NZTE & Invest New Zealand: The Complete Guide for Golden Visa Investors
How New Zealand Trade and Enterprise supports Active Investor Plus visa applicants through approved investments, the Live Deals platform, and direct access to high-growth opportunities.
- NZTE is the government agency that designates acceptable investments for the Active Investor Plus visa
- The Live Deals platform provides exclusive access to vetted New Zealand investment opportunities
- Managed funds must be on NZTE's approved list to qualify for Growth category investments
- Key growth sectors include agritech, technology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing
- Direct investment approval is free; managed fund approval costs NZ$1,500 for fund managers
For high-net-worth individuals considering New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa, understanding the role of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is essential. As the government agency responsible for designating acceptable investments, NZTE serves as the critical bridge between international investors and New Zealand's most promising businesses and managed funds.
This comprehensive guide explains how NZTE supports investor migrants, the investment approval process, the exclusive Live Deals platform, and the key sectors driving New Zealand's economic growth in 2025 and beyond.
What is NZTE?
New Zealand's international business development agency
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand's international business development agency, operating under the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. For investor migrants, NZTE plays a pivotal role through its "Invest New Zealand" division, which specifically supports the Active Investor Plus visa programme.
NZTE operates in over 50 markets worldwide, connecting international capital with New Zealand opportunities and helping Kiwi businesses expand globally.
The dedicated investment team helps qualified investors navigate New Zealand's business landscape and identify suitable investment opportunities.
NZTE's Key Functions for Investor Migrants:
- Designates Acceptable Investments
Reviews and approves direct investments and managed funds for AIP visa eligibility
- Maintains Approved Fund List
Curates and updates the official list of managed funds eligible for visa investment
- Operates Live Deals Platform
Provides qualified investors with exclusive access to vetted investment opportunities
- Investment Matchmaking
Connects investor migrants with NZ businesses seeking capital for growth
How NZTE Supports the Active Investor Plus Visa
The investment approval framework
Under the Active Investor Plus visa programme, investors must place their funds into "acceptable investments" as defined by New Zealand regulations. NZTE is the designated authority that assesses and approves these investments, ensuring they genuinely contribute to New Zealand's economic growth.
- NZTE-approved managed funds (VC, PE, private credit)
- Direct investments in NZTE-approved NZ businesses
- Startups and expansion capital opportunities
- 21 days minimum stay per year
- Government, local government, and corporate bonds
- Listed equities on the NZX
- Property development (new residential, commercial)
- Philanthropy (donations to registered NZ charities)
- Plus all Growth-type investments
Important Note
For Growth category investments, managed funds must be on NZTE's approved list to qualify. The majority of AIP visa investments have been directed into NZTE-approved managed funds, making this the most popular route for investors seeking a streamlined approach.
The Investment Approval Process
How investments become AIP-eligible
NZTE operates a structured approval process for both direct investments and managed funds. This ensures that only investments genuinely contributing to New Zealand's economy qualify for the Active Investor Plus visa programme.
Direct Investments
Submit Application
Investor or business submits form to NZTE with investment details
Advisory Panel Review
External advisory panel assesses eligibility criteria
Approval Letter Issued
If successful, NZTE issues approval confirming AIP eligibility
Cost: Free (no application fee)
Managed Funds
Fund Manager Application
Fund entity applies to NZTE with required documentation
Eligibility Assessment
NZTE verifies 70%+ invested in private NZ businesses
Added to Approved List
Successful funds listed on NZTE's official website
Cost: NZ$1,500 application fee
Managed Fund Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a New Zealand resident entity
- Minimum 70% of net committed capital invested in private New Zealand businesses
- No investment in listed equities or fixed income assets
- Assessments conducted fortnightly by NZTE
The Live Deals Platform
Exclusive access to vetted investment opportunities
One of NZTE's most valuable resources for investor migrants is the Live Deals platform—a free, online portal presenting exclusive New Zealand investment opportunities to qualified investors. This platform bridges the gap between international capital and Kiwi businesses seeking growth funding.
Live Deals Platform Features
Filter opportunities by industry, size, and investment type
View detailed information and download investment flyers
Connect directly with companies that interest you
Identify deals specifically eligible for Active Investor Plus visa
See which businesses NZTE has helped prepare for capital raise
No cost for qualified wholesale investors
Accessing Live Deals
Access to the Live Deals platform requires approval from the NZTE Investment team. You must be a wholesale investor with a legitimate business interest in New Zealand. This typically means meeting New Zealand's wholesale investor criteria, which includes having net assets of at least NZ$5 million or annual gross income of at least NZ$250,000 for the past two years.
Contact NZTE Investment TeamKey Investment Sectors in 2025
Where New Zealand's growth opportunities lie
New Zealand's economy offers attractive investment opportunities driven by stability, innovation, and strategic positioning in the Asia-Pacific region. Understanding these key sectors helps investor migrants identify opportunities aligned with both their interests and New Zealand's economic priorities.
Agritech combines New Zealand's heritage in food and fiber with advanced technology and innovation. The sector enhances productivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness through precision farming and advanced supply chain solutions.
Government Targets:
- • Double foreign and domestic investment in agritech by 2030
- • Become a global powerhouse in agritech by 2050
- • Investment Boost: 20% immediate depreciation on eligible capital assets
- • Position NZ as a "living laboratory" for sustainable agricultural innovation
Auckland and Wellington are emerging as significant digital hubs, fostering innovation in software, fintech, and AgTech. Software-as-a-Service platforms are particularly attractive due to their scalability and global market potential.
Key Developments:
- • Elevate NZ Venture Fund received $100 million boost for high-growth startups
- • Focus on later-stage capital access for scaling companies
- • Growing fintech and enterprise software ecosystem
Supported by government initiatives in renewables and sustainable infrastructure, clean energy presents significant opportunities. New Zealand's commitment to carbon neutrality drives investment in solar, wind, hydrogen, and grid modernization projects.
Momentum is building in aerospace engineering, precision tooling, and industrial 3D printing. New Zealand's manufacturing sector is evolving from traditional industries to high-value, technology- driven production with strong export potential.
How It All Fits Together
Your pathway from investor to resident
Understanding how NZTE integrates with the broader Active Investor Plus visa ecosystem helps you navigate the process more effectively. Here's how the key pieces connect:
1. Initial Research
Explore investment options through NZTE's resources, approved fund list, and Live Deals platform. Understand Growth vs Balanced categories.
2. Investment Selection
Choose NZTE-approved managed funds or apply for direct investment approval. Work with fund managers or businesses to structure your investment.
3. Visa Application
Submit your AIP visa application to Immigration New Zealand with evidence of approved investments and source of funds documentation.
4. Approval in Principle
Average processing time is 31 working days. Once approved in principle, you have 12 months to transfer funds and complete investments.
5. Investment & Settlement
Transfer funds to New Zealand, complete investments, and begin your new life. Maintain investments for 4 years and meet minimum stay requirements.
Getting Started with NZTE
Your next steps
- 1.Visit NZTE's Investor Migrants page
- 2.Review the approved managed funds list
- 3.Apply for Live Deals platform access
- 4.Contact NZTE's investment team for guidance
- 5.Engage a licensed immigration adviser
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Ready to Start Your Investment Journey?
Our team can help you navigate NZTE's resources, identify suitable investments, and guide you through the Active Investor Plus visa process.