The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand's residence-by-investment programme, designed to attract experienced investors who take an active role in helping New Zealand companies access global knowledge networks, capital, and markets. The programme opened on 19 September 2022, replacing the previous Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories. On 1 April 2025, it was significantly revised with reduced minimum investment thresholds, expanded acceptable investment types, removal of the English language requirement, and reduced physical presence requirements. Two investment categories now exist: Growth (NZD $5 million for 3 years) and Balanced (NZD $10 million for 5 years). From 1 June 2026, new Growth-category applicants may also direct up to 20% of their investment to approved philanthropy. The visa is open to applicants of any nationality with no age restriction.
The resident visa is valid for 4 years (Growth category) or 6 years (Balanced category). The investment period is 36 months for Growth and 60 months for Balanced. After 24 months holding the resident visa, holders become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which grants indefinite travel rights. The resident visa does not require renewal — upon meeting all conditions (investment maintained for the required period and physical presence met), holders apply to have conditions removed and transition to permanent residence.
Applications can include a partner or spouse who must demonstrate at least 12 months of genuine and stable cohabitation, plus dependent children aged 24 or younger. Family members are included in the original resident visa application and receive their own resident visas. They must arrive in New Zealand within 12 months of visa grant or reapply. Additional dependent children born after approval can be supported through a separate Dependent Child Resident Visa application. Family members are also eligible for permanent residence once the principal applicant's conditions are met.
New Zealand taxes residents on worldwide income. However, new residents who have not been NZ tax residents in the previous 10 years qualify for transitional resident status, providing a 4-year (48-month) exemption on most foreign-sourced income (excluding foreign employment income). NZ-sourced income is taxable from day one. New Zealand has no capital gains tax (with limited exceptions), no inheritance tax, and no estate tax. Investors who become NZ tax residents must file annual tax returns with Inland Revenue.
Growth category investments include venture capital funds, private equity funds, and direct investment in New Zealand businesses; from 1 June 2026, new Growth applicants may also direct up to 20% of their total investment (a maximum of NZD $1 million of the NZD $5 million minimum) to philanthropy benefiting eligible New Zealand charities (Tier 1–3, operating at least 5 years) or Department of Conservation projects, with the gift required to benefit New Zealand and not personally benefit the applicant. Balanced category investments additionally include listed equity on the NZX, government and corporate bonds, philanthropy to registered charities, and property development (new residential developments or new/existing commercial/industrial property requiring "material and substantial improvements"). Investments must be in NZD and cannot be for personal use. For the Balanced category, a maximum of 25% may be held in bank accounts or term deposits, with the remaining 75% in listed equities or bonds. House-and-land packages and off-plan purchases are prohibited for property development investments. Passive investments subject to repatriation obligations (such as QDII schemes) are excluded.
Since 6 March 2026, qualifying Active Investor Plus visa holders may apply to the Overseas Investment Office for consent to buy or build one residential property in New Zealand valued at NZD $5 million or more. The statutory assessment timeframe is 15 working days (most processed within 5), with fees ranging from NZD $2,040 to $3,500. Each investor is limited to one property under this pathway.
Growth category investors must spend a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand during the 36-month investment period. Balanced category investors must spend a minimum of 105 days during the 60-month investment period, with the option to reduce this by 14 days for each additional NZD $1 million invested in Growth category investments, down to a minimum of 63 days.