The Active Investor Plus Visa Explained
The Active Investor Plus Visa Explained
Author: Tatiana Elvery, Licensed Immigration Adviser – Aspiring Immigration
Are you an investor based in the US, Canada, or Europe looking for a new opportunity—and a new home—in one of the most stable, safe, and business-friendly countries in the world? New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa may be the perfect pathway for you.
This investor visa offers a direct route to New Zealand residence for individuals who are ready to make a meaningful financial contribution to the country’s economy. Whether your interests lie in venture capital, private business, real estate development, or even philanthropy, the AIP Visa offers flexibility and long-term benefits for global investors.
In this article, I’ll break down the essentials: who qualifies, how the visa works, your investment options, and how I can assist you in making your move to New Zealand a success.
What Is the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa?
The Active Investor Plus Visa is a New Zealand residence visa category designed to attract experienced investors who are willing to contribute to the country’s economy.
In return for an approved investment of NZD $5 million or more, investors can gain residence rights—and eventually permanent residence—in New Zealand for themselves and their families. This visa not only opens the door to long-term living in New Zealand, but also allows you to play an active role in supporting the country’s business growth.
The program was updated and relaunched by Immigration New Zealand with the new settings commending on 1 April 2025, to align more closely with the country’s economic priorities and to make it more appealing for serious international investors.
Who Can Apply?
One of the most appealing aspects of the AIP Visa is how accessible it is. Unlike many other immigration pathways, the AIP Visa does not require:
English language testing
A minimum age or maximum age
Previous business or management experience
Instead, the focus is on your ability to invest significant capital in New Zealand and your willingness to commit to certain residency and compliance requirements.
To be eligible, you must:
✅ Have legally acquired funds to invest
✅ Be willing to commit those funds to approved investments in New Zealand
✅ Meet health and character requirements
That’s it. The process is transparent, investment-focused, and tailored for individuals who want to create genuine economic value while securing residence in a world-class destination.
Two Investment Pathways: Growth or Balanced
The AIP Visa offers two investment streams:
1. Growth Category
Minimum investment: NZD $5 million
Investment period: 3 years
Minimum stay in NZ: 21 days total over the 3 years
Investment types allowed: NZTE-approved managed funds and direct investments
The Growth Category is ideal for investors looking for a high-growth, high-engagement approach. It’s particularly suited to venture capital and direct equity investments in New Zealand businesses.
2. Balanced Category
Minimum investment: NZD $10 million
Investment period: 5 years
Minimum stay in NZ: 105 days over 5 years (with reductions available for larger investments)
Investment types allowed: Managed funds, direct investments, bonds, listed equities, property development, and philanthropy
The Balanced Category is designed for investors seeking diversification and more flexibility in their investment strategy.
You can switch between the two categories once, within six months of your initial Approval in Principle—providing valuable flexibility if your plans change.
What Investment Types Qualify?
New Zealand’s government has set clear criteria for what counts as an acceptable investment. These include:
✅ Managed Funds
Invest in professionally managed portfolios, such as private equity or venture capital funds, that are aligned with New Zealand’s economic growth goals.
✅ Direct Investments
Take equity stakes in NZTE-approved companies with strong business potential. These businesses are assessed for their economic contribution, scalability, and management expertise.
✅ Bonds
Eligible under the Balanced Category, you can invest in bonds issued by New Zealand government entities, banks, or approved companies.
✅ Listed Equities
Purchase shares of publicly traded companies on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX).
✅ Property Development
Invest in new residential developments (not existing homes or renovations), commercial or industrial real estate projects—provided they contribute to the country’s housing or infrastructure goals.
✅ Philanthropy
Make contributions to registered New Zealand charities. These must meet specific compliance criteria to qualify under the visa program.
What Is the Process?
Here is a step-by-step outline of how the AIP Visa process works:
Initial Assessment and Documentation
You submit an application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), demonstrating your eligibility and outlining your proposed investment.Approval in Principle (AIP)
If approved, you receive a conditional green light to proceed with your investment.Transfer and Invest Funds (within 6 months)
You then have six months (or up to 12 with an approved extension) to transfer your nominated funds into the approved investment(s).Resident Visa Issued
Once your funds are invested, INZ issues a conditional resident visa for you and eligible family members.Ongoing Compliance and Engagement
You must hold your investments for the required period (3 or 5 years) and meet minimum stay requirements. INZ will conduct compliance checks at the 2-year mark and again at the end of the investment period.Apply for Permanent Residence
If all conditions have been met, you can apply for a permanent resident visa.
How I Help You Succeed
As a Licensed Immigration Adviser and the founder of Aspiring Immigration, my role includes:
✅ Conducting personalized eligibility assessments
✅ Helping you choose the right investment category that suits your needs
✅ Connecting you with NZTE-approved funds and direct investment opportunities
✅ Coordinating with financial advisers, property developers, or philanthropic organizations
✅ Preparing and lodging your immigration application with INZ
✅ Managing timelines, documentation, and compliance requirements
✅ Supporting you post-visa to ensure a smooth pathway to permanent residence
Why Invest in New Zealand?
New Zealand is more than a beautiful country—it’s a secure, innovation-friendly economy with a pro-investor regulatory environment. Some of the reasons global investors are choosing New Zealand include:
A stable government and legal system
World-class lifestyle and natural environment
Strong focus on sustainability and innovation
Excellent opportunities in tech, property, agri-business, and infrastructure
Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship
The Active Investor Plus Visa is your opportunity to become part of this future.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you are considering investing in New Zealand and want to explore your eligibility for the Active Investor Plus Visa, I invite you to book a consultation with me, Tatiana Elvery, at Aspiring Immigration.
Together, we’ll assess your options, craft a tailored investment and immigration strategy, and support you from day one through to permanent residence.
👉 Click here to book a consultation
Or connect with me directly via LinkedIn.
Let’s make your New Zealand investment journey a success.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is current as of March 2025 and is intended as general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration adviser and qualified financial professional.
