The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand's investor residence pathway for high-net-worth individuals. Following a April 2025 reset, it now offers two investment categories — Growth and Balanced — with different minimum amounts, investment periods, and time-in-New-Zealand requirements. There is no Expression of Interest stage: you apply directly.
In brief: invest NZ$5 million in higher-risk Growth assets for 3 years (21 days in NZ), or NZ$10 million in a broader Balanced mix for 5 years (105 days in NZ), and you qualify for residence.
Historical note: the old Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories closed in 2022, and the original single-tier Active Investor Plus (NZ$5M / 4 years / 117 days) was replaced by the current two-category model in April 2025. Older guides quoting "117 days," an "EOI fee," or a NZ$4,745 application fee are out of date.
At a Glance: The Two Categories
| Requirement | Growth | Balanced |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | NZ$5 million | NZ$10 million |
| Investment period | 3 years (36 months) | 5 years (60 months) |
| Minimum days in NZ | 21 days over the period | 105 days over the period |
| Risk profile | Higher-risk growth assets | Broader, lower-risk mix |
| Age limit | None | None |
| English language | Not required | Not required |
| Business experience | Not required | Not required |
| Application cost | From NZ$27,470 | From NZ$27,470 |
| Processing | Approval in principle: 80% within ~10.5 weeks | Same |
Under Balanced, the 105-day requirement can be reduced by 14 days for each additional NZ$1 million invested in Growth-category assets, up to a maximum 42-day reduction.
What Counts as an Acceptable Investment?
All direct investments and managed funds must be considered acceptable by Invest New Zealand. Verify any fund's current approval status before committing capital.
Growth Category (NZ$5 million)
Higher-risk investments that create genuine economic activity:
- Direct investments into New Zealand businesses
- Managed funds investing in NZ growth assets (Invest NZ–approved)
- Philanthropy — capped at a maximum of 20% of your total investment
Balanced Category (NZ$10 million)
A broader range, reflecting the larger sum and longer term:
- Direct investments and managed funds
- Listed equities (NZX-listed shares)
- Bonds
- Property developments — new or existing commercial / industrial
- Philanthropy
Owner-occupied residential property and personal assets do not count under either category.
Time in New Zealand
You must be physically present in New Zealand for the minimum days set for your category:
- Growth: at least 21 days across the 3-year period
- Balanced: at least 105 days across the 5-year period (reducible via additional Growth investment, as above)
Days don't need to be consecutive and can be spread across the period in any distribution. Presence is verified against travel records.
Partner and Family
Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application. The presence requirement applies to the principal applicant.
How the Application Process Works
There is no EOI. Applications are open and lodged directly online.
Step 1 — Apply
Submit your application with evidence of your funds, their lawful source, your proposed investment, and standard health and character documents. The cost is from NZ$27,470 (application fee plus immigration levy).
Step 2 — Approval in Principle
INZ assesses the application and may grant Approval in Principle — about 80% are decided within 10.5 weeks. This confirms you meet the criteria before you move your money.
Step 3 — Transfer and Invest
After Approval in Principle you have 6 months to transfer your funds to New Zealand and place them in acceptable investments for your category.
Step 4 — Final Residence Grant
Once your investment is confirmed in place, INZ grants residence. You must then maintain the investment for the full period (3 or 5 years) and meet your presence days. Annual reporting applies.
Total Cost Estimate
| Item | Approximate Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Application fee + immigration levy | From $27,470 |
| Medical examination | $500 |
| Police certificates | $150+ |
| Immigration adviser (recommended) | $15,000–30,000+ |
Investor-visa advisers typically charge well above standard cases given the complexity and multi-year compliance. The figures above exclude the investment itself (NZ$5M or NZ$10M).
How It Compares to Alternative Pathways
| Pathway | Minimum Threshold | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Active Investor Plus — Growth | NZ$5M (growth assets) | 21 days over 3 years |
| Active Investor Plus — Balanced | NZ$10M (broad mix) | 105 days over 5 years |
| Skilled Migrant Category | No financial minimum | 6 points (skills/qualification/income) |
| Green List (Straight to Residence) | No financial minimum | Specific occupation + registration |
For people whose capital is below NZ$5M, an investor residence visa won't fit — the Skilled Migrant Category or a Green List pathway is usually more relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Active Investor Plus Visa?
No. The current Active Investor Plus has no EOI stage — you apply directly online. (Older guides describing an EOI and a separate EOI fee refer to the pre-2025 system.)
What's the difference between the Growth and Balanced categories?
Growth requires NZ$5 million in higher-risk growth assets held for 3 years, with just 21 days in New Zealand. Balanced requires NZ$10 million in a broader, lower-risk mix held for 5 years, with 105 days in New Zealand. Growth rewards higher-risk investment with a shorter term and far lighter presence requirement.
Can I invest in New Zealand residential property?
Owner-occupied and standard residential property does not count. The Balanced category does allow commercial / industrial property developments. Always confirm an investment's eligibility with Invest New Zealand or a licensed adviser.
How much does the Active Investor Plus Visa cost to apply?
From NZ$27,470 (application fee plus immigration levy), for either category. This is separate from the NZ$5M or NZ$10M you invest, and from medical, police certificate, and adviser costs.
Do I need business experience or English language?
No. The Active Investor Plus has no business-experience requirement and no English-language requirement — it is assessed on your funds, their lawful source, and your investment.
The Active Investor Plus involves complex fund selection, tax implications, and multi-year compliance monitoring. Find a licensed immigration adviser who specialises in investor immigration for NZ-specific guidance.