Short answer: New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus (AIP) splits into Growth and Balanced: Growth from about NZD 5,000,000 over about three years; Balanced from about NZD 10,000,000 over about five years. Acceptable investments include managed funds, direct business investment and property development—buying an existing home generally does not count. Under 2026 arrangements, holders may purchase one home to live in above a published value threshold under overseas-investment rules; that home usually does not count toward the investment amount.
Growth vs Balanced
| Item | Growth | Balanced |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | About NZD 5,000,000 | About NZD 10,000,000 |
| Investment period | About 3 years | About 5 years |
| Presence days | Relatively lower (official figures) | Relatively higher |
| Asset bias | Growth-oriented, higher risk acceptable | Broader mix, more fixed-income style options |
Acceptable lists, fund approvals and checkpoints follow Invest New Zealand / immigration guidance and can change.
Property and the investment
Treating “buy an Auckland resale flat” as the AIP investment usually fails. Property-linked acceptable routes focus on development that creates new stock, not passive second-hand holdings. A home to live in is a separate post-status arrangement: one qualifying self-use purchase may be allowed, but the qualifying investment must still be completed.
Who fits which class?
Higher risk tolerance, shorter lock-up and lower presence needs point to Growth. Preference for steadier bonds-style mix points to Balanced. Both need clear source of funds and the ability to place capital—not merely a bank transfer.
Global Immigrate note
Decide whether the family truly needs long-term NZ life before choosing Growth or Balanced. Place investments inside the post-AIP time limits and keep checkpoint evidence. Budget the home separately so liquidity is not double-locked.
Information current as of October 2026.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. See New Zealand Active Investor Plus.