Moving to New Zealand 2026: Visas, Residency and the Investor Route

Moving to New Zealand is an ambition for many people, drawn by its stunning natural landscapes, exceptionally high quality of life and famously stable political environment. For high-net-worth individuals, direct investment offers a clear and structured pathway to residency. New Zealand actively seeks people who can make a tangible contribution to its economy and has established a transparent framework for those prepared to make a significant financial commitment. The government's policy is deliberately designed to channel investment funds into productive and innovative areas of the economy, fostering sustainable growth and creating opportunities for New Zealanders.

This comprehensive guide explores the options available for securing New Zealand residency, focusing primarily on the main route designed for investors: the Active Investor Plus visa. We will examine its detailed requirements, the considerable benefits it offers to investors and their families and the step-by-step application process. Whether you are in the early stages of consideration or preparing your strategy, this guide provides the foundational knowledge you need for a major life decision like moving to another country such as New Zealand.

Can you move to New Zealand by investing?

Yes, moving to New Zealand through a significant investment is a well-established and viable pathway. The government specifically created the Active Investor Plus visa for this purpose, a programme that replaced all previous investor visa categories. This change represents a significant strategic shift in New Zealand's immigration policy, moving away from passive investments, such as holding government bonds, towards more dynamic and direct contributions that actively fuel the nation’s economic growth and innovation.

The philosophy behind the visa is that New Zealand is seeking genuine partners in its economic development, not simply selling residency permits. By requiring investors to place their funds in specific types of assets, the government aims to stimulate local businesses, encourage entrepreneurial innovation and ultimately create more high-value jobs. This clear focus on 'active' contribution is what differentiates the New Zealand programme from many other global investment migration schemes. For individuals who meet the financial threshold and are willing to engage with the local economy, the pathway is structured to be straightforward. It offers a direct route to residency that is not dependent on other factors like age, specific professional skills or having a pre-arranged employment offer.

Active Investor Plus: the New Zealand golden visa

The Active Investor Plus visa is New Zealand's version of what is often called a 'golden visa' and it is the sole designated pathway for high-net-worth individuals to gain residency through investment. The entire programme is meticulously designed to benefit the national economy by directing substantial foreign capital towards growth-oriented enterprises and innovative funds. As of the current settings implemented on 1 April 2025, the visa requires a large investment to be made and held for several years, coupled with a minimum physical presence requirement to ensure investors build a connection to the country.

This visa can be viewed as a formal contract between the investor and New Zealand. The investor commits significant capital to a portfolio of approved investments for a defined term. In return, the investor and their immediate family gain the right to live, work and study in the country, enjoying the benefits of its world-class public services. A key feature that broadens its appeal globally is its lack of an English language requirement or an upper age limit. This makes it a highly accessible option for a diverse range of international investors and their families. For a more detailed analysis, you can see our comprehensive guide to the New Zealand Active Investor Plus visa.

It is critically important for all applicants to be aware that the visa's parameters have evolved over time. The current settings, effective from 1 April 2025, are the only ones that apply to any new applications. Relying on outdated information from previous investor categories or old articles can lead to significant planning errors and a rejected application. The visa presents two main investment options, the Growth and Balanced categories, which offer different trade-offs between the investment amount, duration and time spent in New Zealand.

Growth vs Balanced

Under the Active Investor Plus visa programme, all applicants must make a crucial decision at the outset by choosing between two distinct investment strategies: the Growth category or the Balanced category. This choice is fundamental as it directly determines the minimum investment amount required, the minimum duration for which the investment must be held and the number of days the principal applicant must physically spend in New Zealand over the investment term. The Growth category is designed to direct a lower amount of capital into higher-impact areas of the economy for a shorter period, with a correspondingly minimal physical presence requirement. The Balanced category, in contrast, requires a larger total investment held for a longer duration but allows for a more conservative mix of assets, with a significantly higher physical presence requirement.

The government’s preference is clearly signalled in the structure of these two options. The Growth category’s lower financial bar and minimal stay requirement are deliberately designed to incentivise investment in key strategic areas like private companies and managed equity funds. These are seen as having the greatest potential for economic stimulus and job creation. The Balanced option serves as an important alternative for more risk-averse investors or for those who are already planning to spend a substantial amount of time in New Zealand from the beginning of their residency. It is also worth noting that applicants in the Balanced category can reduce their physical presence requirement by allocating a portion of their funds towards qualifying Growth investments. This choice between Growth and Balanced is a critical strategic decision that should be based on a thorough assessment of your financial goals, personal risk appetite and long-term plans for living in New Zealand.

Who can be included

A key appeal of the Active Investor Plus visa is its highly inclusive and family-friendly approach to defining who can be included in a single application. A successful application can cover not only the principal applicant but also their partner and any dependent children who are aged 24 or under at the time of the application.

This is a generous provision that facilitates family unity, a crucial factor for many people considering a significant international relocation. It removes the uncertainty and complexity of having to file separate applications for immediate family members. Once the resident visa is granted, all included family members gain the same rights. They can live anywhere in the country, work for any employer and study at any of New Zealand's educational institutions. This provides immediate access to the country's high-quality public education and healthcare systems, making the transition smoother for the entire family.

Applicants must be prepared to provide clear evidence to meet the specific definitions of 'partner' and 'dependent child' as required by Immigration New Zealand. A partner can be a legal spouse or a person in a civil union. It can also be a de facto partner, but the relationship must be proven to be stable, genuine and likely to endure. For children to be considered dependent, they must be single and shown to be fully or substantially reliant on their parents for financial support. A significant advantage is that there are no separate English language tests, age limits or investment requirements for these included family members.

Demand so far

Since its launch, the Active Investor Plus visa has seen significant and sustained interest from the global investor community. Official data released by Immigration New Zealand, which is current as of 31 March 2026, shows that a total of 635 applications have been received under this new category. This figure demonstrates a healthy appetite for New Zealand residency among high-net-worth individuals.

The breakdown of these applications between the two investment categories is particularly revealing of investor priorities. An overwhelming majority, representing 82% of all applicants, have chosen the Growth category. This strong preference suggests that most investors are drawn to the combination of a lower minimum investment of NZD 5 million and a greatly reduced physical presence requirement of just 21 days over a 36-month period. This structure is perfectly suited to active international business people or investors who have ongoing personal or professional commitments in other parts of the world but still wish to secure a high-quality residency option for their family's future.

This path, which requires a larger NZD 10 million investment and a longer physical stay in the country, likely appeals to a different type of investor. These individuals may be more risk-averse in their financial strategy or may already be prepared to immerse themselves more fully and immediately into New Zealand life. The pronounced preference for the Growth option clearly highlights the market's positive response to the government's incentives, which successfully steer capital towards areas deemed most beneficial for the country's economic development.

Want help comparing your options? Get matched with a specialist from one of our partner advisory firms.

Other New Zealand residency routes

While the Active Investor Plus visa is the premier and most direct route for investors, it is important to recognise that it is not the only way to gain residency in New Zealand. The country offers a variety of immigration pathways designed for people with different skills, qualifications and personal circumstances. Understanding these alternatives provides valuable context and helps confirm if the investment route is the most suitable one for you.

The most common alternative pathway is the Skilled Migrant Category. This is a points-based system designed for individuals who possess the specific skills, qualifications and experience that New Zealand has identified as being in demand. Applicants typically need a skilled job offer from an approved New Zealand employer and must meet a certain points threshold. The system considers factors such as age, relevant work experience, recognised qualifications and the location of the job offer. This route focuses on attracting 'human capital' rather than financial capital.

Other pathways are also available. These include work-to-residence visas, where individuals working in specific roles for an accredited employer can apply for residency after a set period, typically two or three years. Family-based routes are also a significant pathway for those who have a partner, parent or adult child who is already a New Zealand citizen or resident. Each of these categories has its own complex set of rules and eligibility criteria. For detailed, official and current information on all visa types, the only reliable source is the Immigration New Zealand website at immigration.govt.nz.

Comparing these options to programmes in other countries can also be a useful exercise. You can explore opportunities in a neighbouring country through our guide on moving to Australia. Understanding the global landscape of investment migration, from the best golden visa programs of 2026 to the top countries for Americans to move to, will help you make a fully informed decision about your future.

How to apply

The application process for the Active Investor Plus visa is a comprehensive, multi-stage journey that demands meticulous preparation and attention to detail. Due to the complexity and the significant financial sums involved, most applicants choose to work with experienced legal and financial advisors to navigate the process smoothly. The following steps outline the typical journey from initial consideration to receiving your resident visa.

1. Initial Assessment and Strategy: The first step is a thorough evaluation of your personal and financial situation to confirm your eligibility. This involves choosing between the Growth and Balanced investment categories, a decision that will shape the rest of your application. You must identify the funds you intend to use for the investment and confirm that they are from a lawful source and can be legally transferred to New Zealand. At this critical stage, you should seek professional advice to create a detailed investment plan and fully understand the tax implications in both your home country and New Zealand.
2. Prepare and Submit Your Application: This stage involves gathering a large volume of required documents. These include proof of identity for you and all family members, extensive evidence demonstrating the legitimate source of your investment funds, police certificates from every country you have lived in for a significant period and all the necessary papers to prove relationships for your included partner and dependent children. Once compiled, you submit the complete application and pay the required fee online through the Immigration New Zealand portal.
3. Approval in Principle (AIP): Once submitted, Immigration New Zealand will conduct a detailed assessment of your application. An immigration officer will scrutinise your file to ensure you meet the strict criteria for good character, health and the lawful source of your funds. If everything is in order, you will receive an Approval in Principle. The AIP is a major milestone. It is official confirmation of your eligibility for the visa, conditional upon you making the proposed investment.
4. Make the Investment: After receiving your AIP, a clock starts. You have a specific timeframe within which you must make your nominated investment. This involves transferring your funds to New Zealand, typically through a registered bank and then placing them in approved investments that align with your chosen category (Growth or Balanced). You must then provide clear and irrefutable evidence of these transactions, such as bank statements and investment certificates, back to Immigration New Zealand.
5. Final Verification and Visa Grant: After Immigration New Zealand receives and verifies the evidence of your completed investment, they will perform final checks. Once satisfied, they will officially grant the resident visas and endorse them in the passports of you and your included family members. Your journey is not over yet. You must then maintain the investment and meet the minimum physical presence requirements for the full nominated period (36 or 60 months) to become eligible for permanent residency later.

For the wider context, read our full what is a golden visa? every active programme compared (2026).

Costs and what to check

Applying for the Active Investor Plus visa involves significant costs that go well beyond the substantial investment capital itself. The primary government fee, payable to Immigration New Zealand, starts from NZD 27,470. This non-refundable fee covers the administrative cost of processing your complex application and that of your included family members.

In addition to this, applicants must budget carefully for a range of associated expenses. These can be considerable and typically include professional fees for advisors such as immigration lawyers, who guide you through the application process and financial planners or wealth managers, who help structure your investment. There will also be direct costs for mandatory health checks with panel physicians, obtaining police certificates from every country you have lived in and securing official translations for any documents that are not in English. These ancillary costs can add up quickly and should be factored into your financial planning from the very beginning to avoid surprises.

Crucially, you must verify all information at the official source before making any decisions. Immigration policies, visa requirements and government fees can and do change, sometimes with little notice. The single, undisputed source of truth for all New Zealand immigration matters is the official Immigration New Zealand website. Before you commit time or money, you or your professional advisor must review the latest guidelines, application forms and fee schedules published on their website. This vital step ensures that your application is based on the most current and accurate information available, maximising your chances of success.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Active Investor Plus visa?

The Active Investor Plus visa is New Zealand's designated pathway for high-net-worth individuals to gain residency through investment. It requires a substantial financial commitment to specific types of assets for several years. The programme is designed to channel funds into growth-oriented sectors of the New Zealand economy. A successful application grants the investor, their partner and dependent children under 25 the right to live, work and study in the country.

Is there an English language requirement for this visa?

No, there is no English language requirement for the principal applicant or any included family members under the Active Investor Plus visa programme. This feature is a significant advantage that distinguishes it from New Zealand's skilled migration pathways. It makes the visa more accessible to a global pool of investors and their families who may not be fluent in English but comfortably meet all other criteria, particularly the financial and character requirements.

Is there an age limit to apply for the New Zealand golden visa?

There is no upper or lower age limit for the principal applicant on the Active Investor Plus visa. As long as an individual can meet the substantial investment threshold and satisfy the standard health and character requirements, their age is not considered a factor in the decision. This offers a major advantage over points-based skilled migration streams, which almost always have age restrictions, making it an excellent option for investors at any stage of their life or career.

Can I invest in residential property?

Generally, a direct investment in residential property for the purpose of earning rental income or for personal use does not qualify as an acceptable investment for the Active Investor Plus visa. The programme’s core policy is to encourage 'active' investments that directly contribute to New Zealand's economic growth and innovation. This includes direct investment into private companies or managed funds that invest in local businesses. Always check the official guidelines for a detailed list of acceptable investments.

What is the difference between this and the old investor visas?

The Active Investor Plus visa replaced New Zealand’s previous Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories. The key difference reflects a major strategic shift in government policy. The focus has moved away from passive investments, such as government bonds and property funds, towards more active ones that directly support and grow New Zealand businesses. The new visa has different investment thresholds, a weighting system for various asset classes and a clearer emphasis on channelling capital into productive parts of the economy.

What happens at the end of the investment period?

After you have successfully held your qualifying investment for the required period (either 36 or 60 months) and met the minimum physical presence requirements in New Zealand, you may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. This subsequent visa has no conditions attached. This means you are free to withdraw or change your investment as you wish. The Permanent Resident Visa allows you to live in New Zealand indefinitely and to travel in and out of the country freely.

Can my children study in New Zealand with this visa?

Yes, absolutely. Once the resident visa is granted, your dependent children who were included in the application are immediately considered domestic students. This means they can attend New Zealand’s world-class primary and secondary schools paying the same minimal fees as New Zealand citizens. For tertiary education at universities or polytechnics, they will also be eligible for domestic tuition fees, which are substantially lower than the fees charged to international students. This is a significant financial benefit.

What is the processing time for the Active Investor Plus visa?

Processing times can vary significantly based on the individual complexity of an application and the overall volume of applications being handled by Immigration New Zealand at any given time. The process involves extremely detailed checks on the applicant's background and particularly the source of their investment funds, so it is never an overnight process. For the most current and realistic information on estimated processing times, applicants should always check the official Immigration New Zealand website.

What are the tax implications of this visa?

Tax residency is a complex issue with significant financial consequences. New residents in New Zealand, including those arriving on an Active Investor Plus visa, may be eligible for a temporary tax exemption on most types of foreign-sourced income for a period of up to four years. This is a highly specialised area of law. It is absolutely essential to seek professional tax advice from an expert qualified in New Zealand tax law to understand your specific obligations and potential planning opportunities.

Why is the 'Growth' option more popular than the 'Balanced' one?

The Growth option requires a lower total investment amount (NZD 5 million versus NZD 10 million) and a much shorter minimum stay in New Zealand (just 21 days compared to 105 days). This combination is highly attractive to busy international investors who want to secure a high-quality residency but may not be ready to relocate full-time immediately. It offers far greater flexibility and a lower capital barrier, which clearly explains why a large majority of applicants have chosen this path.

Ready to take the next step? Get matched with a specialist who can review your circumstances.

Sources

• Immigration New Zealand, Active Investor Plus visa (https://www.immigration.govt.nz)