Active Investor Plus Visa
Residence for high-net-worth investors via a Growth ($5M) or Balanced ($10M) category.
Official New Zealand pageWho this route is for
High-net-worth individuals investing in New Zealand through higher-growth assets (Growth) or a mix including lower-risk options (Balanced).
Eligibility requirements
- Growth category: invest at least NZD $5 million for a minimum of 3 years (36 months), spending at least 21 days in NZ during that period
- Balanced category: invest at least NZD $10 million for a minimum of 5 years (60 months), spending at least 105 days in NZ during that period
- Hold investments in acceptable New Zealand assets per the category rules
- Meet health and character requirements (no English language requirement since April 2025)
Requirements reviewed July 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Split into Growth and Balanced categories in 2025. The Growth category permits a portion to go to philanthropy. As of May 2026, hundreds of applicants had been approved, committing well over NZD $1.6 billion.
Check your points first
Use the free Skilled Migrant 6-Point Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Other New Zealand routes
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
PermanentPoints-based residence for skilled workers, scored against the NZ median wage.
Straight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1)
PermanentImmediate residence for people with a Tier 1 Green List job offer.
Work to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 2)
PathwayResidence after 24 months working in a Tier 2 Green List role.
Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
PathwayResidence pathway for care workers after 24 months in the sector.