Overview
The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed to attract experienced investors who want to contribute to New Zealand's economy. Applicants choose between a 'Growth' category (NZD $5M investment) or a 'Balanced' category (NZD $10M investment). Once approved in principle, you have six months to transfer and invest your funds into approved assets.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be a fit and proper person with a clean character and good health. You must demonstrate that your investment funds were earned or acquired lawfully. There is no English language requirement for this visa. You must commit to maintaining your investment for three years (Growth) or five years (Balanced) and meet minimum physical presence requirements in New Zealand.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Preparation
Gather all required documents, including evidence of your investment funds and character/health documentation.
- 2
Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest
Submit your application online to Immigration New Zealand for assessment.
- 3
Step 3: Approval in Principle
If your application is successful, you will receive an 'Approval in Principle' letter.
- 4
Step 4: Transfer and Invest
You have six months to transfer your funds to New Zealand and invest them in acceptable assets.
- 5
Step 5: Visa Issuance
Once your investment is verified, your resident visa is issued.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Evidence of identity
- Police certificates
- Medical and chest X-ray certificates
- Evidence of lawfully acquired investment funds
- Proof of relationship for family members
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
This visa grants residency. After maintaining your investment for the required term (3 years for Growth, 5 years for Balanced) and meeting residency requirements, you may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Family options
You may include your spouse or partner and dependent children aged 24 and younger in your application at no additional government fee.
Language notes
There is no English language requirement for the Active Investor Plus Visa.
After arrival
Upon arrival, you must activate your visa. You are free to live, work, and study anywhere in New Zealand. You will be subject to investment audits at specific intervals to ensure compliance.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to provide clear evidence of the lawful origin of funds.
- Missing the six-month deadline for transferring and deploying investment funds.
- Not meeting the minimum physical presence (days in country) requirements.
FAQs about Active Investor Plus Visa
Who is the Active Investor Plus Visa for?+
High-net-worth individuals capable of making a minimum investment of NZD $5 million (Growth category) or NZD $10 million (Balanced category) in acceptable New Zealand investments.
What are the eligibility requirements for Active Investor Plus Visa?+
To qualify, you must be a fit and proper person with a clean character and good health. You must demonstrate that your investment funds were earned or acquired lawfully. There is no English language requirement for this visa. You must commit to maintaining your investment for three years (Growth) or five years (Balanced) and meet minimum physical presence requirements in New Zealand.
How much does the Active Investor Plus Visa cost?+
Typical fees listed for Active Investor Plus Visa: NZD $27,470. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Active Investor Plus Visa processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Approximately 36 working days to Approval in Principle..
How long can I stay on the Active Investor Plus Visa?+
Indefinite residency; leads to Permanent Resident Visa after 3-5 years.
Can I work on the Active Investor Plus Visa?+
Full work rights for the main applicant and spouse; children can study as domestic students.
Does Active Investor Plus Visa lead to permanent residence in New Zealand?+
This visa grants residency. After maintaining your investment for the required term (3 years for Growth, 5 years for Balanced) and meeting residency requirements, you may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
What are common mistakes with Active Investor Plus Visa?+
Failing to provide clear evidence of the lawful origin of funds. Missing the six-month deadline for transferring and deploying investment funds. Not meeting the minimum physical presence (days in country) requirements.