Golden Visa NZ Investment Options
Choose between Growth or Balanced investment categories based on your financial strategy and residency goals.
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.
Residential Property Purchase Benefit
Updated September 2025
Investors with an Active Investor Plus Visa (or previous Investor 1 and 2 Resident Visas) are now permitted to buy or build one residential property valued at NZ$5 million or more in New Zealand.
This change to the Overseas Investment Act allows visa holders to establish a deeper connection to New Zealand whilst meeting the programme's investment requirements. This exemption applies to properties valued at NZ$5 million or above, representing less than 1% of all New Zealand residential properties.
Key Details:
- Minimum property value: NZ$5,000,000
- Eligible for Active Investor Plus, Investor 1, and Investor 2 visa holders
- Limited to one residential property purchase or build
- Consent from Land Information New Zealand may be required
Note: This property purchase benefit is separate from your required investment amount and can be for personal use. Consult with legal advisers regarding Overseas Investment Act compliance and Land Information New Zealand consent requirements.
Acceptable Investment Types
Growth Category Investments:
- Direct investments in New Zealand businesses and start-ups
- Managed funds approved by Invest New Zealand
- Venture capital and private equity in eligible companies
Balanced Category Investments (in addition to Growth):
- Listed New Zealand equities and bonds (NZX or NZDX)
- Residential, commercial, or industrial property developments
- Philanthropic investments in registered charities
- Other managed funds and investment vehicles
Investment Restrictions
- ×Investments for personal use (e.g., personal residence)
- ×Investments in businesses you or family members operate
- ×Investments that do not generate commercial returns
- ×Investments not approved by Invest New Zealand (where required)