Overview + Opportunities
The Active Investor Plus Visa allows foreign investors to live in New Zealand if they invest in approved businesses, managed funds, or property developments. This guide simplifies the rules and provides examples for international clients.
1. Investment Categories
| Category | Minimum Investment | Investment Term | Key Features |
| Growth | NZD 5 million | 36 months | Business-focused. Direct investments and managed funds only. No property development allowed. |
| Balanced | NZD 10 million | 60 months | Full flexibility. Direct investments, managed funds, listed equities, bonds, philanthropy, property developments allowed. |
2. Acceptable Investments
Growth Category
- Direct investments in NZ companies (approved by Invest NZ).
- Managed funds on the Invest NZ approved list.
Note: Direct property development (carried out by you) is not counted under the Growth category. You can however invest in a business that develops property if treated as a business investment.
Example: Investing NZD 5M in a NZ registered company that redevelops residential properties and rents them out counts as a business investment. Funds must stay invested for a minimum of 36 months.
Balanced Category
- Direct investments (approved by Invest NZ)
- Managed funds (on approved list)
- Listed equities (NZ shares or ETFs)
- Bonds (government, councils, approved companies)
- Philanthropy (NZ registered charities)
- Property developments (residential, commercial, industrial)
Minimum Term: 60 months
Example: NZD 10M invested in a managed fund developing new properties. Houses sold after 18 months; proceeds reinvested into another acceptable investment to maintain the 60-month minimum requirement.
3. Property Investment Rules (Balanced Only)
- Must create new or improved property for commercial/residential use.
- Residential properties: new multi-dwelling, cannot live in or let relatives live, commercial returns required.
- Commercial/industrial: must generate commercial return, improvements must be material.
- Sensitive land: approval or exemption under Overseas Investment Act required.
- Early completion: okay if proceeds are reinvested to maintain minimum investment threshold.
4. Managed Funds
- Managed funds are investment pools run by professionals.
- Growth: NZ businesses, approved shares or bonds.
- Balanced: NZ equities, property developments, bonds, mixed funds.
- On-call investments: liquid forms, 25% max in bank account or term deposits.
5. Evidence Required
- Direct investments: Bank statements, Invest NZ approval, company registration, shareholder agreement.
- Managed funds: Bank statements, legal agreement with fund manager/nominee.
- Listed equities/bonds: Bank statements, transaction reports.
- Property developments: Bank statements, purchase/development contracts, plans, resource consents, legal confirmation for sensitive land.
- Philanthropy: Bank statements, charity confirmation, donee status.
6. Physical Presence Requirements
- Growth: 21 days in NZ over 36 months.
- Balanced: 105 days in NZ over 60 months; can reduce by up to 42 days with extra funds invested above NZD 10M.
7. Key Takeaways
- Growth: business-focused; property development not allowed; minimum 36 months; 21 days in NZ.
- Balanced: full flexibility; property allowed; minimum 60 months; 105 days in NZ.
- Investments must remain acceptable for full term; early completion requires reinvestment.
- Property must generate commercial return; cannot be used personally.
8. Opportunities
The property investment options defined by Invest New Zealand and Immigration New Zealand are generally unattractive for most investors. In fact, it’s hard to imagine many people taking up the challenge as outlined by these agencies. However, there are numerous property-related investment opportunities beyond the current framework, so we encourage you to keep an open mind when exploring your investment options.
To learn more, contact our founder, Ian Thompson.
9. Example Scenarios
Growth Category: NZD 5M in company redeveloping property and renting it out. Construction finishes in 12 months. Investment counts if funds stay in company for 36 months.
Balanced Category: NZD 10M in managed fund developing residential/commercial properties. Some houses sold after 18 months. Proceeds reinvested to meet 60-month requirement.
10. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Category | Min Investment | Term | NZ Minimum Stay Requirement | Allowed Investments |
| Growth | NZD 5M | 36 months | 21 days | Direct NZ businesses, managed funds (approved) |
| Balanced | NZD 10M | 60 months | 105 days (reducible by up to 42) | Direct investments, managed funds, listed equities, bonds, property developments, philanthropy |
11. Links
12. Disclaimer
The information provided offers an overview of the Active Investor Plus Visa as of 21 November 2025. Please note that immigration policies and requirements are subject to change and may be interpreted differently. We recommend consulting one of our recommended licensed immigration advisors for the most current and accurate guidance.
