Who Can Apply for New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa? Is the Active Investor Plus Visa Right for You?

As New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa continues to attract international attention, one of the most common questions asked by prospective applicants is:

"Am I eligible to apply?"

The answer depends on several factors, including your investment capacity, the lawful source of your funds, your personal circumstances and your ability to meet New Zealand's immigration requirements.

The programme has been designed to attract experienced investors who are committed to making a genuine contribution to New Zealand's economy through productive investment.

Who Is the Programme Designed For?

The Active Investor Plus Visa is intended for high-net-worth individuals who are able to make a qualifying investment into New Zealand.

Many applicants include:

• business owners
• entrepreneurs
• company founders
• investors
• family offices
• senior executives
• professionals with substantial personal wealth.

While every applicant's background is different, they generally share a common objective—building a long-term relationship with New Zealand through investment.

The Investment Requirement

Applicants currently choose one of two investment pathways.

Growth Category

• Minimum investment of NZD $5 million
• Investment maintained for three years
• Minimum physical presence of 21 days over the investment period.

Balanced Category

• Minimum investment of NZD $10 million
• Investment maintained for five years
• Minimum physical presence of 105 days, with potential reductions where additional qualifying Growth investments are made.

The investment must be made into investments that satisfy the requirements of the Active Investor Plus programme.

Lawful Source of Funds

One of the most important parts of every application is demonstrating the lawful source of investment funds.

Applicants should be able to provide evidence showing how their wealth has been accumulated.

Depending on individual circumstances, this may include:

• business income
• company ownership
• investment returns
• property transactions
• inheritance
• other lawful sources of wealth.

Preparing this documentation early often makes the application process much smoother.

Health and Character Requirements

Like most New Zealand residence categories, Active Investor Plus applicants must satisfy health and character requirements.

These are assessed as part of the immigration application process by Immigration New Zealand.

Applicants should discuss any potential issues with their licensed immigration adviser before submitting an application.

Can My Family Apply With Me?

Yes.

One of the strengths of the programme is that eligible family members can generally be included in the application.

This usually includes:

• your spouse or partner
• eligible dependent children.

Many families see the programme as a long-term investment in future generations, providing opportunities for education, lifestyle and international mobility.

Do I Need Business Experience?

While many applicants are successful entrepreneurs or experienced investors, the programme does not require applicants to have owned a business in New Zealand.

What is important is the ability to meet the programme's investment requirements and satisfy Immigration New Zealand's eligibility criteria.

Many applicants continue operating businesses internationally while developing their connection with New Zealand.

What About English Language Requirements?

Unlike some investor migration programmes around the world, the current Active Investor Plus Visa does not include an English language requirement.

This has made the programme considerably more accessible to international investors from a wide range of countries.

Do I Need to Live in New Zealand Full-Time?

No.

The programme has defined physical presence requirements rather than requiring investors to relocate permanently from the beginning.

Many applicants continue managing international businesses while gradually building their relationship with New Zealand.

This flexibility has become one of the programme's most attractive features.

The Importance of Early Planning

Although the eligibility requirements appear straightforward, every investor's circumstances are different.

Questions often arise around:

• investment strategy
• source of funds
• family circumstances
• tax considerations
• relocation planning
• investment options.

Discussing these matters early with experienced professionals can save considerable time later in the process.

Why Professional Coordination Matters

The Active Investor Plus journey involves much more than completing an immigration application.

Investors often work with:

• licensed immigration advisers
• lawyers
• accountants
• investment providers
• banks
• Invest NZ
• Immigration New Zealand
• relocation specialists.

Coordinating these professionals efficiently helps reduce delays and creates a smoother experience for investors and their families.

Key Takeaways

• The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking to invest in New Zealand.
• Applicants must make a qualifying investment under either the Growth or Balanced category.
• Investors must demonstrate the lawful source of their investment funds.
• Eligible family members can generally be included in the application.
• The programme does not currently require an English language test.
• Careful planning and professional coordination help simplify the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Active Investor Plus Visa?

High-net-worth individuals who meet the programme's investment, source of funds, health and character requirements may be eligible to apply.

Can my family be included?

Yes. Eligible partners and dependent children can generally be included in an application, subject to Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

Do I need to speak English?

The current Active Investor Plus Visa does not include an English language requirement.

Do I have to move to New Zealand immediately?

No. The programme has specific physical presence requirements, allowing many investors to continue operating international businesses while gradually building their connection with New Zealand.

Can NZLIP assess my eligibility?

NZLIP can help you understand the overall process, coordinate your project and introduce you to licensed immigration advisers and other professional specialists. NZLIP does not provide immigration advice.

Conclusion

The Active Investor Plus Visa has been designed to attract experienced international investors who are prepared to contribute to New Zealand's long-term economic growth.

While the programme is accessible to a broad range of high-net-worth individuals, every investor's circumstances are unique.

Taking the time to understand your eligibility, develop a clear investment strategy and work with experienced professionals can help ensure a smoother and more successful application journey.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Arrange a confidential discussion with New Zealand Life Investment Partners.