New Zealand's investor residence pathway is the Active Investor Plus Visa. It offers residence in exchange for substantial, genuine investment in approved New Zealand assets — an alternative to skilled-employment pathways for high-net-worth individuals.
This guide covers the current rules. For the full detail, see the dedicated Active Investor Plus guide.
One current investor visa, two categories. The old Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories closed in 2022. Since April 2025, the Active Investor Plus has had two tiers — Growth and Balanced — and no Expression of Interest stage (you apply directly). Older guides quoting "117 days," a "NZ$3 million Investor 2," an EOI fee, or a NZ$4,745 application fee are out of date.
The Two Categories
| Requirement | Growth | Balanced |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | NZ$5 million | NZ$10 million |
| Investment period | 3 years | 5 years |
| Minimum days in NZ | 21 days | 105 days |
| Risk profile | Higher-risk growth assets | Broader, lower-risk mix |
| Application cost | From NZ$27,470 | From NZ$27,470 |
Under Balanced, the 105-day requirement reduces by 14 days for each extra NZ$1M invested in Growth-category assets, up to a 42-day maximum reduction.
Eligible Investments
All direct investments and managed funds must be considered acceptable by Invest New Zealand.
- Growth (NZ$5M): direct investments into NZ businesses and approved managed funds in growth assets; philanthropy capped at 20% of the total.
- Balanced (NZ$10M): the above plus listed equities (NZX), bonds, and commercial/industrial property developments.
Owner-occupied residential property, personal-use assets, and bank term deposits do not count.
Applicant Requirements
- Age: no maximum age limit.
- English language: none required.
- Business experience: not required.
- Character and health: police certificates from all countries lived in (12+ months in the last 10 years) and a medical examination.
- Source of funds: comprehensive, traceable evidence that your capital is lawfully held (see below).
Application Process
There is no EOI — you apply directly online.
- Apply with evidence of funds, lawful source, your proposed investment, and health/character documents. Cost: from NZ$27,470 (fee + immigration levy).
- Approval in Principle — about 80% are decided within ~10.5 weeks; this confirms you qualify before you move your money.
- Transfer and invest — you have 6 months after Approval in Principle to bring funds to New Zealand and place them in acceptable investments.
- Final residence grant — issued once the investment is confirmed in place. You then maintain the investment for the full period (3 or 5 years) and meet your presence days, with annual reporting.
Costs
| Item | Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Application fee + immigration levy | From $27,470 |
| Medical examination | $500–800 |
| Police certificates | Variable |
| Legal / advisory fees | $15,000–100,000+ |
These exclude the investment itself (NZ$5M or NZ$10M).
Source of Funds
All investment funds must have a legitimate, traceable source and be lawfully held. New Zealand applies strict anti-money-laundering (AML/CFT) scrutiny, so provide comprehensive evidence: how funds were earned or accumulated, tax records, business ownership and sale records, inheritance documentation, and full transaction trails. Incomplete source-of-funds evidence is a leading cause of delay and decline.
Advantages and Trade-offs
Advantages: no points and no employment needed; no English requirement; age is not a barrier; family included; relatively fast once funds are transferred.
Trade-offs: large capital locked up for 3–5 years; genuine investment risk; currency risk; substantial professional fees; ongoing reporting and presence obligations.
Family Inclusion
Your partner and dependent children can be included and receive residence at the same time, with full work and study rights.
Interested in investor immigration to New Zealand? Find a licensed immigration adviser who specialises in investor visas and can guide your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to invest for a New Zealand Investor Visa?
The Active Investor Plus Visa has two categories: Growth requires NZ$5 million in higher-risk growth assets held for 3 years, and Balanced requires NZ$10 million in a broader mix held for 5 years. (The old Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories closed in 2022.)
What types of investments qualify?
Growth covers direct investments into NZ businesses and approved managed funds (philanthropy up to 20%). Balanced adds listed equities, bonds, and commercial/industrial property developments. All must be acceptable to Invest New Zealand; residential property for personal use does not qualify.
Do I need to live in New Zealand on an Investor Visa?
You must spend a minimum number of days in NZ over the investment period: 21 days over 3 years (Growth) or 105 days over 5 years (Balanced). Days need not be consecutive.
Can my family be included in an Investor Visa application?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children under 24 can be included. They receive residence at the same time with full work and study rights from the date the resident visa is granted.
How long does the NZ Investor Visa take to process?
INZ aims to decide about 80% of Approval-in-Principle assessments within around 10.5 weeks. After Approval in Principle you have 6 months to transfer and invest your funds before final residence is granted. Completeness of your source-of-funds evidence significantly affects timing.