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What is 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 residence visa: invest at least NZD $5M for 3 years (Growth category) or NZD $10M for 5 years (Balanced category) in acceptable New Zealand investments.
Applications are processed in 6–10 months on average. Government fees start at $16,400, and the visa is valid for 5 years.
The Active Investor Plus is suited to start_business.
How much do you need to invest for the Active Investor Plus visa?
At least NZD 5 million in the Growth category, held for 3 years, or NZD 10 million in the Balanced category, held for 5 years. Those are the two tiers Immigration New Zealand lists, and the money has to stay invested in New Zealand for the full period.
The tiers also set how much time you spend in the country. Growth investors need at least 21 days in New Zealand as resident visa holders during the investment period, Balanced investors at least 105. Balanced applicants who put part of the money into Growth-category investments can bring that 105 down.
Who is the Active Investor Plus visa for?
People with capital to deploy, not people looking for a job. The requirements Immigration New Zealand lists are about the money and your character, not your career: no job offer, and no English test. If your case rests on your career, a skilled route such as the Skilled Migrant Category will fit better.
Pick the tier by how long you can leave the money in and how much time you can spend in New Zealand. Balanced asks for twice the money of Growth and five times the days.
How long does the Active Investor Plus visa take, and what does it cost?
The fee starts from NZD 27,470, and Immigration New Zealand gives 80% of approvals in principle within 4 months. After approval in principle you have 6 months to move the funds, so plan on the better part of a year from application to visa.
You also have to show the money was earned or acquired lawfully, and meet the usual health and character checks. Once the investment conditions are met you can apply for permanent residence after 3 years on Growth or 5 years on Balanced. Get tax and immigration advice before moving any money, and check the current rules on the official page first.
Weighing New Zealand against another destination? See how it stacks up on visa speed, cost, and permanent residency:
What are the requirements for the Active Investor Plus?
Investor residence visa: invest at least NZD $5M for 3 years (Growth category) or NZD $10M for 5 years (Balanced category) in acceptable New Zealand investments.
| Language test | Not required |
|---|---|
| Minimum net worth | $3,000,000 |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
official sources: AIP · immigration.govt.nz
Key facts
Best for
Path to permanent residence
This visa is a direct permanent residence grant.
Validity period
5 years
How do you 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 $16,400. 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.
How much does the Active Investor Plus cost?
The government application fee for the Active Investor Plus is $16,400 USD. Total costs (including legal fees, document translations, medical exams, and biometrics) typically run 2–5x the base government fee.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.