealand.
– New Zealand’s minimum investment amounts are lower than Australia’s past requirements, and the application process is more streamlined.
New Zealand vs. Europe:
– European Golden Visas (like Portugal, Spain, and Greece) often center on real estate investment and have lower investment thresholds in some countries, but they typically have stricter residency and language requirements.
– New Zealand’s program is less focused on real estate and more open to diversified investments, including direct business and philanthropic allocations.
What Stands Out About the New Zealand Program:
– No English requirement
– Shorter stay requirements, especially under the Growth Category
– Broader investment options, especially for property under certain conditions
Addressing Common Misconceptions and FAQs
- Does the Active Investor Plus Visa mean automatic citizenship?
No, it leads to residency and then, after meeting all requirements, eligibility for permanent residency and potentially citizenship. - Can investors sell their investments after getting the visa?
Not before the required timeframe—minimum 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced). - Is property investment allowed?
Only for certain new residential, commercial, or industrial development projects under the Balanced Category. - Does the AIP program require managing the invested business directly?
No, but investments must meet eligibility rules. Direct involvement is optional. - Is the program open to applicants from any country?
Yes, there are no restrictions based on nationality.
Real-World Example
Suppose an investor from Germany wishes to settle in New Zealand with their family. They choose the Growth Category and invest NZD 5 million into a managed fund that supports technology startups. They’re required to spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over 3 years. After the period ends, they can apply for permanent residency. This example shows how an individual can both support innovation in New Zealand and gain a stable residency path.
A family from the United States could instead invest NZD 10 million in the Balanced Category, choosing a mix of local government bonds and an approved housing development. Over 5 years, they split their New Zealand stay to meet the 105-day minimum. Their children can attend local schools, and the family enjoys access to excellent healthcare and a safe environment.
Recent Changes and Updates
The latest changes to the Golden Visa program in New Zealand include:
- Lower investment thresholds compared to earlier versions of the program.
- Simplified pathways, including removing the English language requirement.
- Expanded types of qualifying investments (including some real estate).
- Options for extension if a delay happens in investing funds.
- Pathways for applicants from the previous scheme to use the new criteria.
These reforms have made the program very popular. As reported by VisaVerge.com, there was a surge in interest after Australia closed its own program, leading to more than 2,500 page views and a 700% increase in web traffic for the New Zealand scheme in just two weeks of launch.
Pros and Cons of the Active Investor Plus Visa
Pros:
– Lower minimum investment amounts and more options than before.
– No need for English language tests or direct business management.
– Flexible stay requirements, allowing investors to split visits over several years.
– Direct pathway for families to gain residency and access local services.
– Useful for people seeking a stable and peaceful environment.
Cons:
– High minimum investment compared to some European programs.
– Investment must be held for several years, limiting flexibility.
– Only specific types of property development qualify for investment.
– Investors cannot vote until they achieve permanent residency or citizenship.
Additional Resources
For the latest official details and any updates on qualifying investments, application processes, and fees, refer to the official Immigration New Zealand page for the Active Investor Plus Visa.
Summary and Next Steps
New Zealand’s revamped Active Investor Plus Visa builds on the traditional Golden Visa model, allowing global investors to gain residency with clearer rules, more investment choices, and a welcome lack of language testing. It fits the needs of high-net-worth individuals in a world where safety and stability are increasingly valued.
If you are considering a move to New Zealand for its stable environment, strong legal system, and high quality of life, the Active Investor Plus Visa may be an appealing path. Those interested should review their investment goals, gather the necessary documents, and check the official government site for updates or changes before applying. This approach will help ensure a smooth process and the best chance of success for you and your family.
Learn Today
Active Investor Plus Visa → A New Zealand residency visa requiring specific investments for the applicant and family to live in NZ.
Growth Category → A visa investment option requiring NZD 5 million in higher-risk assets with a 3-year term and shorter stay.
Balanced Category → A visa investment option requiring NZD 10 million in diversified lower-risk assets with a 5-year term and longer stay.
Permanent Residency → The status granted after meeting investment and stay requirements, allowing permanent residence in New Zealand.
Golden Visa → A type of residency permit granted to investors who meet financial and eligibility criteria.
This Article in a Nutshell
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa simplifies residency through investments, removing English requirements and expanding options, ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking stability and economic participation.
— By VisaVerge.com
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