New Zealand revamped its Active Investor Plus Visa, making it more streamlined, flexible, and investor-friendly. This visa is a great opportunity for global investors looking to invest in New Zealand’s stable and innovation-driven economy while pursuing residency.
Updates in Active Investor Plus Visa:
New Zealand Immigration now offers two clear investment categories with simplified stay requirements, investment options, and processing rules.
1. Growth Category
- Minimum Investment: NZD $5 million
- Investment Term: 3 years
- Physical Presence Requirement: Only 21 days in total over 3 years
- Ideal for: Investors seeking low residency requirements and high growth investments
2. Balanced Category
- Minimum Investment: NZD $10 million
- Investment Term: 5 years
- Physical Presence Requirement: 105 days total, which can be reduced to as few as 63 days by increasing your investment to NZD $13 million
- Flexibility: You can switch once between the Growth and Balanced categories during the visa process to suit your plans
Investment Options:
Investors can now choose from a broader range of eligible investments, including:
- Equities and managed funds
- New residential housing developments that add to New Zealand’s housing supply
- Commercial and industrial redevelopment projects
- Bonds (only available under the Balanced category)
- Philanthropic donations remain eligible
Important: Investments in house-and-land packages or speculative off-plan properties are not allowed.
Investment Rules:
- Once your visa is granted, you have 6 months to transfer and invest the required funds.
- If you encounter genuine delays, a one-time 6-month extension may be granted.
- To keep investments active, no more than 25% of your funds can remain in bank accounts or term deposits at any time. The remaining 75% must be actively invested in equities, bonds, or approved projects.
No English Test Required:
The Active Investor Plus Visa does not require applicants to pass an English language test, lowering barriers for global investors.
Dependents Details:
Visa holders can now include dependents, including newborn children, in their application. Dependents will also be eligible for residence permits, and after two years, can be included in the primary applicant’s permanent residency application.
Comparison of NAIPV with Others:
| Country | Minimum Investment | Stay Requirement | Processing Time | Key Advantages | English Test Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | NZD $5M – $10M | 21–105 days (can reduce stay) | Faster if complete | Broad asset classes, family-friendly | No |
| Australia | AUD $5M (Significant Investor Visa) | 40 days/year for 4 years | 6–12 months | Path to permanent residency | Yes |
| Portugal | €250K – €500K | 7 days/year | 12–18 months | EU access, low stay requirement | No |
| Canada (Quebec) | CAD $2M | Must live in Quebec | 24–36 months | PR pathway, but French required | Yes (French) |
| UK Tier 1 | Closed since | — | — | Not available | — |
| Singapore | SGD $2.5M | Must relocate | 6–9 months | Strong economy, but strict residency | Yes |
Benefits:
- Flexible Investment Categories
Choose between the Growth Category (NZD $5M over 3 years) and Balanced Category (NZD $10M over 5 years) to suit your investment goals and stay preferences. - Low Physical Presence Requirement
Spend as little as 21 days in New Zealand over 3 years (Growth Category) or 105 days over 5 years (Balanced Category), with options to reduce stay further by investing more. - Broad Range of Eligible Investments
Invest in equities, managed funds, new residential housing developments, commercial or industrial projects, bonds (Balanced only), and philanthropy. - No English Language Test
Removes language barriers, simplifying the application process for global investors. - Include Family Members
Bring your partner and dependent children, including newborns, who can also gain residence status. - Pathway to Permanent Residency
After meeting investment and stay requirements, apply for permanent residency for you and your family. - Faster Investment Deadline
Funds must be transferred within 6 months of visa approval, with a possible 6-month extension, ensuring quicker processing. - Switch Between Investment Categories
One-time option to switch categories during processing for greater flexibility. - Capital Must Be Actively Invested
At least 75% of your funds must be actively invested to meet visa requirements. - No Requirement to Live Permanently in New Zealand
Allows maintaining residence status with minimal stay, accommodating international lifestyles.
For full details and official policy, visit:
New Zealand Immigration – Investor Category Update (June)
Conclusion:
With the update, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa stands out as one of the most efficient, flexible, and secure investor visas globally. The program’s reduced stay requirements, broad investment options, and family-friendly policies make it an excellent choice for investors seeking a high-quality lifestyle and residency in a stable economy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I invest jointly with my spouse or family members?
Yes, joint investment with a partner or dependent children is allowed. Funds from family members included in the application count towards the minimum investment.
What is the minimum stay requirement for dependents?
Dependents do not have strict stay requirements but must be present in New Zealand to maintain their residence status.
Can I switch between the Growth and Balanced categories after applying?
Yes, applicants can switch once between categories during the visa processing period before funds are transferred. Switching after investment is made is generally not permitted.
