New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable countries — stable governance, clean environment, strong rule of law, and a high-quality education system. For high-net-worth individuals looking to secure permanent residency in a well-regarded jurisdiction, the Active Investor Plus Visa is one of the most credible pathways available globally.
This article breaks down how the programme works, what it requires, and why it deserves serious consideration as part of a broader wealth and residency planning strategy.
What Is the Active Investor Plus Visa?
Introduced by Immigration New Zealand, the Active Investor Plus Visa (formerly known as the Investor 1 Visa) is a residence-class visa designed for investors who can commit significant capital into New Zealand. Unlike passive investor programmes, this visa is structured to encourage genuine economic participation — investments that actively support New Zealand businesses, job creation, and capital markets.
Upon meeting the investment and time requirements, applicants gain New Zealand permanent residency — one of the most valued travel documents and residency statuses in the Asia-Pacific region.
Key Requirements at a Glance
The programme centres on a minimum NZD $5 million investment, held for a period of four years. However, the total amount required depends on how you invest — each investment type carries a different weighting multiplier that determines how much it counts toward your NZD $5 million threshold.
Investment Categories and Weightings
| Investment Type | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Direct investments in NZ companies (private equity, venture capital) | 1.0× |
| Listed equities on the NZX and other approved exchanges | 0.5× |
| Managed funds (NZ-domiciled, approved) | Varies |
| Philanthropic contributions (capped portion) | Up to 15% of requirement |
In practice, this means:
- NZD $5 million in direct equity investments fully satisfies the threshold.
- NZD $10 million in listed equities (weighted at 0.5×) also satisfies it.
- A blended portfolio across categories can meet the requirement at various combinations in between.
This structure gives investors meaningful flexibility to align their NZ investment with their existing strategy, risk profile, and liquidity preferences.
Time in New Zealand
Applicants are required to spend a minimum of 117 days in New Zealand over the four-year investment period — roughly 29 days per year on average. This is a relatively modest commitment compared with many other residency-by-investment programmes globally, making it practical for investors who maintain businesses or family elsewhere.
Who Can Apply?
The Active Investor Plus Visa is open to investors globally. There is no nationality restriction. Key eligibility criteria include:
- Minimum investment: NZD $5 million (or equivalent weighted amount, depending on investment mix)
- Legitimate source of funds: Applicants must demonstrate that funds are lawfully obtained
- Good character: Standard Immigration New Zealand character requirements apply
- English language: Minimum IELTS 3.0 (or equivalent), or an exemption applies for certain nationalities and situations
- Health: Standard health requirements apply
Family members — including a partner and dependent children — can be included in the application and receive residency alongside the primary applicant.
The Investment: What Qualifies?
Acceptable investments are those that contribute meaningfully to the New Zealand economy. Broadly, these include:
- Equity stakes in New Zealand-based private companies — the highest-weighted category, favoured by investors seeking direct business exposure
- New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) listed shares — provides liquidity and diversification across sectors including infrastructure, property, and technology
- Bonds and debt instruments issued by New Zealand entities (specific types qualify)
- Approved managed funds — professionally managed NZ-domiciled funds that invest in qualifying assets
- Philanthropic contributions — donations to approved New Zealand charities can satisfy up to 15% of the investment requirement
Investments must generally remain committed for the full four-year period. Immigration New Zealand monitors compliance throughout.
Why New Zealand, and Why Now?
New Zealand offers a combination of attributes that is genuinely rare:
Political and institutional stability. New Zealand has one of the world’s most transparent governments, consistently ranking in the top tier of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Property rights are strongly protected, and the legal system is independent and well-functioning.
Quality of life. Clean air, world-class outdoor environments, excellent public health infrastructure, and one of the lowest population densities among developed nations. For families with children, the public and private education systems are well regarded internationally.
Strategic location. New Zealand sits within the Asia-Pacific time zone, with strong air connections to Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Sydney. For investors with business interests across the region, it is a practical base.
Passport strength. New Zealand passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Schengen area, the United States, and Japan.
Pathway to citizenship. After holding permanent residency and meeting physical presence requirements, investors can apply for New Zealand citizenship — one of the most respected nationalities globally.
The Application Process
The Active Investor Plus Visa process involves several stages:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants submit an expression of interest to Immigration New Zealand. EOIs are assessed and selected from a pool.
- Invitation to Apply: Selected applicants receive an invitation and have a defined window to submit a full application.
- Application assessment: Immigration New Zealand reviews the application, verifying source of funds, character, health, and the proposed investment plan.
- Approval in Principle: Once approved, the applicant receives conditional approval pending activation of the investment.
- Investment activation: Funds are transferred and invested into qualifying New Zealand assets.
- Residence visa granted: Upon confirmation of investment, the residence visa is issued for the applicant and accompanying family members.
- Four-year compliance period: Investor maintains investments and meets time-in-NZ obligations.
- Permanent residency confirmed: At the end of the compliance period, residency status is confirmed.
Engaging experienced immigration counsel and a financial adviser familiar with NZ-compliant investment structures is strongly recommended before lodging an EOI.
How Prime Capital Can Help
At Prime Capital, we work with investors who are considering or actively pursuing the Active Investor Plus Visa alongside their broader Australia and New Zealand investment strategy. We help clients think through:
- The investment component — identifying NZX-listed securities, managed funds, or direct equity opportunities that qualify under the programme and align with the client’s return objectives
- Portfolio integration — structuring the NZ investment alongside Australian property holdings or other Asia-Pacific assets in a coherent way
- Sequencing — understanding how the timing of an NZ visa application interacts with an Australian visa strategy, FIRB obligations, or existing tax residency arrangements
We do not provide immigration legal advice — we work alongside your immigration counsel, not instead of them. But for investors who want their capital working intelligently during the four-year window, that coordination matters.
To discuss how an Active Investor Plus Visa strategy might integrate with your broader investment plan, please contact our team.
General information only. Immigration requirements change — always verify current thresholds, weightings, and procedures directly with Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser. This article does not constitute immigration, financial, legal, or tax advice.