New Zealand continues to stand out as a top global destination for high-net-worth investors and entrepreneurs seeking stability, innovation, and long-term opportunities. Through the Active Investor Plus Visa and the Business Investor Visa, the country offers two distinctive pathways to contribute to, and benefit from, its thriving economy.
In this guide, we provide an in-depth exploration of both visa categories, eligibility criteria, investment requirements, and how each option aligns with different investor profiles.
Understanding New Zealand’s Investment Visa Pathways
New Zealand offers two core routes for foreign investors and business owners:
- Active Investor Plus Visa – tailored for those looking to invest significant funds in New Zealand’s businesses and managed funds.
- Business Investor Visa – designed for entrepreneurs who wish to manage and grow an existing New Zealand business while working towards residency.
Both pathways enable investors to include their partners and dependent children in their applications, fostering long-term settlement opportunities.
Active Investor Plus Visa: Empowering Strategic Growth in New Zealand Businesses
Investment Categories and Thresholds
To qualify for the Active Investor Plus Visa, applicants must invest a minimum of:
- NZD $5 million under the Growth category for at least 3 years, or
- NZD $10 million under the Balanced category for at least 5 years.
Each category supports different risk appetites and investment strategies.
Growth Category
The Growth category focuses on higher-risk, higher-return investments, such as:
- Direct investments in New Zealand businesses
- Managed funds specializing in innovation and expansion
Balanced Category
The Balanced category enables a diversified investment portfolio with lower-risk options, including:
- Managed funds
- Direct investments
- Listed equities
- Bonds and philanthropy
- Property developments (residential, commercial, or industrial)
Residence and Stay Requirements
- Growth investors must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand during the 3-year period.
- Balanced investors must spend at least 105 days over 5 years.
These conditions encourage investors to remain actively connected to New Zealand’s economic ecosystem.
Visa Benefits
- Immediate Resident Visa status
- No age, business experience, or English requirements
- Indefinite stay rights, with eligibility for a Permanent Resident Visa after 3 or 5 years (depending on the investment category)
Business Investor Visa: Building and Managing a New Zealand Business
The Business Investor Work Visa offers an ideal option for experienced entrepreneurs seeking to establish and manage an existing business in New Zealand.
Visa Structure and Pathways
This visa is divided into two stages:
- Business Investor Work Visa: a 4-year temporary visa allowing business operation.
- Business Investor Resident Visa: available after fulfilling specific operational and investment conditions.
Investment Options
Investors must commit capital into an existing business:
- NZD $1 million or more for the 3-year residence pathway
- NZD $2 million or more for the 12-month fast-track pathway
Certain industries are excluded from eligibility, including gambling, tobacco, fast food, and franchise operations.
New Zealand Business Investor Visa Key Requirements
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Operation | Must actively run and grow the business |
| Job Creation | Maintain 5 full-time roles and create at least 1 new job for a New Zealand citizen or resident |
| Minimum Stay | 184 days per year from the first day of business operation |
| Age Limit | 55 years or younger |
| Settlement Funds | Minimum NZD $500,000 |
| English Requirement | IELTS 5.0 or equivalent |
| Visa Duration | Up to 4 years |
Upon meeting all conditions, applicants can transition to the Business Investor Resident Visa, gaining permanent residence in New Zealand.
Comparing Active Investor Plus Visa and Business Investor Visa
| Feature | Active Investor Plus Visa | Business Investor Work Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Passive investors focusing on capital growth | Hands-on entrepreneurs running businesses |
| Minimum Investment | NZD $5M (Growth) / NZD $10M (Balanced) | NZD $1M (3-year) / NZD $2M (12-month) |
| Visa Type | Resident Visa | Work Visa leading to Residence |
| Job Creation Requirement | Not required | Maintain 5 jobs + create 1 new job |
| Age Limit | None | 55 years or under |
| English Requirement | None | IELTS 5.0 or equivalent |
| Length of Stay | Indefinite | Up to 4 years |
| Residence Eligibility | 3 years (Growth) / 5 years (Balanced) | 12 months or 3 years, depending on investment |
| Cost | NZD $27,470 | NZD $12,380 (Work Visa) + NZD $14,890 (Resident Visa) |
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Both visa types offer direct or progressive routes to New Zealand residence and eventual permanent residence.
For Active Investor Plus Visa Holders
- Eligible to apply for a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa after maintaining the investment for the required duration (3 or 5 years).
- Must meet time-in-country and investment compliance criteria.
For Business Investor Work Visa Holders
- Apply for a Business Investor Resident Visa after:
- 12 months (fast-track) with a NZD $2 million investment
- 3 years with a NZD $1 million investment
- Must demonstrate business growth, employment creation, and financial stability.
Recommended Investment Strategy
To maximize the potential of New Zealand’s investor visa programs:
- Evaluate your investment goals – passive income vs. active business management.
- Engage accredited financial advisors to identify qualifying investments.
- Plan residency time strategically to meet presence requirements.
- Ensure compliance with immigration, tax, and business regulations.
Choosing the Right Pathway
| Profile Type | Ideal Visa Option |
|---|---|
| High-net-worth investor seeking portfolio growth | Active Investor Plus Visa |
| Entrepreneur with proven business experience | Business Investor Visa |
| Investor preferring diversified, lower-risk returns | Balanced Category (Active Investor Plus) |
| Fast-track residency seeker | Business Investor Visa (NZD $2M) |
Why Invest in New Zealand
New Zealand’s investor visa framework is globally recognized for its transparency, economic security, and lifestyle benefits. The nation offers a business environment supported by:
- Stable governance and rule of law
- Strong trade networks across the Asia-Pacific
- Skilled workforce and advanced infrastructure
- A high standard of living and sustainable economic growth
Why Choose Immigration Chambers
At Immigration Chambers, we understand that each investor’s vision is unique. Whether you aim to strategically grow your wealth through large-scale investments or actively manage a thriving business in New Zealand, the Active Investor Plus and Business Investor Visas provide reliable, structured routes to achieving your goals.
By aligning your investment with New Zealand’s economic priorities, you not only secure a prosperous future for your family but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s innovation-driven growth.
Explore your best-suited investor visa pathway today and take the next step toward New Zealand residency and beyond. Get in touch with our expert Immigration Lawyer Auckland today to explore your ideal investor visa pathway and start your journey towards New Zealand residency!
FAQs
1. What is the difference between the Active Investor Plus Visa and the Business Investor Visa in New Zealand?
The Active Investor Plus Visa is ideal for passive investors making large capital investments, while the Business Investor Visa suits entrepreneurs actively managing a New Zealand business.
2. What are the minimum investment requirements for each visa?
Active Investor Plus Visa requires NZD $5M (Growth) or NZD $10M (Balanced). Business Investor Visa requires NZD $1M for a 3-year pathway or NZD $2M for a 12-month fast-track route.
3. Can I include my family in my New Zealand investor visa application?
Yes, both visa types allow you to include your partner and dependent children, supporting long-term settlement in New Zealand.
4. Is there an age or English language requirement for these visas?
The Active Investor Plus Visa has no age or English requirement. The Business Investor Visa requires applicants to be 55 or younger and meet IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
5. How long do I need to stay in New Zealand to maintain my visa status?
Active Investor Plus Visa holders must spend 21 days (Growth) or 105 days (Balanced) over the investment period. Business Investor Visa holders must stay at least 184 days per year.
6. Which visa offers a faster route to permanent residency in New Zealand?
The Business Investor Visa offers a fast-track option with a NZD $2M investment over 12 months. The Active Investor Plus Visa leads to residency after 3 or 5 years, depending on the investment category.