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About the Active Investor Plus
The Active Investor Plus is New Zealand's entrepreneur / investor visa programme and one of the most direct routes to permanent residence. Investor visa requiring NZD $5M into NZ businesses (or $15M passive). Active management of investment counts as fewer dollars required.
Applications are processed in 6–10 months on average. Government fees start at $16,800, and the visa is valid for 5 years.
The Active Investor Plus is suited to start_business.
Who the Active Investor Plus is built for
The Active Investor Plus is a residence-by-investment visa for high-net-worth applicants, not a skilled-worker route. It expects serious capital, with a headline requirement of NZD 5 million into New Zealand businesses (or around NZD 15 million for passive holdings), and it grants residence on approval. If your situation is talent or employment based, one of the skilled routes will fit far better than this one.
The post-2024 reform reshaped the old Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories around active, higher-risk investment. The state wants capital that does real work in the economy, which is reflected in how the thresholds are weighted.
How the weighting actually works
The headline NZD 5 million is not a flat number. Direct, active investment into New Zealand businesses counts for more per dollar than passive holdings, so committing to higher-risk active investment lowers the total capital you need to deploy. Passive-heavy structures require substantially more.
That weighting is the whole design. Before modelling your application, decide how much active management you are genuinely willing to take on, because it changes the dollar figure more than any other variable.
Before you commit capital
Processing runs around six to ten months and the application fee is significant at roughly USD 16,800, but those are rounding errors against the investment itself. This is a route to take with professional tax and immigration advice in place, not off a web summary. Use the figures here to scope feasibility, then verify the current thresholds against Immigration New Zealand before moving money.
Weighing New Zealand against another destination? See how it stacks up on visa speed, cost, and permanent residency:
Eligibility requirements
Key facts
Best for
Path to permanent residence
This visa is a direct permanent residence grant.
Validity period
5 years
How to apply for the Active Investor Plus
- 01
Gather your supporting documents
Compile educational credentials, employment history, passport, and any certificates. Have foreign documents officially translated.
- 02
Prepare your business plan
Draft a detailed business plan covering market analysis, financials, and job creation projections. Many applicants engage an immigration specialist at this stage.
- 03
Submit your AIP application
File online through the official New Zealand immigration portal and pay the government fee of $16,800. Double-check all forms for errors before submission. Mistakes cause delays.
- 04
Attend biometrics and medical (if required)
You may be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an approved centre. Some visa categories also require a medical examination by an approved physician.
- 05
Receive decision (6–10 months)
Standard processing takes 6–10 months. Premium or expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Avoid booking travel until you have a confirmed outcome.
What it costs
Attorney fees and document costs not included. Total spend is typically 2–5x the government fee.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main requirements for the Active Investor Plus?
Investor visa requiring NZD $5M into NZ businesses (or $15M passive). Active management of investment counts as fewer dollars required.
How long does the Active Investor Plus take to process?
Processing time for the Active Investor Plus is typically 6–10 months from the date a complete application is received. Timelines vary depending on application volume, the completeness of your documents, and whether additional checks are requested. Check the official New Zealand immigration website for current processing times before applying.
How much does the Active Investor Plus cost?
The government application fee for the Active Investor Plus is $16,800 USD. Total costs (including legal fees, document translations, medical exams, and biometrics) typically run 2–5x the base government fee. Budget accordingly before starting your application.
Does the Active Investor Plus lead to permanent residence?
Yes. The Active Investor Plus grants permanent residence directly on approval.
Do I need a job offer for the Active Investor Plus?
No. The Active Investor Plus does not require a prior job offer. You can apply based on your qualifications, work history. This makes it particularly attractive for applicants who want to move first and job-search on arrival.