New Zealand Investor Immigration
Migration Program Details & Application
Program Overview
Project Description
New Zealand’s primary investment immigration category is the Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP), which was launched in September 2022 and reopened for applications in April 2025 after major revisions.
This visa is New Zealand's "Golden Visa" program, which is divided into two investment categories:
Category Investment Amount Investment Period Residence Requirements
Growth-oriented NZ$5 million over 3 years and 21 days (within 3 years)
Balanced NZD 10 million for 5 years and 105 days (within 5 years)
Investment direction:
• Growth-oriented: Requires investment in InvestNZ-approved managed funds or direct investment projects, focusing on sectors such as infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, health, and education.
• Balanced: Broader scope, including government/corporate bonds, listed stocks, real estate development, charitable donations, and all investments permitted by growth-oriented investment plans.
Latest policy updates:
• From the implementation of the new policy in April 2025 to January 2026, 532 applications have been received, with a total investment of NZ$3.39 billion.
Approximately 80% applicants chose the growth pathway (NZD 5 million), with the main source countries being the United States (38%), China (16%), and Hong Kong (13%).
• From March 6, 2026, AIP visa holders will be able to purchase residential properties valued at NZ$5 million or more.
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New Zealand’s primary investment immigration category is the Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP), which was launched in September 2022 and reopened for applications in April 2025 after major revisions.
This visa is New Zealand's "Golden Visa" program, which is divided into two investment categories:
Category Investment Amount Investment Period Residence Requirements
Growth-oriented NZ$5 million over 3 years and 21 days (within 3 years)
Balanced NZD 10 million for 5 years and 105 days (within 5 years)
Investment direction:
• Growth-oriented: Requires investment in InvestNZ-approved managed funds or direct investment projects, focusing on sectors such as infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, health, and education.
• Balanced: Broader scope, including government/corporate bonds, listed stocks, real estate development, charitable donations, and all investments permitted by growth-oriented investment plans.
Latest policy updates:
• From the implementation of the new policy in April 2025 to January 2026, 532 applications have been received, with a total investment of NZ$3.39 billion.
Approximately 80% applicants chose the growth pathway (NZD 5 million), with the main source countries being the United States (38%), China (16%), and Hong Kong (13%).
• From March 6, 2026, AIP visa holders will be able to purchase residential properties valued at NZ$5 million or more.
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Eligibility & Requirements
Application requirements
I. Active Investor + Visa (AIP)
Core requirements:
1. Funding Requirements:
• Proof of legal source: Funds must be legally obtained, and bank statements, tax records, and shareholding certificates are required.
• The nomination funds must be assets registered in the name of the applicant or their spouse.
2. Health and Character:
• No major infectious diseases
• Certificate of no criminal record
3. Accompanying children:
Children under 25 years of age who are unmarried and dependent on their parents may accompany them.
4. Living requirements:
• Growth type: Accumulate 21 days of stay within 3 years
• Balanced: Accumulate 105 days of residence within 5 years (reduced by 14 days for every additional NZD 1 million invested in growth investments, up to a maximum reduction of 42 days).
5. English requirement: None (removed under the new policy)
6. Age requirement: No upper limit
Funds arrival time: Fund transfer and investment shall be completed within 6 months after approval in principle (an extension of 6 months may be requested).
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II. Business Investor Visa (BIV) – Another Optional Pathway
If you cannot meet the high investment threshold of AIP, you may consider BIV (applications open in November 2025):
Investment amount, business requirements, residency requirements, and application time for residency.
After operating a business with NZD 1 million for 3 years (184 days per year),
After operating a business with NZ$2 million for one full year (184 days per year)...
Company requirements: Acquire or invest in a mature company that has been operating for ≥5 years and employs ≥5 people, and be personally involved in its management and create 1 new local position.
Prohibited industries: convenience stores, fast food restaurants, franchise stores, vape shops, etc.
Other requirements: Age ≤ 55 years old, IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
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I. Active Investor + Visa (AIP)
Core requirements:
1. Funding Requirements:
• Proof of legal source: Funds must be legally obtained, and bank statements, tax records, and shareholding certificates are required.
• The nomination funds must be assets registered in the name of the applicant or their spouse.
2. Health and Character:
• No major infectious diseases
• Certificate of no criminal record
3. Accompanying children:
Children under 25 years of age who are unmarried and dependent on their parents may accompany them.
4. Living requirements:
• Growth type: Accumulate 21 days of stay within 3 years
• Balanced: Accumulate 105 days of residence within 5 years (reduced by 14 days for every additional NZD 1 million invested in growth investments, up to a maximum reduction of 42 days).
5. English requirement: None (removed under the new policy)
6. Age requirement: No upper limit
Funds arrival time: Fund transfer and investment shall be completed within 6 months after approval in principle (an extension of 6 months may be requested).
---
II. Business Investor Visa (BIV) – Another Optional Pathway
If you cannot meet the high investment threshold of AIP, you may consider BIV (applications open in November 2025):
Investment amount, business requirements, residency requirements, and application time for residency.
After operating a business with NZD 1 million for 3 years (184 days per year),
After operating a business with NZ$2 million for one full year (184 days per year)...
Company requirements: Acquire or invest in a mature company that has been operating for ≥5 years and employs ≥5 people, and be personally involved in its management and create 1 new local position.
Prohibited industries: convenience stores, fast food restaurants, franchise stores, vape shops, etc.
Other requirements: Age ≤ 55 years old, IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
---
Application Process & Advice
suggestion
1. Preferred AIP growth path (NZD 5 million route)
• Extremely short residency period (only 21 days in 3 years), virtually no residency requirement pressure.
Shorter investment period, greater financial flexibility
Currently, 80% applicants are choosing this route, indicating a high level of policy maturity.
2. Funds need to be prepared 6-12 months in advance.
Proof of funds is the core of the audit; complete bank statements, tax records, and equity/asset sale documents must be retained.
The immigration authorities are strictly investigating temporary loans and large sums of money deposited in a short period of time; it is recommended to collect and standardize funds in advance.
3. Balanced investment is suitable for conservative investors.
• If you prefer low-risk investments such as bonds and blue-chip stocks, you can choose the NZ$10 million route.
• Length of stay can be reduced by making additional growth-related investments.
4. New regulations on real estate investment require attention.
• Purchasing a residential property worth NZ$5 million or more requires an OIO (Overseas Investment Office) permit.
• This type of property is not counted towards the investment amount for investment immigration and is intended solely for personal use.
5. BIV is suitable for those who are interested in running a business.
• For those with NZD 1-2 million in capital and a willingness to genuinely operate a business, BIV is a lower-threshold option.
However, caution is advised regarding strict verification of "operational authenticity," as remote management could be tantamount to visa refusal.
6. Be wary of tight supply of investment targets.
Currently, AIP funds exceed NZ$3 billion, and high-quality pre-approved funds are in high demand. It is recommended to lock in investment targets as early as possible.
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New Zealand Investor Immigration Application Process
AIP Visa Standard Process
Step 1: Assessment and Preparation (1-3 months)
• Confirm the source of funds is compliant and prepare asset verification documents.
• Select your intended investment targets (managed funds or direct investment).
Step 2: Submit your immigration application (online submission)
• Submit your AIP visa application through the New Zealand Immigration website
• Upload all supporting documents (proof of funds, health check-up, notarized certificate of no criminal record, etc.)
• Current processing time: Approval in principle takes an average of 33 working days.
Step 3: Obtain Approval in Principle
• The immigration service issues a letter of approval in principle after reviewing and approving the application.
Funds do not need to be transferred immediately at this time.
Step 4: Complete the investment (within 6 months)
• Transferring funds to New Zealand through the banking system
• Complete the capital contribution to the designated investment target.
• If an extension is needed, an additional 6 months can be applied for.
Step 5: Obtain a Resident Visa
• Obtain a resident visa after the investment is completed
• Attached investment retention conditions
Step 6: Meet the investment period and residency requirements
• Growth-oriented: Maintain investment for 36 months + reside there for 21 days
• Balanced approach: Maintain investment for 60+ months and reside there for 105+ days
• Investment retention checkpoints: 24 months and 36/60 months
Step 7: Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa
• Upon completion of all investment and residency requirements, a permanent return visa (PRV) can be obtained.
• PRVs have no residency restrictions, are valid for life, and allow entry and exit from New Zealand at any time.
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Simplified timeline
```
Assessment and preparation → Application submission → Approval in principle → Investment completion → Resident visa → Meeting investment/residence requirements → Permanent residency
January to March: 33 working days; June to December: 36/60 months PRV
Consulting fee: $500
1. Preferred AIP growth path (NZD 5 million route)
• Extremely short residency period (only 21 days in 3 years), virtually no residency requirement pressure.
Shorter investment period, greater financial flexibility
Currently, 80% applicants are choosing this route, indicating a high level of policy maturity.
2. Funds need to be prepared 6-12 months in advance.
Proof of funds is the core of the audit; complete bank statements, tax records, and equity/asset sale documents must be retained.
The immigration authorities are strictly investigating temporary loans and large sums of money deposited in a short period of time; it is recommended to collect and standardize funds in advance.
3. Balanced investment is suitable for conservative investors.
• If you prefer low-risk investments such as bonds and blue-chip stocks, you can choose the NZ$10 million route.
• Length of stay can be reduced by making additional growth-related investments.
4. New regulations on real estate investment require attention.
• Purchasing a residential property worth NZ$5 million or more requires an OIO (Overseas Investment Office) permit.
• This type of property is not counted towards the investment amount for investment immigration and is intended solely for personal use.
5. BIV is suitable for those who are interested in running a business.
• For those with NZD 1-2 million in capital and a willingness to genuinely operate a business, BIV is a lower-threshold option.
However, caution is advised regarding strict verification of "operational authenticity," as remote management could be tantamount to visa refusal.
6. Be wary of tight supply of investment targets.
Currently, AIP funds exceed NZ$3 billion, and high-quality pre-approved funds are in high demand. It is recommended to lock in investment targets as early as possible.
---
New Zealand Investor Immigration Application Process
AIP Visa Standard Process
Step 1: Assessment and Preparation (1-3 months)
• Confirm the source of funds is compliant and prepare asset verification documents.
• Select your intended investment targets (managed funds or direct investment).
Step 2: Submit your immigration application (online submission)
• Submit your AIP visa application through the New Zealand Immigration website
• Upload all supporting documents (proof of funds, health check-up, notarized certificate of no criminal record, etc.)
• Current processing time: Approval in principle takes an average of 33 working days.
Step 3: Obtain Approval in Principle
• The immigration service issues a letter of approval in principle after reviewing and approving the application.
Funds do not need to be transferred immediately at this time.
Step 4: Complete the investment (within 6 months)
• Transferring funds to New Zealand through the banking system
• Complete the capital contribution to the designated investment target.
• If an extension is needed, an additional 6 months can be applied for.
Step 5: Obtain a Resident Visa
• Obtain a resident visa after the investment is completed
• Attached investment retention conditions
Step 6: Meet the investment period and residency requirements
• Growth-oriented: Maintain investment for 36 months + reside there for 21 days
• Balanced approach: Maintain investment for 60+ months and reside there for 105+ days
• Investment retention checkpoints: 24 months and 36/60 months
Step 7: Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa
• Upon completion of all investment and residency requirements, a permanent return visa (PRV) can be obtained.
• PRVs have no residency restrictions, are valid for life, and allow entry and exit from New Zealand at any time.
---
Simplified timeline
```
Assessment and preparation → Application submission → Approval in principle → Investment completion → Resident visa → Meeting investment/residence requirements → Permanent residency
January to March: 33 working days; June to December: 36/60 months PRV
Consulting fee: $500