New Zealand Investor Visas 2026: Active Investor Plus Requirements and ITO Options

If you're a high-net-worth individual looking to establish residency in New Zealand, the Active Investor Plus Visa might be your pathway. Launched with significant reforms in April 2025, this investor visa programme has become increasingly attractive for offshore investors seeking to relocate to Aotearoa. Whether you're considering the Growth or Balanced category, understanding the requirements, investment options, and application process is essential before you commit to this investment journey.

What Is the Active Investor Plus Visa?

The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand's primary residency-by-investment programme designed for high-net-worth individuals willing to make substantial capital investments in the country. Unlike passive investment visas, this programme focuses on attracting active, growth-oriented investments that contribute to New Zealand's economy.

The visa offers a unique advantage: you don't need to become a permanent resident or live in New Zealand full-time. Instead, you'll maintain a resident visa status with minimal onshore presence requirements, making it ideal for investors who want to diversify their residency options without abandoning their existing business interests overseas.

Key Changes in 2026

The Active Investor Plus Visa underwent significant reforms effective 1 April 2025, making it more accessible and flexible for investors. Here are the major changes that affect your application today:

• Lower minimum investment thresholds: Reduced from NZD $15 million to either NZD $5 million (Growth) or NZD $10 million (Balanced)
• English language requirement removed: You no longer need to provide IELTS test results or equivalent English proficiency documentation
• Expanded investment options: The Balanced category now accepts bonds and property investments (new residential, new/existing commercial or industrial developments)
• Reduced residency obligations: Fewer immigration requirements mean less time required in New Zealand annually
• Easier residential property purchases: From 6 March 2026, AIP visa holders can purchase one residential property valued at NZ$5 million or more without requiring tax residency status

Investment Categories Explained

Growth Category: NZD $5 Million Over 3 Years

The Growth category targets investors seeking higher-risk, higher-return opportunities in New Zealand's expanding sectors. This option requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million held for at least three years.

Acceptable investments include:

• Listed and unlisted equity in New Zealand companies
• Direct investments in New Zealand businesses
• Venture capital and private equity funds
• Growth-stage companies in technology, agribusiness, and renewable energy sectors
• Managed funds focused on active investments

The Growth category requires just 21 days of physical presence over the entire three-year investment period—not per year. This minimal residency requirement makes it attractive for investors managing international portfolios.

Balanced Category: NZD $10 Million Over 5 Years

The Balanced category suits investors preferring a mixed portfolio with lower-risk options. It requires a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over five years.

This category accepts:

• Bonds and fixed-income investments
• New residential property developments
• New or existing commercial and industrial property developments
• Managed funds with balanced strategies

The Balanced category requires 105 days of physical presence over the five-year investment period. Whilst this is more than the Growth category, it's still significantly lower than many other residency-by-investment programmes globally.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for the Active Investor Plus Visa, ensure you meet these core eligibility criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old (no upper age limit)
• Health: Pass a medical examination, including a chest X-ray
• Character: Provide a police certificate from all countries where you've lived for more than six months in the past ten years; certificate must be no more than six months old
• Source of funds: Prove all investment funds come from legitimate sources through payslips, tax returns, bank statements, dividends, or certificates
• Financial capacity: Demonstrate you can support yourself and eligible dependents without relying on New Zealand benefits
• Valid travel documents: Hold a current passport valid for the duration of your visa
• Net worth: Hold sufficient personal wealth beyond your investment funds to meet settlement requirements

You can include eligible dependents (spouse/partner and children under 24) in your application, though additional documentation will be required for each family member.

The Application Process

Phase 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Your journey begins with submitting an Expression of Interest demonstrating:

• Minimum net worth documentation (NZD $5 million or NZD $10 million depending on your chosen category)
• Source of funds evidence
• Business experience and investment track record
• Self-declaration of English language ability (no formal test required)

EOI selections occur monthly, with Immigration New Zealand issuing Invitations to Apply (ITA) to the highest-ranked candidates.

Phase 2: Full Application Submission

Once you receive an ITA, you'll submit comprehensive documentation including:

• Audited financial statements verifying your net worth
• Police clearances from all countries where you've resided
• Health examination results
• Detailed investment plan specifying capital allocation
• Passport-sized photos of yourself and dependents
• Proof of your relationship with any included dependents
• Valid passport copy
• Cover letter summarising how your documentation aligns with visa requirements

Full application processing typically takes 6–9 months on average. However, Immigration New Zealand aims to provide approval in principle within 6 months of receiving your complete application.

Phase 3: Investment and Residence

After receiving approval in principle, you'll have six months to make all your required investments, with the option to apply for a six-month extension if needed. Once your investments are confirmed and conditions are met, you'll receive your resident visa.

Recent Application Statistics

The reformed Active Investor Plus Visa has generated significant interest among offshore investors. As of 11 March 2026, Immigration New Zealand received 609 applications under the new settings for 1,948 applicants total:

• Growth category: 503 applications
• Balanced category: 106 applications
• Approved and granted resident visas: 219 applicants (174 Growth, 45 Balanced)

These figures demonstrate strong demand for the reformed visa programme, particularly among Growth category investors.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Active Investor Plus Visa serves as a stepping stone to permanent residency. You become eligible to apply for permanent residence after completing your investment period: three years for the Growth category or five years for the Balanced category.

This pathway allows you to test your commitment to New Zealand whilst maintaining flexibility, then transition to permanent residency status once you're confident in your long-term plans.

Next Steps for Prospective Investors

If you're considering the Active Investor Plus Visa, start by:

1. Assess your eligibility: Ensure you meet the age, health, character, and financial requirements
2. Choose your category: Determine whether the Growth (NZD $5M, 3 years) or Balanced (NZD $10M, 5 years) option aligns with your investment goals
3. Gather documentation: Begin collecting audited financial statements, police clearances, and investment track records
4. Seek professional advice: Consult with immigration lawyers and financial advisors familiar with New Zealand's investor visa requirements
5. Submit your EOI: Prepare and lodge your Expression of Interest with Immigration New Zealand

The Active Investor Plus Visa represents a genuine opportunity for high-net-worth individuals to establish New Zealand residency whilst maintaining flexibility and minimal onshore presence requirements. With lower investment thresholds, expanded investment options, and removed language barriers, the reformed programme is more accessible than ever. Whether you're seeking a safe haven for your capital, diversifying your investment portfolio, or planning a eventual move to Aotearoa, the Active Investor Plus Visa deserves serious consideration.

For detailed information and to begin your application journey, visit Immigration New Zealand's official website or contact a licensed immigration adviser.