Expert advice on New Zealand investor residence visa options
Why Investor Visas Matter
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa provides a residency pathway for high net worth individuals. These visas involve significant capital and require careful planning to meet strict criteria around investment type, time in New Zealand, and long term compliance.
We help you understand your options and meet the requirements with confidence, from initial eligibility through to final approval.
Current Rules and Investment Pathways
From April 2025, two main options are available:
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Growth route
Invest at least NZ$5 million over three years and spend a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand.
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Balanced route
Invest NZ$10 million over five years and spend at least 105 days in New Zealand. Fewer days may apply if more is invested in growth assets.
What We Help With
We assist investor migrants by:
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Assessing eligibility and advising on visa requirements
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Recommending the most suitable category based on your goals
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Explaining acceptable investment options including managed funds, direct investments, listed equities, property development, and philanthropy
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Preparing and reviewing documentation to support your application
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Managing communication with Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Tailored Support for Global Investors
We act as your legal and strategic partner throughout the visa process. Our support is tailored to your investment profile, residency goals, and timeframe.
We work with clients based in New Zealand and internationally, including family offices, wealth advisors, and individuals managing their own applications.
Where We Work
Our immigration law specialists are based in Wellington and the Wairarapa, supporting investor visa clients throughout New Zealand and across global markets.
Questions We Often Get Asked About Investor Visas and Residency in New Zealand
Who can apply for New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa?
You may be eligible for this visa if you meet the investment and residency requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. There are minimum investment thresholds, time in country requirements, and rules about acceptable asset types. We assess your situation and advise whether this pathway is suitable for you.
What is the difference between the Growth route and the Balanced route?
The Growth route requires a lower investment amount but more of that investment must go into growth assets. The Balanced route allows for a broader investment spread but has higher total capital and time in New Zealand requirements. We help you choose the right path based on your preferences and timeline.
What kinds of investments qualify under this visa?
Eligible investments may include managed funds, direct investments in private businesses, listed equities, property development, and in some cases, philanthropic donations. The investment must meet Immigration New Zealand and NZTE criteria. We guide you through what qualifies and what does not.
Do I need to spend time in New Zealand to maintain this visa?
Yes. Each category has a minimum number of days that must be spent in New Zealand over the investment period. The Balanced route requires more days than the Growth route, unless a higher percentage of the investment is placed in growth assets. We help you plan ahead so you stay compliant.
Can I manage the application from outside New Zealand?
Yes. Many of our clients are based overseas. We support the full process remotely, including eligibility review, application preparation, investment structuring, and ongoing compliance reporting.
