Invest in Aotearoa: Secure Your Future with the Active Investor Plus Visa
- SOL New Zealand Immigration
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 2
New Zealand · Residency by Investment
The Active Investor Plus Visa offers high-net-worth individuals and their families a streamlined pathway to New Zealand permanent residency. This visa features flexible investment categories and minimal residency requirements.
Key Statistics
659 Applications received
NZD $3.9B Potential investment
~35 days Average approval time
Investment Categories
Choose Your Investment Path
Category 01: Growth
Minimum Investment: NZD $5M
Investment Period: 3 years
Days in NZ Required: Only 21 days over 3 years
Investment Options:
- Managed funds pre-approved by Invest NZ
- Direct investments in NZ businesses
- Listed equities (wholesale investors)
Approval Time: ~35 working days
Path to Residency: Permanent residency after 3 years
Category 02: Balanced
Minimum Investment: NZD $10M
Investment Period: 5 years
Days in NZ Required: 105 days (reducible)
Investment Options:
- All Growth category investments
- NZ government & corporate bonds
- Property development (new builds)
- Listed equities on public exchanges
Path to Residency: Permanent residency after 5 years
Application Journey
Your Path to Residency
Submit Your Application Online
Apply through Immigration New Zealand's online portal. Include proof of funds, health and character documents, and identity documentation. No English language requirement applies.
Approval in Principle Granted
Immigration NZ assesses your eligibility. Average processing time is approximately 35 working days. Upon approval, you have 6 months to transfer and invest your funds.
Transfer & Invest Your Funds
Transfer your investment capital into Invest NZ-approved managed funds, direct investments, bonds, or other acceptable assets. A work visa allows you to enter NZ during this period.
Resident Visa Granted
Once investment is confirmed, your resident visa is issued. Your partner and dependent children (up to age 24) are included. Live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
Permanent Residence & Citizenship Pathway
After completing the investment period (3 or 5 years) and meeting minimal stay requirements, apply for permanent residence. Citizenship eligibility follows after 5 years of residency.
Acceptable Investments
A Diverse Range of Qualifying Assets
Managed Funds: Invest NZ pre-approved funds including private equity, venture capital, and private credit across NZ's leading asset managers.
Direct Investments: Equity or debt in NZ-based private businesses that create jobs or drive business expansion. Includes start-ups and greenfield projects.
Listed Equities: Shares listed on public stock exchanges such as the NZX. Available to wholesale investors under both categories.
NZ Bonds: Government, local government, and corporate bonds denominated in NZD. A lower-risk, stable income option.
Property Development: Investment into NZ companies undertaking residential (new builds only) or commercial property development projects.
On-call Investments: Temporarily place committed capital in bonds, listed equities, or term deposits for up to 6 months before transfer to managed funds.
Why New Zealand
More Than a Visa — A World-Class Lifestyle
Political & Economic Stability: Consistently ranked among the world's most peaceful, democratic, and transparent nations with a stable currency and sound governance.
Exceptional Quality of Life: World-class healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Beaches, mountains, vineyards, and clean air — often within an hour's drive.
Education for Your Family: Your children study at NZ schools and universities as domestic students. Access to globally ranked institutions for your family.
Trans-Tasman Advantage: The Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement enables hassle-free movement and settlement across both New Zealand and Australia.
Property Ownership Pathway: From 2026, AIP visa holders can purchase or build one residential property in NZ valued at NZD $5 million or more.
Favourable Tax Environment: With as few as 21 days in NZ required over 3 years, most investors can obtain residency without triggering NZ tax residency status.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Growth vs Balanced at a Glance
| Feature | Growth Category | Balanced Category |
|-------------------------------|------------------------|-------------------------|
| Minimum Investment | NZD $5 million | NZD $10 million |
| Investment Period | 3 years | 5 years |
| Days Required in NZ | 21 days (over 3 years) | 105 days (reducible) |
| Managed Funds | ✓ Invest NZ approved | ✓ Invest NZ approved |
| Direct Investments | ✓ NZTE approved | ✓ NZTE approved |
| Bonds | — Not available | ✓ Govt, local govt, corporate |
| Property Development | — Not available | ✓ New builds & commercial |
| Resident Visa Travel | 4 years from arrival | 6 years from arrival |
| Permanent Residence | After 3 years | After 5 years |
| Citizenship Eligibility | After 5 years residency | After 5 years residency |
Eligibility Requirements
What You Need to Qualify
Financial Requirements
Minimum NZD $5M (Growth) or NZD $10M (Balanced) in acceptable investments
Funds transferred within 6 months of approval in principle
No investment caps — invest more for reduced time requirements
Investments into Invest NZ or INZ approved vehicles only
Personal Requirements
Good health — medical examination and chest X-ray required
Good character — police certificates from all countries of residence (last 10 years)
No convictions for offences of dishonesty or financial fraud
No English language requirement — all nationalities welcome
Partner and dependent children (up to 24) can be included
Talk to Our Team
Ready to Invest in Aotearoa New Zealand?
SOL New Zealand has guided clients through the immigration process since 2011. Our licensed adviser will walk you through every step of the Active Investor Plus Visa journey.
Call: 021 046 3121
Visit: solnewzealand.com
Contact SOL New Zealand
Trusted Immigration Advice, Tailored to You
Auckland City Office: 16 Waverley Street, Auckland CBD, New Zealand
Auckland West Office: 8A Takapu Street, Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand
Get in Touch:
- Phone: 021 046 3121
- Japanese: 027 624 1560
- Web: solnewzealand.com
- Instagram: @sol_new_zealand_immigration
Licensed Immigration Adviser: Mijin Kim · Licence No. 201100846 · Member of the Licensed Immigration Advisers Association (LIAA) · In practice since 2011.
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© 2026 SOL NZ Immigration & Education Service. All rights reserved. This material is for general information purposes only and does not constitute immigration, legal, financial, or investment advice. Investment and residency requirements are subject to change. All programme figures sourced from Immigration New Zealand as of April 2026. For personalised advice, consult a licensed NZ immigration adviser and qualified financial professional.
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