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New Zealand investment immigration
New Zealand Active Investor Plus (AIP)
Invest NZD 5 million or more, and your whole family receives New Zealand resident visas.
Reviewed by Oscar Yip · Updated October 2026
Programme overview
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus visa grants residence in exchange for qualifying investments in New Zealand. There are two categories, Growth and Balanced; the English language requirement has been removed and the stay requirements reduced.
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InvestmentFrom NZD 5,000,000
Investment periodThree or five years
English requirementNone
FamilySpouse and dependent children
Summary
The Growth category requires NZD 5 million invested over three years in higher-risk qualifying investments (subject to Immigration New Zealand’s latest rules), with 21 days spent in New Zealand in total; the Balanced category requires NZD 10 million over five years, with a broader range of investments and 105 days in total.
Key benefits of New Zealand AIP
- Resident visas for the whole familyYou, your partner and dependent children aged 24 or under receive New Zealand resident visas.
- No English requirementThe main applicant does not need to meet an English language requirement.
- Minimal time in New ZealandGrowth: 21 days in total over three years; Balanced: 105 days in total over five years.
- Live, work and studyResident visa holders can live, work and study in New Zealand.
- Permanent resident visa afterwardsOnce the investment period and conditions are met, apply for a permanent resident visa with no travel limits.
- No upper age limitThere is no upper age limit for the main applicant, so older investors can apply.
Why Global Immigrate for New Zealand AIP
- families approved
- 6+
- approval rate
- 100%
- offering this programme since
- 2022
Honest about risk
Investment immigration means taking investment risk. We explain each project’s worst case and exit terms clearly, and never promise a “guaranteed return of capital”.
A dedicated professional team
Our team works in Mandarin, Cantonese and English. Wherever you are, a dedicated consultant handles your documents, source of funds and interview preparation from start to finish.
Planning beyond immigration
GI Group’s teams can handle pre-immigration tax, asset allocation, your children’s education and overseas property at the same time, so the arrangements never conflict.
Our fund standards
We only recommend investments that meet the standards below. Fund details and investment documents are provided to eligible investors during consultation.
| Criterion | Our standard | Common in the market |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Already accepted by New Zealand’s investment authorities | Only “expected to qualify” |
| Manager track record | Past fund performance and completed exits reviewed | Mostly newly launched funds with no track record |
| Exit terms | A clear redemption or exit mechanism at the end of the investment period | Unclear exit terms |
| Fees | All management and performance fees set out in writing | Fees scattered across different documents |
| Diversification | Spread across several businesses or funds | Concentrated in a single project |
Investments carry risk; past performance is not a guide to future returns.
Requirements
Investment options
Choose one of the following options; the other requirements are listed below.
- GrowthNZD 5 millionInvested over 3 years
- In qualifying higher-risk investments
- BalancedNZD 10 millionInvested over 5 years
- In a broader range of qualifying investments
Applicants generally need to meet the following:
- The minimum days in New Zealand during the investment period
- Character and health requirements met
Our three guarantees
Full service-fee refund if refused
Guaranteed in your service agreement: if your application is refused, we refund the service fees you have paid in full — or you can switch to another suitable programme at no extra charge.
No extra charge for further documents or resubmission
If the authorities request further documents, or an application must be resubmitted, we handle it at no additional service fee.
Handled by professionals, fee fixed at signing
Every application is prepared and reviewed by our professional immigration team. Your service fee is fixed when you sign, with no additional charges afterwards.
Service fees exclude investment amounts, government fees and third-party costs. Refusals caused by false or incomplete information, or by the applicant not cooperating as required, are not eligible for a refund. Full terms are set out in the service agreement.
The two investment categories in detail
Both categories lead to the same New Zealand resident visa. They differ in how much you invest, how long the investment must be held, what you can invest in and how many days you must spend in New Zealand. Growth has the lower amount and the fewest days, but only higher-risk direct investments and funds count; Balanced needs a larger amount and allows a wider range of assets, including listed shares, bonds and property development.
| Growth | Balanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | NZD 5,000,000 | NZD 10,000,000 |
| Investment held for | 36 months | 60 months |
| What counts | Direct investment in New Zealand businesses and eligible managed funds; philanthropy up to 20% of the total | Direct investment, managed funds, listed equities, bonds, property development and philanthropy |
| Days in New Zealand during the investment period | 21 days in total | 105 days in total; each extra NZD 1 million in Growth-type assets cuts this by 14 days, up to 42 days |
| Travel on the resident visa | 4 years from first arrival | 6 years from first arrival |
| Apply for a permanent resident visa | After 36 months | After 60 months |
| Suits | Investors who want the lowest stay requirement and accept higher investment risk | Investors who prefer a more diversified, steadier mix of assets, or property development |
Requirements for both categories
- Funds must be lawfully earned and transferred to New Zealand within 6 months of approval in principle (extensions possible)
- Investments must be made in New Zealand, in NZD, and not for personal use; value is measured at the time of investment and may include fees
- Evidence of investment and a questionnaire are due at 24 months and at the end of the investment period
- Your partner and dependent children aged 24 or under can be included (children aged 21–24 must show they rely on you financially); family members must arrive within 12 months of the visa being granted
- No English requirement and no age limit; health and character requirements apply
Based on Immigration New Zealand’s current rules, which may change.
Free New Zealand AIP brochure
Covers the requirements, process and timeline, a fee overview and FAQs. Leave your details and we’ll send it to you.
Thank you — the brochure is on its way to your inbox
If you can’t see it, please check your spam folder. A consultant may also contact you to answer any questions about the programme.
Application process
- Assessment and investment planning1–2 monthsWe assess your source of funds and choose the category and investments.
- ApplicationA few weeksLodge the resident visa application.
- Approval in principle and investmentWithin the required periodAfter approval in principle, complete the investment.
- Resident visaAfter approvalReceive the resident visa once invested, and maintain the investment for the investment period.
Pathway to PR and citizenship
- Resident visaApproval in principle in about 36 working days on average (unofficial figure); issued after you invest
A New Zealand resident visa for you, your spouse and dependent children under 24, to live, work and study in New Zealand.
While on this statusGrowth category: 21 days in New Zealand over the 3-year investment period; Balanced: 105 days over 5 years; keep the qualifying investment
- Permanent resident visaAfter the 3- or 5-year investment period
Apply for a permanent resident visa, with no more travel conditions.
Keeping permanent statusNo minimum stay on the permanent resident visa
- New Zealand citizenshipAfter 5 years living in New Zealand as a resident
Apply to become a New Zealand citizen and get a New Zealand passport; you need basic English, good character, an understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship, and the intention to keep living in New Zealand. New Zealand allows dual citizenship.
Residence for citizenshipAt least 1,350 days in New Zealand over the 5 years, and at least 240 days in each year
Onward to AustraliaOnce you hold New Zealand citizenship, your New Zealand passport lets you live, work and study in Australia indefinitely (a Special Category Visa, subclass 444, is granted on arrival and treated like permanent residence for citizenship). Since 1 July 2023, after 4 years living in Australia you can apply directly for Australian citizenship, without applying for Australian PR first.See the full route and requirements
General information only; requirements follow each country’s latest rules and can vary with your circumstances.
From New Zealand to Australia
New Zealand citizens can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely on their New Zealand passport, and can apply directly for Australian citizenship after four years living there. That makes the AIP a possible long-term “New Zealand first, then Australia” route. The key is that you must first become a New Zealand citizen: a New Zealand resident or permanent resident visa on its own does not let you live or work in Australia.
- New Zealand resident visaafter making the AIP investment
You, your partner and dependent children receive resident visas to live, work and study in New Zealand.
- Permanent resident visaafter 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced)
Once the investment period and conditions are met, with no further travel restrictions.
- New Zealand citizenshipabout 5 years actually living in New Zealand
At least 1,350 days in New Zealand within 5 years, with at least 240 days in each year, plus basic English and good character. New Zealand allows dual citizenship.
- Move to Australia on your New Zealand passportgranted on arrival
You receive a Special Category visa (subclass 444) when you enter Australia and can live, work and study there indefinitely without applying for another visa.
- Apply directly for Australian citizenshipafter 4 years living in Australia
Since 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for four years can apply for Australian citizenship directly, without first getting an Australian permanent visa. Citizenship brings full access to social security, healthcare and voting.
What to plan forThe AIP’s stay requirement is very low, but New Zealand citizenship needs 240 days a year in New Zealand. Families aiming for Australia through New Zealand should expect to live in New Zealand for about five years, and the whole route to Australian citizenship usually takes at least about nine years. Children can attend local schools while living in New Zealand and can move to Australia with the family once they are citizens. If you want Australian permanent residence directly, compare the Australian National Innovation Visa.
General information only. New Zealand and Australian citizenship rules are set by each government, may change and can depend on your circumstances.
New Zealand AIP client stories
Client storyBuying a family home in New Zealand after gaining residence
Mr Ho’s New Zealand AIP experience. After gaining residence he wanted to buy a home in New Zealand.
Read the full storyClient storyLimited English, and still eligible for Active Investor PlusMr Liu’s New Zealand AIP experience. He wanted his child to grow up in an English-speaking environment.
Read the full storyClient storyCombining commercial property development with the Balanced categoryMs Ng’s New Zealand AIP experience. She wanted a more diversified investment and New Zealand residence.
Read the full storyCompared with other options: Australia & New Zealand
See the Australia & New Zealand overview| Programme | Investment | Status | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV) — Incubator Pathway | Programme fee USD 160,000 (incubator pathway) | Permanent residence | Usually about 8–15 months (by invitation) | Entrepreneurs and researchers with innovative projects |
| Australia Employer Sponsored Immigration (482 / 186) | No investment; Australian employer sponsorship | Work visa, then permanent residence (186) | 482 usually a few months; 186 after two years | Professionals hired by an Australian employer |
| New Zealand Active Investor Plus (AIP)This programme | From NZD 5,000,000 | Resident visa | Depends on processing | High-net-worth investors, with no English requirement |
New Zealand AIP FAQ
Do I need English?
No. The current programme has removed the English language requirement.
Can the investment include real estate?
Your own home and ordinary residential property do not count as qualifying investments; the Balanced category can include commercial or industrial property development. From March 2026, holders of this visa can buy one home worth NZD 5 million or more.
Can my whole family apply?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included.
Can the New Zealand AIP lead to Australian permanent residence or citizenship?
Yes, but you must first become a New Zealand citizen. With a New Zealand passport you can live and work in Australia indefinitely (Special Category visa 444), and after four years living in Australia you can apply directly for Australian citizenship. Because New Zealand citizenship needs 1,350 days in New Zealand within five years, the whole route usually takes at least about nine years. A New Zealand resident or permanent resident visa on its own does not let you live in Australia.
How do I choose between Growth and Balanced?
Growth needs NZD 5 million and only 21 days in New Zealand over three years, but only higher-risk direct investments and funds count. Balanced needs NZD 10 million over five years and allows a wider range, including listed shares, bonds and property development. We recommend a category based on your funds, risk appetite and plans to live in New Zealand.
Sources
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