RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT
New Zealand Residence by Investment
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa offers a structured pathway to permanent residence in one of the world’s safest, most stable, and most liveable countries — combining significant investment with genuine economic contribution.
Residence by Investment Overview
New Zealand replaced its previous investor visa categories in 2022 with the Active Investor Plus Visa, designed to attract investors who bring not only capital but also business expertise and economic engagement. The programme requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million in acceptable New Zealand investments maintained over four years, with higher thresholds for direct and growth investment categories. Successful applicants gain a pathway to permanent residence in a country consistently ranked among the highest globally for quality of life, governance, and personal freedom.
Program Details
Benefits of New Zealand Residence by Investment
- Permanent residence in one of the world’s safest, most politically stable, and least corrupt nations
- Exceptional quality of life with pristine natural environment, clean air, and world-class outdoor recreation
- English-speaking country with a well-established rule of law and transparent governance
- Access to New Zealand’s publicly funded healthcare system and highly regarded education institutions
- Partner and dependent children eligible for inclusion in a single application
- Path to New Zealand citizenship after five years of permanent residence
- New Zealand passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries
- Strong business environment with free trade agreements spanning Asia-Pacific, the EU, and the UK
- No inheritance tax, no general capital gains tax, and a competitive corporate tax rate
- Gateway to the Asia-Pacific region with strong economic ties to Australia, China, and ASEAN nations
Eligibility Criteria
Requirements for New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa
The Active Investor Plus Visa is open to experienced investors who meet strict financial, character, and health requirements. TopNation Global assists clients in structuring compliant investment portfolios and preparing thorough applications that satisfy Immigration New Zealand’s standards.
- Invest a minimum of NZD 5 million in acceptable New Zealand investments, or NZD 15 million in direct or growth investment categories, maintained for a four-year investment period
- Investments must be in acceptable categories as defined by Immigration New Zealand — including listed equities, bonds, managed funds, direct business investment, or philanthropic investment (up to a capped amount)
- Meet a minimum score on the Active Investor Plus points system, which assesses investment type, value, and the applicant’s business experience and English language ability
- Demonstrate a minimum of three years of business or investment experience relevant to the nominated investment category
- Meet English language requirements — a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent (or demonstrate proficiency through business experience in an English-speaking environment)
- Pass character and health checks as required by Immigration New Zealand, including police certificates from all countries of residence
- Spend a minimum of 117 days per year in New Zealand during the four-year investment period
- Funds must be legitimately earned and transferred through the New Zealand banking system
Application Process
Step-by-Step: Applying for New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa
The Active Investor Plus Visa follows a structured process managed by Immigration New Zealand. TopNation Global guides clients through every stage, from investment strategy through to visa issuance and settlement in New Zealand.
Stage 1 — Expression of Interest and Invitation: The process begins with the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand. The EOI outlines the proposed investment, the applicant’s background, and their points score under the Active Investor Plus system. If the EOI meets the threshold, Immigration New Zealand issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Stage 2 — Full Application Submission: Upon receiving an ITA, the applicant submits a complete application including detailed investment plans, evidence of funds, business experience documentation, English language test results, police certificates, and medical examinations. All supporting documentation must meet Immigration New Zealand’s verification standards.
Stage 3 — Assessment and Approval in Principle: Immigration New Zealand assesses the application, conducts due diligence on the source of funds, verifies character and health requirements, and evaluates the proposed investment. If the application meets all criteria, an Approval in Principle (AIP) is granted, allowing the applicant to transfer funds and make the qualifying investment.
Stage 4 — Investment Completion and Visa Issuance: The applicant transfers funds to New Zealand and completes the qualifying investment within the specified timeframe. Upon confirmation, Immigration New Zealand issues a residence visa. The applicant must then maintain the investment for four years and meet the minimum physical presence requirement of 117 days per year to qualify for permanent residence.
Program at a Glance
Key Facts
NZD 5M+
Minimum Investment
NZD 5 million in acceptable investments or NZD 15 million in direct/growth categories, maintained for a four-year period.
Permanent Residence
Residence Pathway
Successful completion of the investment period and residence requirements leads to permanent residence in New Zealand.
3-6 Months
Processing Time
Standard processing from application submission to Approval in Principle, subject to due diligence and application completeness.
117 Days/Year
Residence Requirement
Applicants must spend a minimum of 117 days per year in New Zealand during the four-year investment holding period.
5 Years
Path to Citizenship
New Zealand citizenship may be obtained after five years of permanent residence, granting access to one of the world’s most powerful passports.
Family Included
Dependant Eligibility
Partner and dependent children may be included in the application, securing residence rights for the entire family.
Why Work with TopNation Global?
- Specialist knowledge of New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa, including the points-based assessment system, acceptable investment categories, and Immigration New Zealand’s documentation standards
- End-to-end management from investment strategy and EOI submission through to visa issuance and settlement support in New Zealand
- Dedicated compliance team ensuring all source-of-funds documentation, character checks, and investment structures meet Immigration New Zealand’s rigorous requirements
- Strategic advisory combining New Zealand residence with international wealth structuring, tax planning, and portfolio diversification across the Asia-Pacific region
- Confidential, personalised service — your privacy, timeline, and family objectives guide every recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand Residence by Investment — Common Questions
What is the Active Investor Plus Visa?
The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand’s current investor residence programme, introduced in 2022 to replace the previous Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories. It is designed to attract experienced investors who bring both capital and business expertise to New Zealand. The programme uses a points-based system that assesses the type and value of investment, business experience, and English language ability. Successful applicants gain a pathway to permanent residence in New Zealand.
How much do I need to invest?
The minimum investment is NZD 5 million in acceptable New Zealand investments, maintained for a four-year period. Higher-value investments — particularly in direct business investment or growth categories — attract more points under the Active Investor Plus system. Investments of NZD 15 million in direct or growth categories represent the premium tier. The points system means that the optimal investment level depends on the applicant’s overall profile, including business experience and English language ability.
What types of investments are acceptable?
Acceptable investments include listed equities on the New Zealand Stock Exchange, New Zealand government and corporate bonds, managed funds with a New Zealand focus, direct investment in New Zealand businesses, and philanthropic investment (capped at a percentage of the total). Passive investments such as residential property, bank deposits, and personal-use assets do not qualify. The programme specifically encourages active and growth-oriented investments that contribute to New Zealand’s economy.
What is the points-based system?
The Active Investor Plus Visa uses a weighted points system to assess applicants across several criteria: the type of investment (direct and growth investments score higher than listed equities or bonds), the value of investment, the applicant’s relevant business experience, and their English language proficiency. Applicants must meet a minimum points threshold to be eligible. TopNation Global assists clients in optimising their investment strategy to maximise their points score.
How long do I need to live in New Zealand?
Applicants must spend a minimum of 117 days per year in New Zealand during the four-year investment period. This equates to approximately four months per year. The residence requirement is designed to ensure genuine engagement with New Zealand rather than purely passive investment. Failure to meet the minimum days requirement may jeopardise the pathway to permanent residence.
Can my family be included in the application?
Yes. The main applicant may include their partner and dependent children in the application. Family members receive their own residence visas, granting them the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand. Dependent children are generally defined as those under 24 years of age who are financially dependent on the main applicant. Each family member must meet individual health and character requirements.
What is the path to New Zealand citizenship?
New Zealand citizenship may be obtained after five years of permanent residence, provided the applicant meets minimum physical presence requirements and demonstrates good character. New Zealand permits dual citizenship, so applicants are not required to renounce their existing nationality. A New Zealand passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, making it one of the most valuable travel documents in the world.
How long does processing take?
The standard processing time from application submission to Approval in Principle is approximately three to six months. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the investment structure, the thoroughness of due diligence, and the volume of applications. The Expression of Interest stage is separate and may take additional time. TopNation Global ensures all documentation is comprehensive and accurate to minimise processing delays.
Do I need to speak English?
Yes. The Active Investor Plus Visa requires a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 or an equivalent recognised English language test result. Alternatively, applicants may demonstrate English proficiency through evidence of business experience conducted primarily in English or through qualifications obtained at English-language institutions. English language ability contributes to the overall points score, with higher proficiency levels attracting more points.
What happens after the four-year investment period?
Upon successful completion of the four-year investment period — including maintaining the qualifying investment and meeting the minimum residence requirement of 117 days per year — the applicant becomes eligible for permanent residence. Once permanent residence is granted, there are no ongoing investment obligations. After five years of permanent residence, the holder may apply for New Zealand citizenship. TopNation Global supports clients throughout the entire investment period and beyond.
Exploring other options? Compare all residence by investment programs or read our 2026 RBI guide.
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