New Zealand Investor Plus Visa (AIP)
Migration Program Details & Application
Program Overview
Project Description
• Policy Nature: The Active Investor Visa (AIP) is New Zealand's "Golden Visa," officially implemented on April 1, 2025, replacing the previous Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas. This visa allows eligible overseas investors to obtain New Zealand residency through compliant investment and ultimately apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV). The core legal framework for this visa includes the Immigration Act 2009, and the supporting investment management system has been further refined through the Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2025.
• Major policy changes (effective April 2025):
• A dual-track system replaces the scoring system: the original complex weighted investment system is abolished, and two new investment categories, "growth" and "balanced", are added.
• Investment threshold significantly reduced: The minimum investment amount has been drastically reduced from NZ$15 million to NZ$5 million.
• English language requirement removed: IELTS scores are no longer required.
• Age limit removed: There is no longer a requirement to be up to 65 years old.
• Eliminate business management experience requirement: No proof of business background is required.
• Very low residency requirements: You only need to reside in the country for a cumulative total of 21 days during the investment period to apply for permanent residency (growth type).
• No scoring system: The new policy completely abolishes the original EOI scoring system.
• Current Application Status: The new policy has been met with enthusiastic response. From April 1, 2025 to February 26, 2026, a total of 589 AIP applications were received, involving 1,891 applicants. Of these, 484 were growth-type applications and 105 were balanced-type applications. The corresponding minimum total investment amount is NZ$3.47 billion (approximately RMB 15.7 billion). Applicants from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan contributed more than one-third of the investment volume (approximately RMB 5 billion proportionally). The average processing time for applications to receive in-principle approval is only 35 working days, placing it among the leading investment immigration programs globally.
• Property Purchase Option: As a complementary incentive, after the relevant legislation is passed at the end of 2025, Active Investor Visa holders will be permitted to purchase residential or lifestyle properties worth more than NZ$5 million for owner-occupancy purposes. However, this is a new additional benefit enjoyed after the AIP visa is approved; the AIP application itself does not require property purchase.
• Status Types and Green Card Features: After AIP approval, you will first receive a Resident Visa. After meeting the investment period and residency requirements, you can apply for a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa (PRV). New Zealand's PRV is a unique global green card with no residency requirement—once obtained, it is valid for life without renewal, allowing free entry and exit at any time, and no residency restrictions. Based on legal income sources, you can also apply for citizenship. A New Zealand passport grants visa-free access to 172 countries/regions, and New Zealand citizens also enjoy the same welfare benefits as Australian residents.
• Accompanying family members (dependent family members): The main applicant's legal spouse and unmarried children under the age of 24 who are financially dependent on the main applicant may apply together. After the main applicant's application is approved, their accompanying children may apply for student visas to study locally, and the spouse may apply for a visitor visa or work visa.
• Policy Nature: The Active Investor Visa (AIP) is New Zealand's "Golden Visa," officially implemented on April 1, 2025, replacing the previous Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas. This visa allows eligible overseas investors to obtain New Zealand residency through compliant investment and ultimately apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV). The core legal framework for this visa includes the Immigration Act 2009, and the supporting investment management system has been further refined through the Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2025.
• Major policy changes (effective April 2025):
• A dual-track system replaces the scoring system: the original complex weighted investment system is abolished, and two new investment categories, "growth" and "balanced", are added.
• Investment threshold significantly reduced: The minimum investment amount has been drastically reduced from NZ$15 million to NZ$5 million.
• English language requirement removed: IELTS scores are no longer required.
• Age limit removed: There is no longer a requirement to be up to 65 years old.
• Eliminate business management experience requirement: No proof of business background is required.
• Very low residency requirements: You only need to reside in the country for a cumulative total of 21 days during the investment period to apply for permanent residency (growth type).
• No scoring system: The new policy completely abolishes the original EOI scoring system.
• Current Application Status: The new policy has been met with enthusiastic response. From April 1, 2025 to February 26, 2026, a total of 589 AIP applications were received, involving 1,891 applicants. Of these, 484 were growth-type applications and 105 were balanced-type applications. The corresponding minimum total investment amount is NZ$3.47 billion (approximately RMB 15.7 billion). Applicants from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan contributed more than one-third of the investment volume (approximately RMB 5 billion proportionally). The average processing time for applications to receive in-principle approval is only 35 working days, placing it among the leading investment immigration programs globally.
• Property Purchase Option: As a complementary incentive, after the relevant legislation is passed at the end of 2025, Active Investor Visa holders will be permitted to purchase residential or lifestyle properties worth more than NZ$5 million for owner-occupancy purposes. However, this is a new additional benefit enjoyed after the AIP visa is approved; the AIP application itself does not require property purchase.
• Status Types and Green Card Features: After AIP approval, you will first receive a Resident Visa. After meeting the investment period and residency requirements, you can apply for a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa (PRV). New Zealand's PRV is a unique global green card with no residency requirement—once obtained, it is valid for life without renewal, allowing free entry and exit at any time, and no residency restrictions. Based on legal income sources, you can also apply for citizenship. A New Zealand passport grants visa-free access to 172 countries/regions, and New Zealand citizens also enjoy the same welfare benefits as Australian residents.
• Accompanying family members (dependent family members): The main applicant's legal spouse and unmarried children under the age of 24 who are financially dependent on the main applicant may apply together. After the main applicant's application is approved, their accompanying children may apply for student visas to study locally, and the spouse may apply for a visitor visa or work visa.
Eligibility & Requirements
Applicant requirements
New Zealand's AIP (Average Investment Programme) immigrant investor visa has no points-based system and requires no language proficiency, age limit, educational qualifications, or business management background. The application requirements are extremely streamlined; applicants only need to meet the following core requirements:
• Main applicant's age: 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit; applicants over 65 years of age are also welcome to apply.
Investment Requirements: Complete a compliant investment in one of the following two categories. After receiving Approval in Principle, the applicant has six months to transfer and invest the investment funds, with a possible extension of six months (the maximum extension is typically 12 months). The investment period begins from the receipt of the first investment payment, and the immigration authorities will review the fund transfers and investment maintenance in stages.
(1) Growth Category
Project specific requirements
Minimum investment of NZ$5 million
Investment period: 3 years
The residency requirement is a cumulative stay of ≥21 days during the investment period (3 weeks for 3 years).
Acceptable investment types include managed funds and direct investment in New Zealand companies approved by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
Investments are subject to compliance reviews at the 24th and 36th month review stages.
Suitable for investors seeking higher risk and return, investments should be placed in sectors recognized as directly contributing to New Zealand's business vitality. Growth-oriented investors can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) after completing a 3-year investment period and meeting residency requirements; this is the shortest investment route to PRV.
(2) Balanced Category
Project specific requirements
Minimum investment of NZ$10 million
Investment period: 5 years
The residency requirement is a cumulative total of ≥105 days (approximately 15 weeks) during the investment period. The residency requirement can be reduced through additional investment: every additional NZD 1 million invested reduces the requirement by 14 days, up to a maximum reduction of 42 days (minimum 63 days).
Acceptable investment types are broader than those for growth investments, including: New Zealand government, local government, and corporate bonds; New Zealand listed company stocks; donations to New Zealand charities (meeting criteria); property development (new residential or new/existing commercial/industrial properties); and all types of growth investments.
Investments are subject to compliance reviews at the 24th and 60th month review stages.
Suitable for applicants who prefer a conservative, diversified investment approach, allowing for flexible allocation of funds across various sectors such as bonds, stocks, real estate development, or philanthropy. Funds are converted to PRV (Performance Revenue Value) only after the investment period ends.
• Proof of Funds: The investment funds must be proven to have been obtained through legal means, and bank transfer records must be provided. Documents proving the source of funds typically include bank statements, tax payment certificates, proof of legality for property sale/gift/inheritance, etc., and the funding chain must be complete and traceable.
• No criminal record: Applicants and accompanying family members must provide a certificate of no criminal record and meet the character standards set by the New Zealand Immigration Service.
• Health requirements: Applicants and accompanying family members must meet the health standards of the New Zealand Immigration Service and undergo medical examinations at designated institutions.
New Zealand's AIP (Average Investment Programme) immigrant investor visa has no points-based system and requires no language proficiency, age limit, educational qualifications, or business management background. The application requirements are extremely streamlined; applicants only need to meet the following core requirements:
• Main applicant's age: 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit; applicants over 65 years of age are also welcome to apply.
Investment Requirements: Complete a compliant investment in one of the following two categories. After receiving Approval in Principle, the applicant has six months to transfer and invest the investment funds, with a possible extension of six months (the maximum extension is typically 12 months). The investment period begins from the receipt of the first investment payment, and the immigration authorities will review the fund transfers and investment maintenance in stages.
(1) Growth Category
Project specific requirements
Minimum investment of NZ$5 million
Investment period: 3 years
The residency requirement is a cumulative stay of ≥21 days during the investment period (3 weeks for 3 years).
Acceptable investment types include managed funds and direct investment in New Zealand companies approved by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
Investments are subject to compliance reviews at the 24th and 36th month review stages.
Suitable for investors seeking higher risk and return, investments should be placed in sectors recognized as directly contributing to New Zealand's business vitality. Growth-oriented investors can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) after completing a 3-year investment period and meeting residency requirements; this is the shortest investment route to PRV.
(2) Balanced Category
Project specific requirements
Minimum investment of NZ$10 million
Investment period: 5 years
The residency requirement is a cumulative total of ≥105 days (approximately 15 weeks) during the investment period. The residency requirement can be reduced through additional investment: every additional NZD 1 million invested reduces the requirement by 14 days, up to a maximum reduction of 42 days (minimum 63 days).
Acceptable investment types are broader than those for growth investments, including: New Zealand government, local government, and corporate bonds; New Zealand listed company stocks; donations to New Zealand charities (meeting criteria); property development (new residential or new/existing commercial/industrial properties); and all types of growth investments.
Investments are subject to compliance reviews at the 24th and 60th month review stages.
Suitable for applicants who prefer a conservative, diversified investment approach, allowing for flexible allocation of funds across various sectors such as bonds, stocks, real estate development, or philanthropy. Funds are converted to PRV (Performance Revenue Value) only after the investment period ends.
• Proof of Funds: The investment funds must be proven to have been obtained through legal means, and bank transfer records must be provided. Documents proving the source of funds typically include bank statements, tax payment certificates, proof of legality for property sale/gift/inheritance, etc., and the funding chain must be complete and traceable.
• No criminal record: Applicants and accompanying family members must provide a certificate of no criminal record and meet the character standards set by the New Zealand Immigration Service.
• Health requirements: Applicants and accompanying family members must meet the health standards of the New Zealand Immigration Service and undergo medical examinations at designated institutions.
Application Process & Advice
suggestion
• New Policy Benefit Window (2025-2026): The significant reduction in entry requirements in April 2025 represents the most attractive policy window in the history of New Zealand's investor immigration program. The original NZ$15 million threshold was lowered to NZ$5 million, English language/age/points assessments were eliminated, and the residency requirement was reduced to 3 years and 21 days. This reduction has already attracted over NZ$3.4 billion to the market. There are no waiting lists or backlogs. However, as the number of applicants continues to increase, processing delays may occur. It is recommended to apply as early as possible to secure a prime window. As of February 2026, there have been nearly 600 applications under the new policy, with growth-oriented applications (NZ$5 million investment) accounting for 489 of them, making it the most popular choice.
Growth vs. Balanced: How to Choose?
• Reasons for choosing growth-oriented investments: Investors seeking to obtain residency quickly.
• Minimum investment of NZ$5 million (NZ$5 million less than the balanced option), shortest investment period (3 years), residency requirement of only 21 days, and fastest PRV conversion.
Investment options are limited to managed funds or direct investments by New Zealand companies, which carries certain risks and is suitable for those who prefer higher returns than stable bonds. According to application data, 94% AIP applicants chose growth-oriented investments (out of 584 applications, balanced investments accounted for less than 100), indirectly demonstrating that high-net-worth individuals highly value the migration efficiency of growth-oriented investments.
• Reasons for choosing a balanced approach: Investors who seek stable investments and diversified investment assets.
• Funds can be mixed and allocated: bonds, stocks, and real estate development, which diversifies risk and is suitable for family asset allocation models.
• For every additional NZD 1 million invested, the residency requirement can be reduced by 14 days (up to a maximum reduction of 42 days), offering greater flexibility for those with substantial funds. In practice, most applicants choosing the balanced option further reduce the residency requirement by making additional investments, bringing it down to 63 days.
• Decision-making advice: Before applying, clarify whether you are pursuing "fast residency" (choose the growth-oriented approach) or "steady capital growth" (choose the balanced approach). If you have ample funds but are unwilling to accept high-risk assets, the balanced approach is more suitable; if you have moderate funds and are willing to accept moderate risk in exchange for a lower financial threshold and a shorter period, then the growth-oriented approach is the overwhelmingly advantageous choice. In addition, it is recommended to consult a licensed New Zealand immigration consultant and tax lawyer to design and optimize your investment structure for compliance.
• Sufficient funds must be prepared:
• Minimum investment: NZD 5 million or 10 million.
• Service and legal fees: Immigration service fees range from approximately RMB 50,000 to RMB 300,000; New Zealand licensed lawyer fees are approximately NZD 20,000 to NZD 25,000 per household (approximately RMB 100,000 to RMB 120,000).
• Official fees charged by New Zealand Immigration Service:
• Online application fee: NZ$27,470 (including application fee and immigration tax). At the current exchange rate, this is approximately RMB 124,000.
• Service fees for technology transfer review and other related services after approval in principle will be paid separately according to the standard.
• Third-party fees:
• Notarization and translation fees for the source of funds: Approximately NZ$120-250 for a single notarized document, and approximately NZ$500-1,200 for the complete set of documents (bank statements, tax payment certificates, etc.).
• Medical examination fee: approximately RMB 1,600 per person.
• Property appraisal/audit fees, etc.: Charged on a per-item basis, totaling approximately RMB 3,000-8,000 (if property mortgage is required, etc.).
• English Language Training Fee (Only applicable under the original policy): The new policy has removed the English language requirement. However, accompanying family members, such as spouses/children, who are 16 years of age or older, will need to pay an ESOL training fee (starting from NZ$6795) if their IELTS score is below 5 during the transition period under the original policy. New applicants after the new policy officially takes effect are exempt. Please pay attention to the policy timeline.
• Total cash outflow estimate:
• Growth-oriented: Approximately NZD 5.27 million - 5.35 million (including third-party fees), which is approximately RMB 23.72 million - 24.1 million at an exchange rate of 1:4.5.
• Balanced option: approximately NZD 10.27 million - 10.35 million, ≈ RMB 46.22 million - 46.58 million.
Note: Service fees vary significantly between agencies, ranging from RMB 50,000 to RMB 300,000; therefore, the figures above are estimates only. Additionally, some property/asset lock-in or investment processes may involve extra tax costs; it is recommended to consult a local tax lawyer for specific details.
• Targeting the easing of home purchase restrictions after 2026: AIP visa holders will be able to purchase residential properties worth over NZ$5 million, lifting the ban on overseas buyers. Those planning to settle in New Zealand can plan ahead.
• Pay attention to additional tax and compliance risks:
• New Zealand Tax Residency Determination: AIP visa holders automatically become New Zealand tax residents after residing in the country for 183 consecutive days. Their worldwide income is subject to progressive tax rates (up to 39%). It is necessary to plan asset protection and tax optimization before applying to avoid being unexpectedly included in the marginal tax bracket.
• Anti-money laundering review: The proof of funds source is strict, and it is recommended to prepare a complete proof of the fund flow for 3-5 years in advance.
• Identity synchronization design: If the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 24 accompany the applicant, it must be ensured that the financial dependence of the children is verifiable; if the accompanying children are 24 years of age or older and still dependent on the applicant, additional proof of enrollment and proof of independent financial ability must be submitted to cope with third-party verification.
New Zealand Investor Immigration Application Process
1. Qualification assessment and contract signing (approximately 1-2 weeks):
• Confirm the main applicant and accompanying family members (spouse and unmarried children under 24 years of age).
Engage a licensed New Zealand immigration lawyer to conduct a preliminary review of the compliance of the source of funds and investment structure.
• Assess your health condition (make arrangements in advance to declare any past medical history that may incur long-term treatment costs, in order to avoid the risk of being deemed as being refused a visa later).
• Sign an immigration service agreement
2. Prepare application materials (approximately 3-4 months):
• Supporting documents for the source of funds (bank statements, company profit certificates, complete funding chain for asset sales/gifts/inheritance, etc.)
• Passport scans (for all accompanying persons)
• Certificate of no criminal record (notarized + translated)
• Medical examination report and chest X-ray (issued by a medical examination hospital designated by the Immigration Bureau)
• Proof of relationship with accompanying spouse, birth certificates of children, and proof of enrollment/financial dependence.
• A list of net assets (showing the composition of the NZ$5 million or NZ$10 million funds used for investment).
3. Submit the AIP visa application:
• Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed receipt of all required documents and the application process has begun.
According to current official data, applications for 80% receive approval in principle within three months.
The average processing time for actual applications is approximately 26 business days (3-6 weeks).
4. Obtain Approval in Principle (AIP):
The immigration department will issue a letter of approval in principle, specifying a list of acceptable investment projects.
• The applicant is granted a work visa, allowing them to travel to New Zealand to complete their investment arrangements (optional).
• Fund transfer and investment must be completed within 6 months of approval (one 6-month extension can be applied for to ensure smooth closing).
5. Complete the investment (within 6-12 months after approval):
• Transfer the declared assets to your New Zealand account via bank wire transfer.
• Complete the subscription of managed funds, direct investment, and allocation of bonds or stocks in accordance with the approved investment plan.
Submit proof of investment completion to the immigration department.
• If choosing to invest in growth or balanced direct investment/managed funds, ensure that the investments remain compliant and pass the checks at the 24th month and final review stages.
6. Approval of Resident Visa (approximately 3 months):
• Once proof is proven that the investment has been completed and all conditions have been met, the whole family will be issued resident visas.
• Granted permission to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely
7. Investment Period Management and Renewal:
• Growth-oriented: During the 3-year investment period, visa eligibility will be reviewed twice, in the 24th and 36th months after investment commencement, to ensure investment compliance; a cumulative residence period of 21 days is required.
• Balanced type: Investment review in the 24th and 60th months within the 5-year investment period, requiring a cumulative residence of 105 days (can be reduced).
• Visa renewal is granted after each stage meets the relevant review requirements.
8. Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV):
• Growth-oriented: After completing the 3-year investment period and meeting the residency requirements, you can immediately apply for a PRV.
• Balanced option: After completing the 5-year investment period and meeting the residency requirements, you can apply for a PRV (Permanent Residency Visa).
• Once approved, the PRV status is valid for life, with no residency requirements and free entry and exit.
9. (Optional) Apply for citizenship:
• After applying for a PRV, if you have held a PRV for 5 years and have lived in New Zealand for a cumulative period of no less than 1,350 days (an average of no less than 240 days per year over the 5 years), you can apply for citizenship.
• Holders of New Zealand passports enjoy visa-free access to 172 countries and territories and are entitled to the same welfare benefits as Australian residents.
Note: If the main applicant and accompanying family members each meet the residency requirements independently, it is recommended to coordinate entry and exit records to avoid inconsistencies. New Zealand recognizes dual citizenship; please confirm with your country of origin whether dual citizenship is permitted before applying for citizenship.
Total duration:
• Approval in principle: approximately 4-6 months
Investment completion: 6-12 months
• From initiation to visa approval: approximately 10-18 months (6-10 months with expedited processing)
• From initiation to obtaining PRV permanent residency: Growth-oriented (approximately 4-5 years); Balanced (approximately 6-7 years) (both refer to the PRV application processing period following the investment period).
Cost Reference Table (Example: Growth-oriented, estimated at 1 NZD ≈ 4.5 RMB):
The amount of the fees is approximately in RMB.
Investment amount: NZD 5,000,000 (22,500,000)
Immigration application fee: NZD 27,470 (Note: The last part, "123,615," appears to be an unrelated figure and is omitted from the translation.)
Legal fees: NZD 20,000-25,000; NZD 90,000-112,500
Immigration service fee (optional): RMB 50,000 - 300,000 (Note: The last part, "50,000 - 300,000", appears to be an unrelated typo and should be omitted.)
Notarized translation of source of funds: NZD 500-1,200; NZD 2,250-5,400
Medical examination fee: RMB 1,600 per person; 1,600 × number of people
The total cost excluding investment funds is approximately RMB 80,000 to 200,000.
• New Policy Benefit Window (2025-2026): The significant reduction in entry requirements in April 2025 represents the most attractive policy window in the history of New Zealand's investor immigration program. The original NZ$15 million threshold was lowered to NZ$5 million, English language/age/points assessments were eliminated, and the residency requirement was reduced to 3 years and 21 days. This reduction has already attracted over NZ$3.4 billion to the market. There are no waiting lists or backlogs. However, as the number of applicants continues to increase, processing delays may occur. It is recommended to apply as early as possible to secure a prime window. As of February 2026, there have been nearly 600 applications under the new policy, with growth-oriented applications (NZ$5 million investment) accounting for 489 of them, making it the most popular choice.
Growth vs. Balanced: How to Choose?
• Reasons for choosing growth-oriented investments: Investors seeking to obtain residency quickly.
• Minimum investment of NZ$5 million (NZ$5 million less than the balanced option), shortest investment period (3 years), residency requirement of only 21 days, and fastest PRV conversion.
Investment options are limited to managed funds or direct investments by New Zealand companies, which carries certain risks and is suitable for those who prefer higher returns than stable bonds. According to application data, 94% AIP applicants chose growth-oriented investments (out of 584 applications, balanced investments accounted for less than 100), indirectly demonstrating that high-net-worth individuals highly value the migration efficiency of growth-oriented investments.
• Reasons for choosing a balanced approach: Investors who seek stable investments and diversified investment assets.
• Funds can be mixed and allocated: bonds, stocks, and real estate development, which diversifies risk and is suitable for family asset allocation models.
• For every additional NZD 1 million invested, the residency requirement can be reduced by 14 days (up to a maximum reduction of 42 days), offering greater flexibility for those with substantial funds. In practice, most applicants choosing the balanced option further reduce the residency requirement by making additional investments, bringing it down to 63 days.
• Decision-making advice: Before applying, clarify whether you are pursuing "fast residency" (choose the growth-oriented approach) or "steady capital growth" (choose the balanced approach). If you have ample funds but are unwilling to accept high-risk assets, the balanced approach is more suitable; if you have moderate funds and are willing to accept moderate risk in exchange for a lower financial threshold and a shorter period, then the growth-oriented approach is the overwhelmingly advantageous choice. In addition, it is recommended to consult a licensed New Zealand immigration consultant and tax lawyer to design and optimize your investment structure for compliance.
• Sufficient funds must be prepared:
• Minimum investment: NZD 5 million or 10 million.
• Service and legal fees: Immigration service fees range from approximately RMB 50,000 to RMB 300,000; New Zealand licensed lawyer fees are approximately NZD 20,000 to NZD 25,000 per household (approximately RMB 100,000 to RMB 120,000).
• Official fees charged by New Zealand Immigration Service:
• Online application fee: NZ$27,470 (including application fee and immigration tax). At the current exchange rate, this is approximately RMB 124,000.
• Service fees for technology transfer review and other related services after approval in principle will be paid separately according to the standard.
• Third-party fees:
• Notarization and translation fees for the source of funds: Approximately NZ$120-250 for a single notarized document, and approximately NZ$500-1,200 for the complete set of documents (bank statements, tax payment certificates, etc.).
• Medical examination fee: approximately RMB 1,600 per person.
• Property appraisal/audit fees, etc.: Charged on a per-item basis, totaling approximately RMB 3,000-8,000 (if property mortgage is required, etc.).
• English Language Training Fee (Only applicable under the original policy): The new policy has removed the English language requirement. However, accompanying family members, such as spouses/children, who are 16 years of age or older, will need to pay an ESOL training fee (starting from NZ$6795) if their IELTS score is below 5 during the transition period under the original policy. New applicants after the new policy officially takes effect are exempt. Please pay attention to the policy timeline.
• Total cash outflow estimate:
• Growth-oriented: Approximately NZD 5.27 million - 5.35 million (including third-party fees), which is approximately RMB 23.72 million - 24.1 million at an exchange rate of 1:4.5.
• Balanced option: approximately NZD 10.27 million - 10.35 million, ≈ RMB 46.22 million - 46.58 million.
Note: Service fees vary significantly between agencies, ranging from RMB 50,000 to RMB 300,000; therefore, the figures above are estimates only. Additionally, some property/asset lock-in or investment processes may involve extra tax costs; it is recommended to consult a local tax lawyer for specific details.
• Targeting the easing of home purchase restrictions after 2026: AIP visa holders will be able to purchase residential properties worth over NZ$5 million, lifting the ban on overseas buyers. Those planning to settle in New Zealand can plan ahead.
• Pay attention to additional tax and compliance risks:
• New Zealand Tax Residency Determination: AIP visa holders automatically become New Zealand tax residents after residing in the country for 183 consecutive days. Their worldwide income is subject to progressive tax rates (up to 39%). It is necessary to plan asset protection and tax optimization before applying to avoid being unexpectedly included in the marginal tax bracket.
• Anti-money laundering review: The proof of funds source is strict, and it is recommended to prepare a complete proof of the fund flow for 3-5 years in advance.
• Identity synchronization design: If the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 24 accompany the applicant, it must be ensured that the financial dependence of the children is verifiable; if the accompanying children are 24 years of age or older and still dependent on the applicant, additional proof of enrollment and proof of independent financial ability must be submitted to cope with third-party verification.
New Zealand Investor Immigration Application Process
1. Qualification assessment and contract signing (approximately 1-2 weeks):
• Confirm the main applicant and accompanying family members (spouse and unmarried children under 24 years of age).
Engage a licensed New Zealand immigration lawyer to conduct a preliminary review of the compliance of the source of funds and investment structure.
• Assess your health condition (make arrangements in advance to declare any past medical history that may incur long-term treatment costs, in order to avoid the risk of being deemed as being refused a visa later).
• Sign an immigration service agreement
2. Prepare application materials (approximately 3-4 months):
• Supporting documents for the source of funds (bank statements, company profit certificates, complete funding chain for asset sales/gifts/inheritance, etc.)
• Passport scans (for all accompanying persons)
• Certificate of no criminal record (notarized + translated)
• Medical examination report and chest X-ray (issued by a medical examination hospital designated by the Immigration Bureau)
• Proof of relationship with accompanying spouse, birth certificates of children, and proof of enrollment/financial dependence.
• A list of net assets (showing the composition of the NZ$5 million or NZ$10 million funds used for investment).
3. Submit the AIP visa application:
• Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed receipt of all required documents and the application process has begun.
According to current official data, applications for 80% receive approval in principle within three months.
The average processing time for actual applications is approximately 26 business days (3-6 weeks).
4. Obtain Approval in Principle (AIP):
The immigration department will issue a letter of approval in principle, specifying a list of acceptable investment projects.
• The applicant is granted a work visa, allowing them to travel to New Zealand to complete their investment arrangements (optional).
• Fund transfer and investment must be completed within 6 months of approval (one 6-month extension can be applied for to ensure smooth closing).
5. Complete the investment (within 6-12 months after approval):
• Transfer the declared assets to your New Zealand account via bank wire transfer.
• Complete the subscription of managed funds, direct investment, and allocation of bonds or stocks in accordance with the approved investment plan.
Submit proof of investment completion to the immigration department.
• If choosing to invest in growth or balanced direct investment/managed funds, ensure that the investments remain compliant and pass the checks at the 24th month and final review stages.
6. Approval of Resident Visa (approximately 3 months):
• Once proof is proven that the investment has been completed and all conditions have been met, the whole family will be issued resident visas.
• Granted permission to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely
7. Investment Period Management and Renewal:
• Growth-oriented: During the 3-year investment period, visa eligibility will be reviewed twice, in the 24th and 36th months after investment commencement, to ensure investment compliance; a cumulative residence period of 21 days is required.
• Balanced type: Investment review in the 24th and 60th months within the 5-year investment period, requiring a cumulative residence of 105 days (can be reduced).
• Visa renewal is granted after each stage meets the relevant review requirements.
8. Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV):
• Growth-oriented: After completing the 3-year investment period and meeting the residency requirements, you can immediately apply for a PRV.
• Balanced option: After completing the 5-year investment period and meeting the residency requirements, you can apply for a PRV (Permanent Residency Visa).
• Once approved, the PRV status is valid for life, with no residency requirements and free entry and exit.
9. (Optional) Apply for citizenship:
• After applying for a PRV, if you have held a PRV for 5 years and have lived in New Zealand for a cumulative period of no less than 1,350 days (an average of no less than 240 days per year over the 5 years), you can apply for citizenship.
• Holders of New Zealand passports enjoy visa-free access to 172 countries and territories and are entitled to the same welfare benefits as Australian residents.
Note: If the main applicant and accompanying family members each meet the residency requirements independently, it is recommended to coordinate entry and exit records to avoid inconsistencies. New Zealand recognizes dual citizenship; please confirm with your country of origin whether dual citizenship is permitted before applying for citizenship.
Total duration:
• Approval in principle: approximately 4-6 months
Investment completion: 6-12 months
• From initiation to visa approval: approximately 10-18 months (6-10 months with expedited processing)
• From initiation to obtaining PRV permanent residency: Growth-oriented (approximately 4-5 years); Balanced (approximately 6-7 years) (both refer to the PRV application processing period following the investment period).
Cost Reference Table (Example: Growth-oriented, estimated at 1 NZD ≈ 4.5 RMB):
The amount of the fees is approximately in RMB.
Investment amount: NZD 5,000,000 (22,500,000)
Immigration application fee: NZD 27,470 (Note: The last part, "123,615," appears to be an unrelated figure and is omitted from the translation.)
Legal fees: NZD 20,000-25,000; NZD 90,000-112,500
Immigration service fee (optional): RMB 50,000 - 300,000 (Note: The last part, "50,000 - 300,000", appears to be an unrelated typo and should be omitted.)
Notarized translation of source of funds: NZD 500-1,200; NZD 2,250-5,400
Medical examination fee: RMB 1,600 per person; 1,600 × number of people
The total cost excluding investment funds is approximately RMB 80,000 to 200,000.