New Zealand Golden Visa: Your Path to NZ Residency
The New Zealand Golden Visa, officially known as the Active Investor Plus Visa, is New Zealand's premier residency program for high-net-worth investors. With a minimum investment of NZD $5-10 million, the NZ Golden Visa provides a pathway to permanent residence for you and your family in one of the world's safest, most stable countries.
Confidential advisory and seamless relocation services for discerning families. Your Dream Team ensures a trusted, private pathway to New Zealand residency.
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Your Details
573
Applications Received
As of Feb 2026
NZ$3.39B
Investment Pipeline
Total committed
NZ$1.05B
Already Deployed
Into NZ economy
31 Days
Avg. Processing
To approval in principle
Source: Immigration Minister Stanford, February 2026. Full data on our statistics page.
Unlock New Zealand. Seamlessly.
Navigate the Active Investor Plus Visa process with New Zealand's most dedicated advisory team by your side. We provide bespoke guidance, trusted access, and unwavering support to ensure your family's transition is seamless and successful.
NZ Golden Visa Cost
Application fee from NZD $27,470 plus investment of $5M-$10M
Processing Time
80% approved in principle within 4 months
Permanent Residence
3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced) pathway to permanent residency
Family Inclusion
Include partner and dependent children aged 24 and under
What You Can Do With an Active Investor Plus Visa
The AIP visa is more than an investment programme. It grants you and your family immediate resident rights in New Zealand, with a clear pathway to permanent residence and citizenship.
Buy Residential Property
Purchase a home valued at NZD $5M+ with streamlined 5-day OIO consent. No restriction on location or property type for your primary residence.
Live and Work Freely
Full rights to live and work anywhere in New Zealand from day one. Start a business, take employment, or manage your investments hands-on.
Access Free Education
Your children receive free primary and secondary schooling as domestic students. University study at domestic fee rates, not international.
Public Healthcare Access
Eligible for publicly funded healthcare services including GP visits, hospital treatment, and prescription subsidies as a resident.
Bring Your Whole Family
Include your spouse or partner and all dependent children aged 24 and under on a single application. No cap on family size.
Minimal Stay Requirements
Growth category: just 21 days over 3 years. Balanced: 105 days over 5 years, reducible by 14 days per extra $1M in growth assets.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
After maintaining your investment for the full term (3 or 5 years), apply for permanent residence with no further investment obligation.
Pathway to Citizenship
After 5 years of permanent residence (1,350+ days physical presence), apply for New Zealand citizenship and one of the world's strongest passports.
3rd Most Competitive Tax System Globally
New Zealand operates a broad-base, low-rate (BBLR) tax regime ranked 3rd globally by the Tax Foundation's International Tax Competitiveness Index. For high-net-worth investors, the absence of key taxes creates a significantly more favourable environment than most OECD nations.
Taxes New Zealand Does NOT Have
Key Tax Rates
New migrants also benefit from a 4-year transitional tax exemption on most foreign-sourced income, making the initial transition period especially attractive for global investors.
Source: Tax Foundation International Tax Competitiveness Index 2024; Inland Revenue NZ. View full visa requirements
Golden Visa NZ Investment Categories
Choose the investment pathway that aligns with your financial goals and residency timeline under NZ Golden Visa rules.
- Direct investments in New Zealand businesses
- Managed funds that must be approved by Invest New Zealand
- Fastest pathway to permanent residence (3 years)
- Minimum 21 days physical presence in NZ over 3 years
- Higher-risk, illiquid investments requiring long-term commitment
- Direct investments, managed funds, and listed equities
- Bonds, philanthropy, and property developments
- Residential, commercial, or industrial property developments
- Reduce residency requirement with extra Growth investments
- More investment flexibility and lower risk profile
NZ Golden Visa Rules: Reduce Residency Days in Balanced Category
Under current NZ Golden Visa rules, Balanced Category applicants can reduce their physical presence requirement: For each additional NZD $1 million invested in acceptable Growth category investments, reduce your required time in New Zealand by 14 days, up to a maximum reduction of 42 days (requires $3M extra in Growth investments).
Note: Additional funds must be nominated before approval in principle and remain invested throughout the 60-month period.
Invest NZ: Your Gateway to Deal Flow
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) operates Invest NZ, a dedicated government-backed service that curates investment opportunities, facilitates introductions, and supports investors throughout their investment journey. You are never investing alone.
NZ$14B+
Live Investment Opportunities
Vetted and curated across key sectors by Invest NZ
437
Deals Completed
Successful capital raises facilitated over the past 5 years
50+
Invest NZ Professionals
Dedicated investment advisors located across global markets
How Invest NZ Works for AIP Investors
Once you receive your Approval in Principle, Invest NZ can connect you with vetted fund managers, direct investment opportunities, and sector-specific deal flow. Their team of 50+ professionals across global markets provides on-the-ground support to match your investment thesis with New Zealand opportunities.
Source: New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) / Invest NZ, 2025. Average capital raise: NZ$4.6M per deal.
Where Smart Capital Is Going
New Zealand's innovation economy punches well above its weight. These are the sectors attracting the most interest from Active Investor Plus applicants, supported by government incentives and a strong R&D ecosystem.
Advanced Transportation
Rocket Lab HQElectric vehicles, autonomous systems, aviation technology. Home to Rocket Lab and emerging EV infrastructure.
Renewable Energy
82% renewable grid82% renewable electricity grid. Geothermal, wind, and solar investment opportunities across the energy transition.
Cleantech & Biotech
Global R&D hubRegenerative agriculture, carbon capture, precision fermentation. Companies like Cetogenix and KiwiFibre lead innovation.
Aquaculture & AgriTech
NZ$1.8B seafood exportsNZ$1.8B seafood exports. Sustainable aquaculture, precision farming, and premium food and beverage production.
Tourism & Hospitality
NZ$40B+ industryNZ$40B+ industry recovering to record levels. Luxury eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and premium lodge developments.
Forestry & Wood Processing
NZ$6.7B exportsSustainable forestry with engineered timber innovation. NZ$6.7B export sector with growing carbon credit potential.
Source: NZTE Investment Sectors, Stats NZ Trade Data, MBIE sector reports. See investment categories
Small Country. Outsized Innovation.
New Zealand's "number 8 wire" culture of resourceful problem-solving has produced globally significant companies across aerospace, biotech, cleantech, and software. These are just a few of the innovators reshaping industries from the bottom of the world.
Rocket Lab
AerospaceFounded in Auckland, now a global leader in small satellite launch. Listed on NASDAQ with 50+ successful missions.
Xero
Cloud SoftwareNZ-founded cloud accounting platform serving 4.2M+ subscribers globally. A symbol of NZ's SaaS success story.
Zenno Astronautics
Space TechDeveloping superconducting magnetic systems for satellite propulsion. Backed by NZ's growing space tech ecosystem.
KiwiFibre
Sustainable MaterialsConverting agricultural waste into high-performance natural fibres for construction and automotive industries.
Cetogenix
BiotechPrecision fermentation technology converting waste into sustainable chemicals. Part of NZ's cleantech revolution.
The Insides Company
MedTechPioneering chyme reinfusion technology for intestinal failure patients. NZ health innovation on the global stage.
Source: NZTE Investment Brochure 2025. Companies shown for illustrative purposes and are not investment recommendations.
Security, Lifestyle, and Legacy
New Zealand offers global families an unparalleled combination of safety, opportunity, and quality of life. Build your legacy in one of the world's most stable, beautiful, and welcoming countries.
Quality of Life
Consistently ranked among the world's most liveable countries with stunning natural beauty and clean environment.
World-Class Education
Access to excellent education system for your children with top-ranked universities and schools.
Healthcare System
High-quality public healthcare system with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals.
Business Opportunities
Stable economy, transparent regulations, and a business-friendly environment for investors.
Multicultural Society
Welcoming, diverse community with strong respect for different cultures and backgrounds.
Economic Stability
Robust economy with strong property rights, low corruption, and excellent international connectivity.
Closer Than You Think
Auckland International Airport connects you directly to Asia-Pacific's major financial centres. With overnight flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, and the US West Coast, New Zealand is a working day away from key markets.
Trans-Tasman Freedom
NZ citizens and permanent residents have automatic right to live and work in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement -- giving you access to two countries with one residency.
Flight times are approximate direct flights from Auckland (AKL). Source: Air New Zealand, Auckland Airport.
NZ Golden Visa Requirements
Key eligibility criteria and requirements you must meet to apply for New Zealand's Golden Visa program.
Police certificates from all countries of citizenship and residence (12+ months in last 10 years). Must be less than 6 months old at time of application.
Chest X-ray and medical examination required. All applicants must be in good health to meet NZ Golden Visa requirements.
All businesses you have influence over must comply with immigration, employment, and taxation laws. No convictions for dishonesty or business fraud.
Comprehensive proof that investment funds were earned or acquired lawfully through tax returns, business statements, property sales, share trading, or inheritance.
Investments must be approved by Invest New Zealand, make commercial returns, and contribute to NZ economy. Cannot be for personal use.
Visa holders can buy or build one residential property valued at NZ$5 million or more. This benefit allows you to establish a home in New Zealand separate from your investment requirements.
NZ Golden Visa Cost & Processing Timeline
Application Fee
From NZD $27,470
Plus minimum $5M-$10M investment
Processing Time (Approval in Principle)
80% within 4 months
After approval in principle, you have 6 months to transfer and invest your funds in New Zealand. Extensions may be granted with reasonable justification and evidence of progress.
Application Process
A step-by-step guide to your journey from application to permanent residence.
Phase 1
Application Preparation
- Gather required documents and police certificates
- Complete medical examinations and X-rays
- Prepare evidence of lawfully acquired funds
- Select investment strategy (Growth or Balanced)
- Prepare cover letter and supporting documentation
Phase 2
Submit Application
- Submit online application with all documentation
- Pay application fee (from NZD $27,470)
- Immigration NZ reviews application
- Receive Approval in Principle (80% within 4 months)
Phase 3
Transfer & Invest
- Transfer investment funds to New Zealand
- Invest in acceptable investments within 6 months
- Provide evidence of fund transfer and investment
- Receive resident visa approval
- Family members can now apply for supporting visas
Phase 4
Maintain Investment
- Keep funds invested for 36 months (Growth) or 60 months (Balanced)
- Meet minimum residency days requirement
- Submit investment evidence at 24 and 36/60 months
- Complete post-investment questionnaires
- Apply for Permanent Resident Visa after meeting conditions
Blog & Insights
Expert analysis on New Zealand's Golden Visa programme, property investment, and wealth management strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about the New Zealand Golden Visa programme, investment requirements, and the path to permanent residence.
Have more questions? View our complete FAQ or get in touch.
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$5M+
Minimum Investment Required
4-6 Months
Typical Processing Timeline
3-5 Years
Path to Permanent Residence