New Zealand Golden Visa: Your Gateway to NZ Residency
The Active Investor Plus Visa (New Zealand's Golden Visa) provides permanent residence for high-net-worth investors. A NZD $5-10 million investment grants you and your family residency in one of the world's most stable countries. The programme offers dual pathways: 3 years (Growth category) or 5 years (Balanced category) to permanent residence eligibility.
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Your Details
635
Applications Received
As of Mar 2026
NZ$3.73B
Investment Pipeline
Total committed
NZ$1.42B
Already Deployed
Into NZ economy
31 Days
Avg. Processing
To approval in principle
Source: Immigration New Zealand, 7 April 2026. Full data on our statistics page.
Unlock New Zealand. Seamlessly.
Your independent resource for understanding New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa. We compile official information and connect you with licensed immigration advisers who specialise in investor visas.
Active Investor Plus Visa Cost
INZ application fee is NZD $27,470. Investment ranges from NZD $5 million (Growth category) to NZD $10 million (Balanced category).
Approval Timeline
80% of applications receive Approval in Principle within 4 months. Processing time excludes applicant response periods.
Permanent Residence Path
Growth category: 3 years to permanent residence. Balanced category: 5 years to permanent residence. Both pathways lead to NZ citizenship eligibility.
Family Included
Partner and dependent children aged 24 and under qualify as dependants. Spouses and de facto partners both receive residency status.
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
Active Investor Plus Visa Investment Categories
Choose the investment pathway that aligns with your financial goals and residency timeline under Active Investor Plus 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
Active Investor Plus Visa Rules: Reduce Residency Days in Balanced Category
Under current Active Investor Plus 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
Alternative NZ Visa Pathways
Not ready for a NZD $5M+ investment? Explore lower-barrier entry options to test the NZ market before committing to the Active Investor Plus Visa.
Business Investor Work Visa
A more accessible entry pathway for entrepreneurs and business owners. Invest NZD $1–2 million into an NZ business or create job opportunities. Full work rights, no investment time commitment required.
Learn moreDigital Nomad Visa
For remote workers earning USD $3,500+ monthly. Allows 90-day stays for knowledge workers and entrepreneurs. Ideal as a 'trial' before committing to the Active Investor Plus Visa.
Learn moreReady for the full Active Investor Plus Visa? It remains the fastest and most direct path to permanent residence and citizenship for high-net-worth investors. With NZD $5–10M committed and strong tax advantages (zero capital gains tax, no wealth tax), it's the preferred choice for families seeking long-term NZ residency.
Your Plan B for Global Uncertainty
The Active Investor Plus Visa provides more than residency—it's a strategic hedge against global instability. Secure a path to permanent residence and citizenship in one of the world's most stable democracies while maintaining multiple passports and geographic flexibility.
Political & Economic Hedge
New Zealand consistently ranks in the world's top 5 safest, most stable democracies. Maintain investments and residency in a country with zero capital gains tax and minimal wealth tax.
Unrestricted Global Access
Gain the 4th-ranked NZ passport (191 visa-free destinations). Live in NZ, work in Australia, invest globally, and maintain US citizenship—true geographic optionality.
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Unlike Australia, NZ permits dual citizenship. Keep your US passport while gaining NZ citizenship, maintaining full rights in both countries.
Bonus: Instant Australia Access
As an NZ citizen, you gain the Special Category Visa (SCV) for Australia—a unique privilege unavailable to other international migrants. Work, study, and live in Australia without sponsorship. Your children attend Australian universities at domestic fees. Access Australian Medicare. Live in either country (or both) with complete flexibility.
Work Rights
Full employment rights in Australia as an NZ citizen
Study Rights
Domestic tuition fees for university and vocational education in Australia
Social Benefits
Access to Medicare (Australia's public healthcare) as a resident
Residency Path
Special category visa (SCV) grants 5-year renewable residence in Australia
No Maximum Age Limit: Unlike many residency programmes, the Active Investor Plus Visa has no age restriction. Whether you're 35 or 75, you can apply, invest, and gain permanent residence for yourself and your family.
Acceptable Investment Types
The Active Investor Plus Visa accepts a broad range of investment vehicles. All investments must be made through an Invest New Zealand-approved investment advisor.
NZX Listed Equities
Direct shares in NZ-listed companies
NZ Government Bonds
Government securities and bonds
Private Equity
Unlisted company investments and venture capital
Managed Funds
PIE funds and investment funds (subject to PFIC rules for US citizens)
Property Developments
Real estate development projects (Growth category eligible)
Philanthropic Giving
Donations to registered charities in NZ
How Current Rules Compare to Previous Scheme
In April 2025, Immigration New Zealand significantly improved the Active Investor Plus Visa to attract high-net-worth global investors. Here's how the current scheme outperforms the previous iteration.
| Category | Previous Scheme | Current Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Minimum | NZD $15 million (single category) | NZD $5–10 million (flexible) |
| Residency Days | 164 days over 4 years | 21–105 days over 3–5 years |
| Time to PR | 4 years minimum | 3–5 years depending on category |
| Family Inclusion | Partner + dependent children | —Partner + dependent children 24 and under |
| Investment Flexibility | Restricted sectors and types | Broad investment options incl. ventures and philanthropy |
| No Age Limit | Age consideration in assessment | No maximum age restriction |
| Pathway to Citizenship | 5 years PR + 1,350 days residence | 5 years PR + 1,350 days residence (dual citizenship allowed) |
The April 2025 reforms cut the minimum investment from NZD $15M to NZD $5M (two-thirds reduction), reduced residency days by 60%, and expanded investment flexibility to include private equity and philanthropy. These improvements make NZ the most competitive residency-by-investment programme in the Asia-Pacific region.
Travel Rights & Residency Conditions
Your Active Investor Plus Visa comes with specific travel conditions tied to your investment category. After your investment period ends, your return travel rights extend, maintaining access to NZ indefinitely.
Growth Category
Investment Period: 3-year investment period
Visa Validity: 4-year travel visa validity
After investment period ends, return travel rights extend for 1 additional year (5-year total return rights)
Balanced Category
Investment Period: 5-year investment period
Visa Validity: 6-year travel visa validity
After investment period ends, return travel rights extend for 1 additional year (7-year total return rights)
Residency Days Requirement: You must be physically present in NZ for a minimum number of days during your investment period (21 days Growth / 105 days Balanced). These can be split across years; there's no requirement to reside continuously.
Interim Work Rights During Application
Don't wait months doing nothing. If your Active Investor Plus application is approved at the Expression of Interest stage, Immigration New Zealand can grant a Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) allowing you to work and establish your business/life in NZ while funds are being transferred. This interim visa typically lasts 6–12 months.
1. Expression of Interest Submitted
Day 0Submit preliminary application with investment intentions to INZ
2. Invitation to Apply
Usually within 10 working daysINZ invites full application if EOI meets criteria
3. Full Application Submitted
Within 3 months of invitationSubmit complete documentation including source of funds, health, character
4. Interim Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV)
While awaiting AIP approvalGrant of 6–12 month work visa allowing you to begin work/business setup in NZ while investment is being transferred
5. Approval in Principle
Usually 5 months from full applicationConditional approval pending successful fund transfer
6. Fund Transfer Window
6 months after Approval in PrincipleTransfer investment funds to approved NZ investment vehicle; must complete within this window
7. Final Approval
Post-transfer verificationINZ confirms fund receipt and grants full Active Investor Plus Visa (residence visa)
Key Takeaway: The entire process—from EOI to final visa grant—typically takes 6–7 months. With interim work rights, you can start your NZ adventure immediately without waiting for investment funds to clear. This is a major advantage over passive residency schemes that require upfront capital transfer before any visa is granted.
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.
Eligibility at a Glance
Six key criteria you must satisfy to qualify for the Active Investor Plus Visa.
What Makes AIP Special
- No English language requirement for Growth category
- No maximum age limit
- 6-month window to transfer investment funds
- Interim Specific Purpose Work Visa available
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 — use a specialist provider to minimise FX costs on large international transfers
- 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
New Zealand Immigration News
Monthly digests of policy updates, programme statistics, and media coverage on the Active Investor Plus Visa. Sourced from Immigration NZ, government ministers, and international media.
OIA Property Reforms Take Effect & Terminology Guidance Issued
March 2026 brought a significant practical benefit for Active Investor Plus Visa holders with the Overseas Investment Act reforms taking effect. Fast-track property consent is now available, and Immigration New Zealand reinforced official programme terminology.
573 Applications Confirmed, US Investors Dominate & The Guardian Reports
February 2026 was a landmark month for the Active Investor Plus Visa. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford confirmed programme totals, while international media including The Guardian reported on the surge in US applications driven by political uncertainty.
New Business Investor Work Visa Launches with $1-2M Threshold
November 2025 saw New Zealand's investor visa landscape expand with the introduction of the Business Investor Work Visa — a complementary lower-barrier pathway targeting entrepreneurs and smaller investors, covered by both Immigration New Zealand and international travel media.
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.
Your Golden Opportunity Awaits
Connect with licensed immigration advisers who specialise in investor visas. Confidential enquiry, zero obligation, complete discretion guaranteed.
$5M+
Minimum Investment Required
4-6 Months
Typical Processing Timeline
3-5 Years
Path to Permanent Residence