Question 1

What is the NZ Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

The NZ Golden Visa is the common name for New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa, a residence visa program for high-net-worth individuals who invest a minimum of NZD $5 million or $10 million in acceptable New Zealand investments. It provides a pathway to permanent residence for investors and their families.

Question 2

What is the NZ Golden Visa cost?

Accepted Answer

The NZ Golden Visa cost includes an application fee starting at NZD $27,470, plus your investment amount: NZD $5 million for the Growth category (3-year pathway) or NZD $10 million for the Balanced category (5-year pathway). Additional costs include medical examinations, police certificates, and professional advisory fees.

Question 3

What are the main NZ Golden Visa requirements?

Accepted Answer

Key NZ Golden Visa requirements include: minimum investment of $5M-$10M, lawful source of funds proof, clean character (police certificates), good health (medical examination), English language proficiency (IELTS 3 or equivalent), business experience, and meeting residency day requirements in New Zealand.

Question 4

How long does the application process take?

Accepted Answer

Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of applications within 5 months to reach "Approval in Principle" stage. After approval, you have 6 months to transfer funds and make investments. The complete journey to permanent residence takes 3-5 years depending on your chosen investment category.

Question 5

Can I include my family in the application?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can include your partner (with 12+ months cohabitation proof) and dependent children aged 24 and under in your NZ Golden Visa application. Family members can apply for supporting visas once your resident visa is approved.

Question 6

What are the differences between Growth and Balanced categories?

Accepted Answer

Growth category requires NZD $5M investment for 36 months with 21 days minimum NZ residency. Investments are limited to higher-risk growth assets. Balanced category requires NZD $10M for 60 months with 105 days residency but allows diversified investments including bonds, property developments, and listed equities.

Question 7

What are acceptable investments under NZ Golden Visa rules?

Accepted Answer

Acceptable investments vary by category. Growth investments include direct business investments and approved managed funds. Balanced category additionally allows NZ listed equities, bonds, property developments, and philanthropic investments. All must be approved by Invest New Zealand and cannot be for personal use.

Question 8

Can I reduce the residency day requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under current NZ Golden Visa rules, Balanced category applicants can reduce their physical presence requirement by 14 days for each additional $1M invested in Growth category investments, up to a maximum reduction of 42 days (requires $3M additional in Growth investments).

Question 9

What are recent NZ Golden Visa changes?

Accepted Answer

The Active Investor Plus Visa replaced the previous Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories in 2023. Key changes include increased minimum investment amounts, stricter investment criteria requiring Invest New Zealand approval, enhanced English language requirements, and restructured investment categories.

Question 10

Can I buy residential property in New Zealand with this visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Active Investor Plus Visa holders can purchase or build one residential property valued at NZD $5 million or more as a separate benefit from their investment requirements. This policy change was announced in September 2025. To purchase properties below $5 million, you can use the OIO "One Home to Live In" pathway – read our complete guide here. To purchase other residential properties, you must be "usually resident" in New Zealand (physically present for at least 183 days in the preceding 12 months) and obtain consent from Land Information New Zealand.

Question 11

What happens if my funds are already invested in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

If you already have funds invested in an acceptable investment in New Zealand before applying, Immigration New Zealand can start your investment period from the time they approve your residence application. You must provide clear documentation of when these investments were made and evidence they meet acceptable investment criteria.

Question 12

Can I use gifted funds for my investment?

Accepted Answer

You may include funds that were gifted to you, provided the gift was unconditional and lawful, and the funds were originally earned or acquired lawfully by the donor. However, you cannot include gifted funds that are already in New Zealand or were in New Zealand at any time as part of your nominated investment funds. See our source of funds documentation guide for detailed requirements.

Question 13

What are the post-investment questionnaire requirements?

Accepted Answer

You must complete a post-investment questionnaire twice during your investment period: at 24 months and at the end of your investment period (36 months for Growth or 60 months for Balanced). The questionnaire asks about further investments made, investment sectors, business support provided, and your confidence as a New Zealand investor. You have 3 months to complete each questionnaire.

Question 14

How do I transfer my investment funds to New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

You can transfer funds directly from your bank account through the banking system, from a joint account shared with your partner or dependent children included in your application, or through a third party such as a solicitor, pension scheme, or investment portfolio account in your name. The transferred funds must be the original funds nominated in your application or proceeds from sale of nominated assets.

Question 15

What if I cannot transfer my funds within 6 months of approval?

Accepted Answer

After receiving Approval in Principle, you have 6 months to transfer and invest your nominated funds. If you cannot meet this deadline, you may request an additional 6 months extension. You must contact Immigration New Zealand before the initial transfer period expires and demonstrate you have made reasonable steps to transfer and invest the funds.

Question 16

Can my family work or study in New Zealand before approval?

Accepted Answer

After your application is approved in principle, you can apply for a Specific Purpose Work Visa to come to New Zealand and arrange the transfer and investment of your funds. Your partner will need to apply for their own visitor visa, whilst dependent children can apply for student visas to accompany you during this period.

Question 17

What evidence do I need to show my funds remained invested?

Accepted Answer

You must provide evidence at specific milestones that your nominated funds have remained invested in acceptable New Zealand investments. For Growth category: at 24 months and 36 months. For Balanced category: at 24 months and 60 months. You have 3 months from each milestone date to submit this evidence, which may include statements from fund managers, property valuations, or business financial records.

Question 18

What does "fit and proper person" requirement mean?

Accepted Answer

To be a fit and proper person, all businesses you are associated with must have complied with immigration, employment, and taxation laws. You must never have been investigated by the Serious Fraud Office or NZ police for business-related offences, have no convictions for dishonesty offences, and never been involved in business fraud or financial impropriety.

Question 19

When can I apply for New Zealand citizenship?

Accepted Answer

After holding permanent residence for 5 years and meeting citizenship requirements (including physical presence in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days during the 5 years with at least 240 days in each year), you may apply for New Zealand citizenship. The New Zealand passport ranks in the top 10 globally, providing visa-free access to over 180 destinations.

Question 20

Do I need an immigration adviser?

Accepted Answer

Whilst not mandatory, working with a licensed immigration adviser is highly recommended due to the complexity of the NZ Golden Visa application, investment requirements, and documentation needed. This website provides information only and does not offer immigration advisory services.

Question 21

Can I withdraw my investment early?

Accepted Answer

No, you must maintain your investments for the full period: 36 months for Growth category or 60 months for Balanced category. Early withdrawal may jeopardise your visa status and permanent residence eligibility.

Question 22

What happens after I complete the investment period?

Accepted Answer

After maintaining your investments and meeting residency requirements for the full period (3 or 5 years), you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. This allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely without investment or residency conditions.

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