What Is New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?
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If you are thinking about moving to New Zealand and bringing your money and business skills, the Active Investor Plus Visa can be a clear path to make New Zealand your new home. The Active Investor Plus Visa is a residency route for people who will invest large amounts in New Zealand and take an active role in helping businesses grow. This article explains the Active Investor Plus Visa in simple words — who it is for, how much you must invest, how long you must stay, how to apply, and the common questions people ask.
What the Active Investor Plus Visa means
The Active Investor Plus Visa lets an eligible investor and their family live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely after residency is approved. It is meant for people who do more than just put money into the country — they support local business, create jobs, or bring skills and global links that help the economy. The official Immigration New Zealand page explains the visa, the categories, and how to apply.
Who can apply?
The Active Investor Plus Visa is for experienced investors with significant funds who are ready to commit to New Zealand. It aims at people who will make active investments — for example, putting money into a New Zealand business, managed funds, or approved financial instruments — not only holding passive assets overseas. Immigration New Zealand and Invest New Zealand explain who fits the programme.
How much do you need to invest?
Under the current rules, the Active Investor Plus Visa has two main investment tracks:
- Growth category — at least NZ$5 million invested over three years.
- Balanced category — at least NZ$10 million invested over five years.
These lower thresholds replaced older, higher amounts and are part of the government’s move to attract high-net-worth investors. Always check the official page before you plan because policy details are updated by the government.
What investments qualify?
With an Active Investor Plus Visa, qualifying investments can include direct investments in New Zealand companies, managed funds, listed assets, bonds and some approved property or development projects (subject to rules). The core idea is that the money should benefit New Zealand — for example by creating jobs, boosting exports, or supporting new technology. Different types of investments come with different rules, so get clear legal or advisory help before you transfer funds.
How much time do you need to spend in New Zealand?
The Active Investor Plus Visa includes a time-in-country requirement to show you are actively involved. Depending on the option you choose, you may need to spend a short 21 days in New Zealand over the investment period, or a longer amount such as 105 days — the exact rules depend on the investment path and any exemptions you might meet. These residency day rules are part of the official guidance and legal analyses.
Simple step-by-step to apply
- Read the official rules — check the Immigration New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa page to confirm the current investment and health/character rules.
- Prepare documents — proof of funds, bank statements, business plans, identity documents, police checks, and health checks.
- Make the qualifying investment — place money into approved funds or direct investments and keep clear proof (contracts, bank transfers, fund statements).
- Apply online — Immigration New Zealand accepts online applications; follow the forms and upload documents.
- Meet the time-in-country rule — spend the required days in New Zealand during the investment period.
If this sounds complex, a licensed immigration adviser or lawyer experienced in investor visas can help you prepare a strong application and avoid mistakes.
Visiting before residency — quick travel notes
If you need to make a short planning trip before residency is decided, check whether you need the electronic travel authority (NZeTA). You can Submit NZeTA Online using the official site or mobile app, and you should check the current NZeTA Visa Fees and the small IVL charge so you can plan your short trip correctly. The government pages explain how to request an NZeTA and how long it usually takes.
What about family and property?
If your Active Investor Plus Visa is approved, you can normally include your partner and dependent children in the application so the whole family can move and work in New Zealand. Recent policy changes have also relaxed some property rules for certain wealthy investor residents, but property purchases remain strictly regulated and can have special conditions. Check the latest news and legal guidance if buying property is important to you.
Common questions, answered simply
- Is English required?
- Recent changes removed the English requirement for this investor route, but check the official rules.
- How long will it take?
- Processing varies; an Approval in Principle time frame is given on the INZ site, but full processing depends on documents and checks.
- Can I get help?
- Yes — use licensed immigration advisers or law firms with investor visa experience to reduce risk and speed up a clean application.
Final thoughts — simple and honest
The Active Investor Plus Visa is a serious but clear route to New Zealand residency. It asks for real capital, a plan to invest in New Zealand, and a small but real commitment of time in the country. If you think this is right for you, start with the official pages, plan your investment carefully, keep strong documentation, and get professional advice. The Active Investor Plus Visa can open the door to a new life in New Zealand — but good planning and honest paperwork make the path smooth.