New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa (2025): A Comprehensive Guide for Global Investors
New Zealand has reintroduced and enhanced its Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa category as of April 1, 2025, opening the door for high-net-worth investors to gain residency by investing in the Kiwi economy. This revamped program is tailored for globally minded investors – whether you’re an entrepreneur from the US, a tech leader from Canada, or a family business owner in France – offering a friendly yet legally robust pathway to New Zealand residence. In this guide, we’ll break down the AIP visa’s two investment options (Growth and Balanced), their requirements, the application process step-by-step, and how our licensed adviser Tatiana Elvery of Aspiring Immigration can help coordinate your investment journey. By the end, you’ll see why investing in New Zealand is not just financially sound but also a life-changing opportunity for you and your family.
Why Invest in New Zealand?
Safe and Stable Economy: New Zealand is renowned for its political stability, strong rule of law, and transparent regulatory environment. In an increasingly complex world, people are looking for a safe, stable country to do business, and New Zealand offers exactly that. The government actively welcomes investor migrants – as Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis noted, “We should be rolling out the welcome mat and encouraging investor migrants to choose New Zealand as a destination for their capital.”This pro-investment stance means your capital is entering a supportive environment geared toward growth.
High Quality of Life: Beyond business, New Zealand consistently ranks high in quality of life, environmental beauty, and safety. Investing here isn’t just about financial returns – it’s also about securing a future for your family in a country known for excellent education, healthcare, and a clean, outdoor lifestyle. You can include your partner and dependent children (24 and under) in your visa application, giving your family access to New Zealand’s world-class opportunities.
Innovation and Opportunities: New Zealand’s economy offers diverse sectors for investment – from cutting-edge tech startups to sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and property development. The Active Investor Plus visa program is designed to channel funds into high-impact New Zealand businesses, infrastructure, and growth initiatives. By investing here, you’re not only pursuing personal returns but also contributing to local job creation and innovation, truly becoming part of New Zealand’s growth story.
Residency in a Desirable Location: The AIP visa grants you New Zealand residency from day one, allowing you to live, work, and study indefinitely in a peaceful, English-speaking country. It’s a direct path to permanent residence after you’ve met the investment and time-in-country requirements (3 years for Growth investors, or 5 years for Balanced). Unlike some programs elsewhere, NZ permanent residency comes with no ongoing obligations to renew status – giving you a long-term “Plan B” and lifestyle option with flexibility to maintain your global business interests.
In short, choosing New Zealand means investing in a stable future – for your portfolio and your family. Now, let’s explore how the Active Investor Plus visa works and why it’s generating buzz among global investors in 2025.
Overview of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa Program
Active Investor Plus is New Zealand’s residence-by-investment visa program aimed at high-net-worth individuals. Originally launched in 2022, it has been significantly updated as of April 1, 2025 to be more attractive and accessible The program encourages “active” investments into New Zealand businesses and projects, rather than purely passive holdings, by offering incentives like reduced residency days for those investing in growth assets. Here are the key features at a glance:
Two Investment Categories: The 2025 reboot introduced two simplified investment pathways – “Growth” and “Balanced.” This replaces the old complex system with a more investor-friendly choice based on your risk appetite and investment focus. Growth category is geared toward higher-risk, high-reward investments (like direct private investments or venture capital), while Balanced allows a mix including lower-risk options. We’ll delve into details of each category below.
Significant Investment, Significant Reward: Depending on the category, applicants must invest NZD $5 million (Growth) or NZD $10 million (Balanced) into New Zealand over the course of the visa investment period. In return, you gain a New Zealand resident visa for you and your family, with the ability to become permanent residents after successfully maintaining the investment for 3 or 5 years. This is a direct path to residency; there are no point systems, no job offer requirements, and no need to manage a business – your investment is what qualifies you.
No Age, Language or Experience Barriers: Uniquely, the Active Investor Plus visa imposes no maximum age limit, no English language test, and no minimum business experience requirement for applicants. Unlike many immigration programs, your application won’t be turned away because of age or language ability. New Zealand deliberately removed these barriers to welcome a wider pool of investors. This means whether you’re a seasoned investor in your 60s or a non-English-speaking entrepreneur, you can qualify as long as you have the funds and a sound investment plan. (Of course, standard health and character checks still apply – e.g. a medical exam and police certificates are required).
Flexibility and Support: The AIP program is designed with investor flexibility in mind. Not only can you choose how to allocate funds across various acceptable investment types (we’ll list those shortly), but you also have the option to switch between the Growth and Balanced categories once after approval if your strategy changes. Moreover, the process involves support from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) – the government’s economic development agency – which helps ensure your investments meet the program criteria and can even provide guidance on investment opportunities. NZTE must approve certain investments (like direct private investments or managed funds under the Growth category) to confirm they genuinely benefit NZ’s economy. This extra layer of vetting and guidance means you’ll be investing with confidence that your funds are in the right place and fully compliant.
In essence, the Active Investor Plus visa is a streamlined, investor-focused route to New Zealand residency. It’s built to cater to global investors’ needs: minimal red tape on personal criteria, maximum choice in investment options, and solid government backing to help you succeed. Let’s explore the two investment categories in detail.
Two Investment Categories: Growth vs. Balanced
As an AIP applicant, you will select one of two investment categories, Growth or Balanced, each with its own minimum investment, timeframe, and investment mix. Both lead to the same outcome – a resident visa – but are tailored to different investment approaches:
Growth Category
Minimum Investment: NZD $5 million (over a 3-year investment period). This lower capital requirement is paired with a shorter timeframe, recognizing the higher risk nature of Growth investments.
Investment Focus: “Active” high-growth investments. Growth category funds must go into either direct investments (e.g. equity in private New Zealand companies, including startups) or managed funds that invest in NZ businesses. These are considered higher-risk/higher-return assets aimed at fueling economic growth. Every direct or managed fund investment under this category requires NZTE approval to ensure it meets eligibility and benefits NZ. Example: Investing $5M as venture capital into a Kiwi tech startup or into an NZTE-approved venture capital fund.
Residency Obligation: Spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over the 3-year period (about one week per year on average). This is a relatively light in-country stay requirement as an incentive for choosing more active investments. It allows investors to mostly manage their affairs remotely while still getting familiar with NZ over short visits.
Objective: This category rewards investors taking on greater growth risk with a lower capital barrier and fewer residency days. It’s ideal if you’re keen on directly contributing to New Zealand businesses and potentially seeing significant returns, while enjoying more flexibility in how much time you must spend onshore.
Balanced Category
Minimum Investment: NZD $10 million (over a 5-year investment period). The required amount is higher, and you’ll maintain the investment for a longer term, reflecting the inclusion of more stable assets.
Investment Focus: Mixed portfolio with broader options. The Balanced category allows a wider range of acceptable investments, including bonds (government, local government or corporate bonds), listed equities, philanthropic investments (donations), and property development projects (such as new residential housing developments or new/existing commercial and industrial developments). Of course, you can also include any Growth category-type investments as part of a Balanced portfolio. Examples: You could allocate $5M into NZ government bonds, $3M into shares of NZX-listed companies, and $2M into an NZTE-approved private equity fund – totaling $10M. This flexibility lets you choose lower-risk assets to preserve capital while still meeting the visa criteria.
Residency Obligation: Spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over the 5-year period (approximately 21 days per year). This is the baseline if you invest the minimum $10M. However, a unique feature of the Balanced category is the ability to reduce the required days in NZ by investing above the minimum in Growth-type investments. For every additional NZD $1 million you invest (beyond the $10M) into active Growth investments, your required days in-country drop by 14, up to a maximum reduction of 42 days. In practical terms:
Invest $11 million total (with that extra $1M in Growth assets) and your NZ stay requirement falls to 91 days (over 5 years).
Invest $12 million (extra $2M in Growth) → 77 days required.
Invest $13 million (extra $3M in Growth) → only 63 days required over 5 years.
Any additional funds for this purpose must be nominated up front and kept invested in eligible Growth investments for the duration. This mechanism gives you flexibility to tailor both your investment amount and your time in NZ: the more you commit to NZ’s high-impact investments, the less you need to be physically present.
Objective: The Balanced category provides a lower-risk avenue for those who prefer a diversified portfolio, albeit at a higher capital outlay. It’s attractive if you seek more conservative investments (like bonds or property) and don’t mind investing a larger sum for a secure residency path. You still have the option to include some growth-oriented investments and benefit from reduced travel obligations. Essentially, Balanced is about choice and stability – you choose the mix of investments, and you can choose to spend even less time in NZ by investing a bit more.
Bottom line: Both categories ultimately lead to the same result – New Zealand residency – but they let you choose your route based on your financial strategy. Growth = less money, more active risk, less time in NZ, vs. Balanced = more money, more conservative spread, more time in NZ (unless you invest extra). Importantly, the categories are not siloed forever – if your situation changes, the policy allows you to switch categories once after your visa is approved, which we discuss next.
Flexibility to Switch Categories Post-Approval
One of the investor-friendly tweaks in the 2025 AIP visa is the ability to change your investment category once after your application has been approved (in principle). This means if you initially applied under the Balanced category but later decide you’d rather follow the Growth path (or vice versa), you can request a one-time switch.
Why is this important? It provides peace of mind and flexibility in a long-term program. For example, you might start as a Balanced investor, planning a diversified $10M investment. After a year, you come across a fantastic direct investment opportunity in NZ and decide to pivot to the Growth category (which only required $5M) – switching could allow you to concentrate your funds differently and take advantage of the shorter 3-year term and lower day count. Conversely, a Growth investor who discovers more low-risk opportunities might upscale to Balanced.
Do note that a category change must still meet all requirements of the new category (e.g. upping your total investment if moving from Growth to Balanced, or adjusting the investment period). You can only change categories one time, so it’s not a trivial decision. However, having this option makes the AIP visa more adaptable to real-world investment dynamics. New Zealand recognises that business plans evolve, and this flexibility ensures the visa can accommodate that without penalizing the investor.
Tatiana can advise you on the implications of switching categories and help coordinate the request with Immigration NZ if you ever find it beneficial to make that change.
Step-by-Step: The Active Investor Plus Visa Process
Embarking on the AIP visa journey may seem complex, but with the right guidance it’s very manageable. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process, from planning your investment to securing your permanent residence:
1. Consultation and Planning: Every successful investor visa application starts with careful planning. At this stage, you’ll typically consult with a licensed immigration adviser like Tatiana Elvery and possibly financial experts to craft your investment strategy for New Zealand. This involves:
Assessing Eligibility & Goals: Confirm you have the necessary capital (NZD $5M or $10M+) and discuss whether Growth or Balanced better suits your goals. With no age or language barriers, most of the focus is on your funds and where to invest them.
Exploring Investment Opportunities: Tatiana will help connect you with professional partners in New Zealand’s investment community – for instance, fund managers, business brokers, or venture capital networks – to identify viable acceptable investments that align with your interests and the visa rules. You might review the NZTE investor prospectus (New Zealand Trade & Enterprise provides a prospectus and guidance for investor migrants) and consider engaging NZTE’s services. NZTE’s Invest New Zealand team can suggest approved funds or businesses seeking capital, ensuring your targets meet the “acceptable investment” criteria from the outset.
Preparing Documentation: You’ll begin gathering all required documents. This includes proof of funds (bank statements, asset sale agreements, etc.) and detailed evidence of how you acquired those funds lawfully (such as tax returns, business financials, sale contracts, inheritance documents, etc.). You’ll also arrange for the standard medical exam and police clearance certificates for you and family members. At this stage, having an adviser is invaluable to make sure nothing is missed.
2. Submitting the Application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ): Once your plan is ready, the next step is to lodge your AIP visa application with Immigration New Zealand. This involves:
Choosing Your Category: On the application form, you’ll indicate whether you’re applying under the Growth or Balanced category and provide a breakdown of your intended investments accordingly. You must show you have at least the minimum funds for that category and detail the types of investments you’ll make (you don’t necessarily need every dollar allocated upfront, but your plan must comply with the acceptable investment options).
Application Contents: In addition to the form, you’ll submit your identity documents (passport, photos), health and character docs, and extensive financial documentation. INZ will look for clear evidence that:
You have the required net worth and liquid assets for investment.
Those funds were earned or acquired legally (expect to provide documentation as noted earlier).
The proposed investments fit the acceptable investment criteria (e.g. if you plan to invest in a particular private company or fund, you might include a business plan or fund prospectus, and any confirmation if it’s already NZTE-approved).
Application Fee: Note that the AIP visa has a significant application fee (approximately NZD $27,470 at the time of writing). This reflects the complexity of processing investor visas. Ensure your application is thorough and complete to avoid delays – INZ prioritizes applications that have all information organized.
Role of NZTE: During INZ’s assessment, they will coordinate with NZTE to verify investments if needed. For instance, if you named a managed fund or direct venture for Growth category, INZ will confirm that it’s an NZTE-approved investment (businesses and funds must apply to NZTE for approval to qualify for AIP). If your chosen investment isn’t pre-approved yet, NZTE may evaluate it in parallel. As an applicant, you won’t directly “apply” to NZTE – rather, the businesses or funds do – but you’ll want to ensure anything you plan to invest in is likely to meet their criteria. Tatiana and her partners can assist in liaising with NZTE or selecting from already approved options to smooth this part of the process.
3. Approval in Principle (AIP) from INZ: After thorough processing (currently about 5 months for 80% of applications to reach Approval in Principle on average), Immigration New Zealand will hopefully issue an Approval in Principle. This is a provisional approval of your resident visa, essentially saying “we agree to grant you the visa once you have transferred and invested the funds as promised.”
What AIP Means: At this stage, you haven’t yet received the actual resident visa. AIP is conditional; it gives you the green light to go ahead and bring your money into New Zealand. INZ is satisfied with your credentials and plans, so now you must fulfill the investment.
6-Month Investment Window: Upon receiving AIP, you are given 6 months to transfer your nominated funds into New Zealand and make the investments you proposed. This timeframe has been tightened under the 2025 rules (it used to be longer), underscoring the expectation that investors move promptly. However, if unexpected issues arise (for example, international banking delays or needing a bit more time to finalize an investment deal), you can request a one-time 6-month extension. INZ will grant this extension if you can show you made reasonable efforts but couldn’t complete the transfer/investment in time.
Temporary Visa to Facilitate Investment: To help you get things done on the ground, once you have Approval in Principle, you are eligible to apply for a special work visa to travel to New Zealand immediately and start arranging your investments. This is a specific purpose work visa that lets you live in NZ short-term purely to set up bank accounts, meet with businesses or brokers, and execute your investment plan. (Your partner could come on a visitor visa and children on student visas during this time if needed.) This step is very practical – it means you don’t have to already be in NZ or try to invest remotely; you can come and personally ensure your funds are deployed correctly.
4. Transferring Funds and Making the Investment: With AIP in hand, you’ll move your money and implement your investment plan:
Transferring Funds to NZ: You must transfer the investment funds from overseas through the banking system into New Zealand (from your bank or via a third-party like a solicitor or investment account in your name). The funds transferred must be the same funds you nominated in your application (or the proceeds of the assets you nominated) – you can’t swap in different money last minute, as INZ has vetted the origin of the nominated funds.
Currency and Method: Typically, you’ll convert your money into NZD and deposit into a New Zealand bank or directly into the investment vehicles. All investments must be completed within that 6-month window (or 12 months if extension granted). Being prepared ahead (with bank accounts ready, etc.) is crucial. Tatiana and associates can guide you on setting up NZ bank accounts and navigating currency transfers under NZ’s anti-money laundering requirements.
Making the Investments: Now you will purchase the assets or make the capital contributions as outlined in your plan:
If you’re investing in managed funds or equities, you’ll subscribe to those funds or buy the shares/bonds (ensuring they are within the acceptable list). For managed funds, the 2025 rule changes introduced “on-call investments”: this means if your chosen NZ fund doesn’t immediately call all your capital, you can temporarily park the money in short-term acceptable assets (like a bank term deposit, government bonds, etc. for up to 6 months) while waiting. This flexibility ensures your funds are still working and meeting visa criteria even if the fund staggers capital drawdowns.
If you’re doing a direct investment into a business, you’ll likely execute a share purchase or loan agreement, transferring the funds into the company. The business might need to show receipt of funds and how they’re using them (since it should ideally contribute to growth, like expansion or R&D in that company).
For property development, you’ll complete the investment structure (e.g. buying development bonds or shares in a development project, or providing a development loan) – remembering that only new developments (residential, or added-value commercial/industrial) qualify.
For philanthropy, you would donate to approved charities or projects (though note, previously NZ capped what portion could be philanthropic; ensure any donation meets INZ’s definitions).
Reporting Completion: Once your total nominated amount is fully invested in the allowed assets, you will notify INZ and provide evidence of each investment. This might include bank letters confirming transfer, share certificates or fund statements showing your funds invested, property settlement records, etc. Tatiana will help you compile a comprehensive report to INZ to demonstrate you’ve met the investment requirement in full (remember, investments must be made in full to be granted the resident visa – partial investment won’t suffice).
5. Resident Visa Grant: After INZ verifies that your funds have been successfully invested per the requirements, they will grant you the Active Investor Plus resident visa. Congratulations – at this point, you and your included family members become New Zealand residents!
Resident Visa Conditions: The AIP resident visa is conditional on you maintaining your investment and fulfilling the stay requirements for the specified period. However, during this period, you enjoy full resident rights to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. The visa initially comes with travel conditions valid for 4 years (Growth) or 6 years (Balanced) from your first entry. These travel conditions simply mean that within that period, you can travel in and out of NZ freely as a resident. After 4 or 6 years, the travel facility may lapse if you haven’t secured permanent residence by then, but by that time you intend to have met the requirements for PR (more on that shortly).
Family Obligations: If you included family, note that any family member granted residence must enter New Zealand at least once within 12 months of visa issuance. This is to “activate” their visa status. It’s usually not an issue, as you’ll likely all travel to NZ together at some point. If a family member cannot travel in that timeframe, you’d need to seek special arrangements or risk their visa lapsing.
Building Your Life: With your resident visa in hand, you can now settle into New Zealand as much as you wish. You might choose to relocate immediately – buy a home, enroll kids in school, etc. – or you might continue to split time between NZ and overseas. Remember, you have a set number of days you need to physically spend in NZ (21 or 105, unless reduced) over the investment period. It’s wise to plan out roughly when and how you’ll achieve those days (e.g. periodic trips each year or longer stays). Enjoying NZ’s lifestyle is one of the perks of this visa, after all!
6. Ongoing Compliance: Staying on Track during the Investment Period: After the resident visa is granted, the real commitment begins – you must keep your funds invested in NZ for the entire 3-year or 5-year term and meet the residency days obligation. Immigration New Zealand will monitor compliance in a few ways:
Investment Monitoring: You will need to provide evidence at regular intervals that your investment remains in place. Specifically, for Growth category, you must show proof at 24 months and at 36 months that the NZ$5M is still invested as required. For Balanced, you provide proof at 24 months and at 60 months for the NZ$10M. INZ may ask for portfolio statements, letters from fund managers or companies, etc., to verify the funds haven’t been withdrawn or lost. You have up to 3 months after those checkpoints to submit the evidence. Practical tip: Mark these deadlines in your calendar; Tatiana will also keep reminders and assist in preparing the required reports to INZ (as your adviser, she can liaise with INZ on your behalf to submit evidence).
“On-Call” Funds and Reinvestment: If some of your investments naturally mature or pay out within the period, you may need to reinvest to maintain the minimum total. The rules do allow some flexibility: for example, Growth investors can reinvest returned capital under NZ$1M into Balanced investments without issue. But if a large portion of your investment is liquidated early, you should reinvest it in another acceptable investment to stay above the threshold. Always inform or consult INZ if significant changes occur. The goal is to keep at least the minimum $$$ continually invested in NZ until the term ends.
Residence Days Tracking: INZ will check that you meet the “days in New Zealand” requirement before granting permanent residence. You’ll likely need to show evidence via passport stamps or travel records. Keep your contact details updated with INZ at all times – they may reach out during the period to confirm you’re meeting visa conditions (and you’re obliged to respond; failure could jeopardize your status). If you are short on days, you technically have until the end of the investment term to make them up, but don’t leave it all to the last minute – plan visits such that you comfortably exceed the requirement.
Post-Investment Questionnaires: New Zealand also asks investor residents to complete a Post Investment Questionnaire twice during your investment period. This is generally a simple survey about your experience, age, additional investments you may have made, etc., used by the government for policy feedback. It’s mandatory but not onerous – just something to be aware of when you receive it.
Throughout this period, Tatiana and the team at Aspiring Immigration will remain at your service. We don’t just drop you after the visa is approved; we continue to support and remind you of compliance milestones, assist with any category switch request or extension if needed, and act as a liaison with INZ if any issues arise. Our goal is to make sure you smoothly sail through these few years until you reach the finish line.
7. Permanent Residence and Beyond: The grand finale is qualifying for Permanent Residence (PR) in New Zealand. Once you have successfully maintained your investment for the 3 or 5 years and met the required days in-country, you become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Time to PR: Growth investors can apply for PR after 3 years, Balanced investors after 5 years, reflecting their respective investment terms. At this point, you will submit a PR application to INZ, demonstrating that you fulfilled all conditions (investment maintained, days met). Usually, because you’ve been reporting and in touch, this is straightforward.
Benefits of PR: A Permanent Resident Visa in NZ has no conditions or expiry – you can live in New Zealand indefinitely and come and go as you please without any travel restrictions. You are no longer tied to keeping investments (though you’re welcome to keep them and continue profiting, of course). This is a major advantage: unconditional PR in a country like New Zealand is a valuable status. You enjoy all the rights of a resident (including e.g. voting rights after one year of PR) and can even pursue New Zealand citizenship eventually, if you wish, by meeting the residence and character requirements for naturalization.
Next Steps: Many investor migrants at this stage take a deep breath – you’ve made it! You might re-evaluate your investments (some keep them in NZ long-term, others rebalance globally since the visa no longer requires it). New Zealand often finds that by the time investors get PR, they are deeply connected and choose to continue investing and engaging in the local economy even beyond requirements. It truly becomes a two-way success story: you gain a new home and status, and NZ gains committed investors and community members.
As you can see, the process is detailed but very achievable with the right support. Tatiana Elvery has been part of a team that successfully guided numerous investor visa clients through these steps, so you’ll be in experienced hands at every juncture.
No Age, Language, or Work Experience Barriers – Truly Investor-Friendly
It’s worth reiterating how accessible the Active Investor Plus visa is, compared to other migration pathways or international investor visas. New Zealand imposes no upper age limit, no English language exam, and no prior business or management experience requirement for AIP applicants. The focus is squarely on what matters: your ability and willingness to invest.
For many successful entrepreneurs or retirees from the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond, this is a breath of fresh air. Perhaps you’re a high-net-worth individual who doesn’t qualify for skilled migrant visas due to age or lack of a formal degree, or you simply don’t want the hassle of IELTS exams – AIP has removed those hurdles. As the government stated, they have eliminated “potential barriers to investment, such as the English language requirement,” to open the door wider.
Key points to note:
There is no age cutoff – whether you’re 25 or 75, you can apply if you meet the investment criteria. New Zealand values the capital, connections, and experience you bring, regardless of age.
There is no English language test required. The previous version of AIP in 2022 briefly had an English requirement, but it was removed in 2025 due to feedback. This means French-speaking or non-English investors need not worry about taking a language exam. (Of course, once in NZ, everyday life is easier with some English ability, but it’s not a legal requirement for the visa.)
There is no minimum business or management experience needed. Some countries’ investor visas ask for a track record as a business owner – NZ’s AIP does not. You don’t have to prove you’ve run companies before. Your financial capacity and good character are what count.
The only personal benchmarks you must meet are the universal ones: health and character. All applicants have to pass a health check (to ensure no public health burden) and a police/background check (to ensure no serious criminal history). These are standard for any NZ residency visa.
This absence of arbitrary barriers makes the AIP visa particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals globally. It casts a wide net for talent and capital. Whether you’re a Silicon Valley investor, a Canadian real estate developer, or a European industrialist, if you have the funds, New Zealand wants to work with you. This openness is part of what makes the program stand out on the world stage in 2025.
Acceptable Investments: What Can You Invest In?
We’ve touched on this in describing Growth vs Balanced categories, but let’s clearly outline what types of investments are acceptable under the Active Investor Plus visa. New Zealand’s aim is to direct funds into productive uses, so not every kind of asset will qualify (for example, simply buying an expensive house for your own use would not count). Here’s a consolidated list:
Direct Investments (Active Businesses): This means investing in private businesses or projects in New Zealand that are seeking capital. It could be purchasing equity (shares) in a company, or providing debt funding to a company or project, as long as it’s not just a personal loan. Typically, the business should be one that helps the NZ economy (creating jobs, exporting, innovation, etc.). Direct investments must be approved by NZTE to count. Expect that most direct investees will be companies actively vetted to ensure they contribute value. Example: Investing in a high-growth startup, or into an expansion project of an established NZ company.
Managed Funds: These are funds managed by financial professionals that invest in New Zealand assets (often growth-oriented). Think of venture capital funds, private equity funds, or certain investment funds focusing on NZ industries. Managed funds also require NZTE approval – in fact, NZTE maintains a list of approved funds for the AIP visa. Many investors opt for this route to have experts manage their investment. Example: Putting capital into a Kiwi venture capital fund that invests in multiple tech startups (spreading your risk).
Listed Equities: Under the Balanced category, you can invest in publicly traded stocks (shares) on the stock market, such as companies listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX). This allows a more liquid, diversified approach. There might be some conditions (for instance, the company probably should be a New Zealand company or primarily NZ-based to count). But in general, buying a portfolio of NZ stocks qualifies.
Bonds and Fixed Income: Also under Balanced, you may invest in bonds – this includes New Zealand Government bonds, local government bonds, or corporate bonds of New Zealand companies. These are lower-risk, fixed-interest investments that support public projects or business financing. Notably, adding bonds can be attractive for capital preservation and still meeting the visa criteria.
Property Development Projects: Real estate for personal use doesn’t count, but active property development is allowed in Balanced. This means investing in new residential developments (helping build new housing stock in NZ) or new/existing commercial and industrial developments that add value (such as funding new commercial buildings or upgrading industrial facilities). For example, financing the construction of a new apartment complex or a commercial building retrofit would qualify. These investments typically need to be arm’s-length and truly development-focused (you can’t just buy land and hold it; it has to create something new). Often these are done via development companies or funds, which might overlap with direct investments or managed fund structures.
Philanthropy: New Zealand is relatively unique in allowing philanthropic donations to count as part of the investment (Balanced category). Donations to registered charities or not-for-profits in NZ can be included. There may be a cap or guidelines on what portion of your $10M can be philanthropy (historically, NZ had limits like max 15% for charity in previous investor visas). The idea is to encourage contributions to public good. If you are passionate about a cause – be it education, environment, arts – you could allocate some of your investment to a recognized philanthropic organization and still have it count toward your visa. This is a great way to make a positive impact socially while fulfilling visa conditions.
It’s important to check any specific definitions or restrictions on these investments on INZ’s official “Acceptable Investments” page. For instance, certain types of indirect investment schemes (like some foreign feeder funds) might not be acceptable. The INZ guidelines explicitly note, for example, that Chinese QDII or QDLP schemes are not accepted as a method of transferring funds for AIP (this is a technical point likely irrelevant to most Western investors, but good to be aware of if it applies).
The expanded scope as of 2025 mainly affects the Balanced category, which is now much more flexible (adding bonds and property which weren’t allowed under the original AIP rules). Growth category investors by definition stick to direct and managed fund investments, which are inherently active.
In practice, many AIP investors will use a combination of these options. For example, you might put some into a managed fund, some directly into a company, and perhaps some into an infrastructure bond issue. Tatiana will work with your financial advisors to ensure your investment portfolio is not only acceptable for the visa, but also suits your personal investment return goals and risk profile. We coordinate with NZTE and financial institutions to verify everything meets the criteria before you commit your money.
Advantages of the Active Investor Plus Visa (Summary)
To summarize the key advantages of the AIP visa for global investors:
Pathway to NZ Residency & Citizenship: It provides a clear route to obtain New Zealand residency and ultimately permanent residency (and eligibility for citizenship) by investment. You and your family can settle in a highly desirable country without the usual hurdles of job offers or points-based qualifications.
Minimal Personal Requirements: No age limit, no English test, no work experience requirement – the visa is accessible to anyone with the means and good character, from any non-English-speaking country or older investors who wouldn’t qualify under other categories. This broad eligibility is a huge plus for many high-net-worth individuals.
Investment Flexibility: Two categories offer flexibility: go active with $5M or diversified with $10M, choose from a wide range of investment types (startup equity, public stocks, bonds, property, etc.) to suit your risk tolerance. You can even pivot your strategy once if needed. Compared to other countries’ programs that might force you into very specific investments, NZ gives you options to craft your own portfolio.
Reasonable Residency Requirements: The required time in-country (21 days per year for Growth, 21 days per year for Balanced or potentially much less with extra investment) is very reasonable. It allows you to maintain your international business or lifestyle while still building a connection with New Zealand. Essentially, you can be a part-time resident and still qualify for the visa, which is perfect for those not ready to fully relocate immediately.
Government and Community Support: The AIP program isn’t just a visa in isolation – it comes with the backing of NZTE’s Invest New Zealand, which actively helps investor migrants find opportunities and integrate into the local investment scene. The NZ government has signaled a very welcoming stance, so you’ll find openness among local businesses and officials to collaborate. Networking events, investor summits (New Zealand even held a global investment summit in 2025 to attract AIP investors), and ongoing support are part of the ecosystem. You’re not alone in this journey; you become part of a community of investors in NZ.
High Return Potential & Impact: By focusing on active investments, the visa also gives you a chance to potentially earn solid returns and have a tangible impact. You could be investing in the next big tech company or helping build housing – investments that have meaning beyond a bank account balance. New Zealand’s economy, while smaller, is dynamic and offers niches for high growth. Plus, any gains you make are yours to keep (note: NZ has no general capital gains tax for individuals, except some specific cases like property flipping or if you’re a tax resident with overseas shares under certain tax regimes – something to get tax advice on, but overall a favorable investment climate).
Family Security and Lifestyle: Gaining NZ residency is like an insurance policy for global uncertainties. You’ll have the right to live in a peaceful country, and your children can benefit from domestic tuition fees at universities, etc. Even if you don’t move full-time, having the option is invaluable. Many see it as securing a legacy for their family – a safe haven if needed, and a beautiful place to spend time.
All these advantages make the Active Investor Plus visa a compelling option in 2025 for investors from around the world. It strikes a balance between ensuring significant benefit to New Zealand and providing flexibility and rewards to the investor, creating a win-win scenario.
How Tatiana Elvery and Aspiring Immigration Can Help You Succeed
Navigating the intersection of immigration law and investment strategy can be complex – that’s where Tatiana Elvery and the Aspiring Immigration team come in. Tatiana is a fully licensed New Zealand immigration adviser who specializes in investor and business visas. While the Active Investor Plus category is newly updated, Tatiana has been an integral part of a team assisting high-net-worth clients under previous investor visa programs and has a deep understanding of the AIP scheme. Here’s how Tatiana will work with you to ensure a smooth journey:
Personalized Strategic Guidance: From day one, Tatiana will take the time to understand your unique situation – your investment preferences, your timeline, and your residency goals. She’ll help you decide which AIP category (Growth or Balanced) is the best fit, explaining the pros/cons in the context of your profile. Because she stays up-to-date with all policy changes and interpretations, you can trust her advice to be both current and tailored to your needs.
Investment Alignment and Partner Coordination: One of Tatiana’s strengths is her ability to bridge the gap between the immigration requirements and the investment world. Over the years, she has built a network of professional partners in New Zealand – from financial advisors and fund managers to tax experts and lawyers – who can be called upon to assist AIP clients. For example, if you need to find a suitable direct investment, Tatiana can connect you with NZTE contacts or local business brokers. If you need to open a bank account and move funds, she knows banking specialists. If you want to ensure your investment plan is tax-efficient, she can recommend a tax advisor familiar with migrants (important for things like Foreign Investment Fund tax rules, which Dentons notes can be complex for new residents). She acts as the coordinator of a multidisciplinary team working for you – essentially your project manager for the entire relocation-by-investment process.
Application Preparation and Compliance: Immigration paperwork can be daunting, especially for something as involved as an investor visa. Tatiana will handle the preparation of your INZ application meticulously. This means checking every document, helping you draft the required investment summaries and cover letters, and making sure your source-of-funds evidence meets INZ’s standards. A well-prepared application can be decided faster and more favorably. Tatiana’s expertise ensures no detail is overlooked – from translating documents if necessary, to highlighting how your investment will benefit NZ (some applications include a statement of benefit). She will also keep track of all deadlines (for submitting additional info, for transferring funds post-AIP, for reporting milestones, etc.) and remind you well in advance.
Liaising with NZTE and INZ: Throughout the process, Tatiana serves as your voice in front of New Zealand authorities. She will liaise with NZTE if there are any questions about the investments, and communicate with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf (as your legal representative with INZ). If INZ raises queries or requests further info during processing, Tatiana will manage those responses promptly and effectively. Should any issues arise – for instance, if you need to request that 6-month extension to complete investments, or if you decide to utilize the category switch option – she will prepare and submit those requests citing the proper policy provisions. This professional interface can be crucial in resolving concerns and keeping your case on track.
Post-Approval Support: Tatiana’s role doesn’t end when your resident visa is granted. She understands that maintaining compliance for 3-5 years can be complex when you’re busy running businesses or living across continents. She will continue to provide support throughout the investment period: reminding you of the upcoming 24-month or 36/60-month reporting points, assisting in compiling the evidence to show INZ, and advising on any changes in your investments. For example, if one of your investments pays out early and you need to reinvest funds, you can consult her on ensuring the new investment is also acceptable. If you plan trips to meet your day count, she can double-check your calculations. Essentially, she offers a concierge-level service to make sure nothing falls through the cracks from start to PR.
Collaboration with Financial and Legal Experts: Aspiring Immigration, under Tatiana’s guidance, will coordinate with your other advisors. Perhaps you already have a financial planner or a family office – Tatiana is happy to collaborate with them to align your immigration strategy with your financial strategy. If needed, she can also refer you to reputable New Zealand law firms or investment firms (like those who regularly handle AIP cases) for specialized advice, ensuring you have the best team for every aspect (immigration law, commercial law for any deals, investment management, tax planning, etc.). This holistic approach is crucial for something as significant as a $5M–$10M investment migration.
Credibility and Ethics: As a licensed immigration adviser, Tatiana is bound by a strict code of conduct and ethics. You can trust that the advice she provides is honest, compliant with the law, and in your best interest. She will be transparent about the process, fees, and realistic outcomes. Moreover, her experience with past investor clients gives her insight into what can make or break an application – knowledge she uses to mitigate risks upfront. Working with Tatiana means you have a knowledgeable ally who genuinely understands both the letter of the law and the practical realities of the AIP visa.
In summary, Tatiana Elvery acts as your dedicated guide through the AIP visa journey, coordinating all the moving parts so you can focus on the big picture. Her role is to make the complex simple: from the initial consultation to the joyous day you and your family attain permanent residence, she will ensure you feel supported and confident every step of the way. With Tatiana and Aspiring Immigration by your side, you can proceed with the Active Investor Plus process knowing that every detail is handled and your interests are fully represented.
Conclusion: Invest in New Zealand – Invest in Your Future
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa is more than just an immigration program – it’s an invitation to become part of a vibrant, growing economy and to secure a future in one of the world’s most liveable countries. The 2025 enhancements to this visa category have streamlined the process, lowered barriers, and increased flexibility, making it one of the most attractive residency-by-investment options globally.
By choosing this pathway, you’re not only investing in profitable ventures, but also in a new lifestyle and legacy. Imagine spending summers by the lakes and mountains of New Zealand, connecting with innovative entrepreneurs in Wellington’s tech scene, or visiting your vineyard investment in Marlborough – all while your capital grows and your residency status is secured. That’s the opportunity AIP offers.
Now is the time to act. With the global landscape always evolving, having New Zealand residency is a strategic move for high-net-worth individuals seeking stability and freedom. The New Zealand government has opened the door – it’s up to you to step through it.
Tatiana Elvery and the Aspiring Immigration team are ready to assist you in seizing this opportunity. With our expertise and personalized support, we will make your Active Investor Plus visa process as smooth and successful as possible.
Take the next step: If you’re considering the Active Investor Plus visa, we invite you to reach out for a private consultation. Tatiana can discuss your goals and outline a plan tailored to you. Contact Aspiring Immigration today to begin your journey toward New Zealand residency through investment.
Invest in New Zealand – invest in your future. We look forward to helping you make New Zealand your new home and investment hub.
Ready to explore the Active Investor Plus visa further? Contact Tatiana Elvery at Aspiring Immigration to schedule a consultation and turn your investment into a life-changing move. Your New Zealand adventure awaits!
