The NZ Active
Investor Plus visa
Designed to attract valuable investors and encourage investment that supports the local economy, the Active Investor Plus visa allows applicants and their families to live, work, and study in New Zealand. After your required investment period, you are able to become a New Zealand permanent resident.
Requirements of the visa
Active Investor Plus visa applicants are required to choose between two investment categories - Growth or Balanced. Both categories offer a broad range of investment options and benefits.
Qualifying Growth category investments are approved by Invest New Zealand. Qualifying Balanced category investments are approved by Immigration New Zealand.
Key Features
Minimum investment amount:
USD2.9 million*
Acceptable investments:
Direct Investments or Managed Funds
Time to transfer and invest:
6 months from the date of Approval in Principle, with the option to apply for a 6 month extension
Minimum investment amount:
Retain investment for 36 months
Spend a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand over the investment period
Investment retention checkpoints:
24 months and 36 months
The Active Investor Plus visa applicant must also demonstrate good character and a standard of health.
* The USD investment value is based on the NZD5 million to NZD10 million investment requirement, assuming a conversion rate of USD0.58 to NZD1.0. The total investment required depends on the investment category selected. For the latest and most up-to-date information, please contact a Greener Pastures representative.
Your family
New Zealand will extend a warm welcome to your family. Your spouse or partner, as well as any qualifying dependent children 24 years and under, can be included in your visa application, allowing them to share the same residency benefits as you. Together, your family can build a fulfilling life in New Zealand and become eligible for permanent residency after just four years.
A visa holder may take up residence anywhere in New Zealand and can study at all schools and tertiary education providers as a domestic student. After you become a permanent resident, you may have the opportunity to apply for New Zealand citizenship, granting you full rights and solidifying your permanent place in one of the world's most sought-after countries.
What to know about purchasing a home
Previously, Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa holders were generally unable to purchase residential property in New Zealand unless they met the “ordinarily resident” criteria, which typically required spending significant time in the country.
Since 6 March 2026, AIP visa holders can buy or build one residential property, provided it is valued at NZD 5 million or more, without needing to meet those residency thresholds.
This is a meaningful shift. It allows investors to establish a true home base in New Zealand earlier in their journey, giving them the ability to put down roots while continuing to meet the requirements of the AIP visa.
At Greener Pastures New Zealand, we guide you through this process from start to finish, helping you understand the rules, explore suitable property options, and secure a home that aligns with both your lifestyle and investment objectives.
What to know about purchasing a home
Previously, Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa holders were generally unable to purchase residential property in New Zealand unless they met the “ordinarily resident” criteria, which typically required spending significant time in the country.
Since 6 March 2026, AIP visa holders can buy or build one residential property, provided it is valued at NZD 5 million or more, without needing to meet those residency thresholds.
This is a meaningful shift. It allows investors to establish a true home base in New Zealand earlier in their journey, giving them the ability to put down roots while continuing to meet the requirements of the AIP visa.
At Greener Pastures New Zealand, we guide you through this process from start to finish, helping you understand the rules, explore suitable property options, and secure a home that aligns with both your lifestyle and investment objectives.
The Greener Pastures Way
Our team can manage every stage of your residency journey, from application and investment through to compliance and ongoing fund management. Alongside the visa process, we work together to plan your life in New Zealand, whether that involves a full relocation, dual residency or planned visits.
Select each step to learn more
1. Consultation and Assessment
2. AIP Visa Application
3. Approval in Principle
4. Investment Period
5. Permanent Residency
We begin with a complimentary, no-obligation conversation to get to know you, and understand you/your family circumstances, investment objectives, and long-term aspirations. From there, we develop a personalised plan to help you achieve your New Zealand residency goals.
Your immigration pathway is overseen by Neil, our in-house Licensed Immigration Adviser, who prepares, submits, and manages your application – including all eligible family members. Neil provides expert guidance, liaises directly with Immigration NZ on your behalf, and works closely with our investment and lifestyle specialists to ensure a compliant and seamless process.
Once approved, our team guides you through the next steps, including establishing your New Zealand banking arrangements so you can transfer your nominated funds within the 6-month transfer window.
We facilitate your investment into our qualifying fund(s), enabling your conditional Resident Visa to be issued. The 36-month investment period begins, and visa holders are free to live, work, or study in New Zealand. We facilitate investment compliance check-ins at 24 and 36 months to ensure ongoing compliance.
At the end of the investment period, Neil liaises with Immigration New Zealand that all visa conditions have been met. At this stage you are eligible for permanent residency. Our team continues to manage your investments and can advise on liquidity options, where appropriate.
1. Consultation & Assessment
We begin with a complimentary, no-obligation conversation to get to know you, and understand you/your family circumstances, investment objectives, and long-term aspirations. From there, we develop a personalised plan to help you achieve your New Zealand residency goals.
2. AIP Visa Application
Your immigration pathway is overseen by Neil, our in-house Licensed Immigration Adviser, who prepares, submits, and manages your application – including all eligible family members. Neil provides expert guidance, liaises directly with Immigration NZ on your behalf, and works closely with our investment and lifestyle specialists to ensure a compliant and seamless process.
3. Approval in Principle
Once approved, our team guides you through the next steps, including establishing your New Zealand banking arrangements so you can transfer your nominated funds within the 6-month transfer window.
4. Investment Period
We facilitate your investment into our qualifying fund(s), enabling your conditional Resident Visa to be issued. The 36-month investment period begins, and visa holders are free to live, work, or study in New Zealand. We facilitate investment compliance check-ins at 24 and 36 months to ensure ongoing compliance.
5. Permanent Residency
At the end of the investment period, Neil liaises with Immigration New Zealand that all visa conditions have been met. At this stage you are eligible for permanent residency. Our team continues to manage your investments and can advise on liquidity options, where appropriate.
Select each step to learn more