Relocating Your Family to New Zealand
Your complete guide to bringing your family through the Active Investor Plus visa
From visa inclusion to schools, healthcare, and settling into your new life
Including Family in Your Application
The Active Investor Plus visa is designed for families. You can include your spouse or partner and dependent children in a single application, with no additional government fees. Your entire family receives New Zealand residency together.
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- Must have lived together for 12+ months in a genuine, stable relationship
- Provide evidence: joint accounts, shared address, relationship history
- Meet health and character requirements independently
- Complete Resident Visa Declaration Form (INZ 1242)
- Full work rights upon arrival - no restrictions
Dependent Children Requirements
- Must be aged 24 years or younger at time of application
- Children 21-24 must provide evidence of financial dependency
- Provide birth certificates and custody documents (if applicable)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Access to domestic tuition fees at NZ universities
Important: 12-Month Arrival Requirement
All included family members must arrive in New Zealand within 12 months of the visa being granted. If they cannot travel within this timeframe, they will need to submit a new application. Children born after your approval in principle can be sponsored through the Dependent Child Resident Visa.
No Additional Government Fees
The standard NZ$27,470 application fee covers the main applicant and all included family members. Unlike many other countries' investor visa programs, New Zealand does not charge extra fees per dependent.
Education in New Zealand
New Zealand offers excellent education options from early childhood through university. As resident visa holders, your children can access public education and domestic university fees.
Early Childhood (0-5)
- 20 hours free ECE for 3-5 year olds
- Childcare Subsidy available for eligible families
- FamilyBoost tax credit for ECE costs
- Typical costs: NZ$200-400/week beyond subsidies
Primary & Secondary (5-18)
- Free public schooling for residents
- Private schools: NZ$15,000-35,000/year
- International schools with IB curriculum available
- NCEA national qualification system
University (18+)
- 8 universities, University of Auckland ranked #68 globally
- Domestic fees: NZ$6,000-12,000/year (residents)
- International fees: NZ$25,000-45,000/year
- Student loan scheme for residents
Top International Schools by City
Auckland
- ACG Parnell College - Cambridge curriculum
- Kristin School - IB World School
- King's College - Traditional British style
- Diocesan School for Girls - Top academic results
Wellington
- Scots College - Historic boys' school
- Samuel Marsden Collegiate - Girls' school
- Wellington College - Top state school
- St Mark's Church School - Co-ed primary
Healthcare for Your Family
As resident visa holders, your family has access to New Zealand's publicly funded healthcare system. This includes subsidised GP visits, free public hospital care, and subsidised prescriptions.
Public Healthcare (Free/Subsidised)
- GP visits: Subsidised rates when enrolled (typically NZ$50-70 per visit)
- Under 14s: Free GP visits and prescriptions
- Hospital care: Free at public hospitals
- Prescriptions: Subsidised (NZ$5 per item)
- ACC: Accident injury cover for all residents
Private Healthcare Options
- Southern Cross: NZ's largest private health insurer
- Costs: NZ$150-400/month for family coverage
- Benefits: Faster access to specialists and elective surgery
- Private hospitals: Available in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
- Dental/optical: Not covered by public system - insurance recommended
Getting Started with Healthcare
Upon arrival, enrol your family with a local general practice (GP). Enrollment is free and ensures you receive subsidised rates. Bring your passports and visa documentation to prove eligibility.
Find a GP Near YouSpouse/Partner Work Rights
As a resident visa holder, your spouse or partner has unrestricted work rights in New Zealand. They can work in any industry, for any employer, with no limitations on hours or type of work.
Full Work Rights
No restrictions on employment type, industry, or hours worked
Start a Business
Free to start and operate any business in New Zealand
Study Rights
Access to domestic tuition fees and student support
Key Employment Sectors in New Zealand
- Technology and software development
- Healthcare and medical
- Finance and professional services
- Education and research
- Primary industries and agritech
- Tourism and hospitality
Family-Friendly Living
New Zealand consistently ranks among the world's best places to raise a family, with excellent work-life balance, outdoor lifestyle, and safe communities.
Auckland
New Zealand's largest city with the most diverse school options and job opportunities.
- Best for: Career opportunities, international community, diverse schools
- Family areas: Remuera, Epsom, North Shore, Hobsonville
- Avg. family home: NZ$1.2-2.5M
Wellington
Compact capital city with excellent schools and cultural attractions.
- Best for: Government, tech sector, arts and culture
- Family areas: Karori, Khandallah, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt
- Avg. family home: NZ$900K-1.8M
Christchurch
Garden City with modern infrastructure and easy access to mountains and beaches.
- Best for: Outdoor lifestyle, affordability, new developments
- Family areas: Merivale, Fendalton, Sumner, Lincoln
- Avg. family home: NZ$700K-1.3M
Queenstown
Adventure capital surrounded by mountains, lakes, and world-class ski resorts.
- Best for: Outdoor adventure, skiing, tourism businesses
- Family areas: Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Frankton
- Avg. family home: NZ$1.5-3M+
Weighing your options? Our honest analysis of 12 pros and 10 cons of living in New Zealand covers everything from safety and education to cost of living and isolation, backed by real data.
Ready to Relocate Your Family?
Start your journey to New Zealand residency. Our team can guide you through the entire process, from visa application to settling your family into their new home.