The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand’s premium investment immigration pathway that was modernized in April 2025. It offers two simplified investment categories: the Growth category (NZD $5 million for 3 years) and the Balanced category (NZD $10 million for 5 years). This visa provides a path to residency for investors and their families.

As of April 1, 2025, there are two simplified investment categories: 1) Growth Category – NZD $5 million minimum investment for 3 years, focusing on direct investments in NZ businesses and managed funds with a minimal 21-day stay requirement. 2) Balanced Category – NZD $10 million minimum investment for 5 years, with more flexible investment options including bonds, listed equities, property development, and philanthropy, requiring 105 days of stay (which can be reduced with higher investment amounts).

The processing time typically ranges from 6-12 months, depending on the complexity of your investment structure and the completeness of your application. Investors must transfer their funds within six months of receiving approval in principle, with the possibility of a one-time six-month extension.

Yes, your partner and dependent children (aged 24 and under) can be included in your application and will receive the same residency rights. Partners must provide evidence of a genuine and stable relationship with at least 12 months of living together. For dependent children aged 21-24, evidence of financial dependency is required.

No, as of April 2025, there is no English language requirement for the Active Investor Plus Visa. This change eliminated a significant barrier for non-English-speaking investors, making the visa more accessible to investors from all backgrounds.

The residency requirement varies by category: for the Growth category, you need a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand over the three-year investment period. For the Balanced category, you need 105 days over the five-year investment period. However, the stay requirement for the Balanced category can be reduced with higher investment: NZD $11M → 91 days, NZD $12M → 77 days, NZD $13M → 63 days.

The Growth category (NZD $5 million for 3 years) focuses on higher-risk investments that directly contribute to New Zealand’s economy. Eligible investments include direct investments in New Zealand businesses and investments in managed funds that invest in New Zealand businesses.

The Balanced category (NZD $10 million for 5 years) offers more flexibility with a broader range of investment options including: bonds (government, local government, and corporate), listed equities, property development (limited to new residential developments that increase housing stock or commercial/industrial developments that add value), philanthropy, and all investments eligible under the Growth category.

Yes, as of April 2025, property investments are acceptable under the Balanced category, but they are limited to: 1) new residential developments that increase housing stock in New Zealand, and 2) new or existing commercial or industrial developments that add value, such as earthquake strengthening.

Applicants must meet New Zealand’s standard health and character requirements including a medical examination with chest x-ray and police certificates from all countries of citizenship and any country where they have stayed for 12+ months in the last 10 years. All businesses the applicant has influence over must have complied with immigration, employment, and taxation laws.

Yes, applicants with existing applications who wish to transition to the new 2025 settings had until May 31, 2025, to do so without incurring any additional fees. This provided a grace period for those who applied under the previous system to take advantage of the more favorable conditions.