Active Investor Plus Visa News & Media

New Zealand's Inland Revenue has released draft guidance addressing an important question for international investors using the Active Investor Plus Visa: can an AIP visa holder become a New Zealand tax resident by having a permanent place of abode in New Zealand? The consultation specifically considers circumstances where an AIP investor purchases residential property in New Zealand and stays in that property while visiting the country during their investment period and afterwards. The draft guidance is currently open for consultation, with submissions closing on 13 October 2026. It is important to emphasise that this is draft Inland Revenue guidance and is not yet final. Immigration residence and tax residence are different issues. An investor should not assume that meeting the physical-presence requirements of the Active Investor Plus Visa automatically determines their New Zealand tax position. For high-net-worth individuals with investments, companies, trusts, property and other assets across multiple jurisdictions, the consequences of becoming New Zealand tax resident can be significant. This is another reason we encourage prospective AIP investors to consider their immigration, investment, tax, legal and property decisions together — and to obtain specialist New Zealand and international tax advice before making important decisions. NZLIP does not provide tax advice. Our role is to help coordinate the investor's overall New Zealand journey and bring the appropriate specialist advisers into that process.

New Zealand is preparing to expand the Active Investor Plus Growth category with the introduction of qualifying Build to Rent investment from December 2026. The change will give international investors using the NZ$5 million Growth pathway another potential way to invest in New Zealand. There is, however, an important distinction. Build to Rent investment under the Growth category will be available through approved managed funds only. Direct investment into a Build to Rent development will not qualify through this new Growth pathway. The Government has said participating managed funds will need to satisfy requirements relating to capability, governance and delivery. Further detailed eligibility and implementation requirements are still to be released ahead of the December commencement. Build to Rent potentially connects international AIP capital with New Zealand's need for professionally developed, long-term rental housing. Prospective investors should avoid assuming that a particular property development or fund will qualify until the detailed requirements are confirmed.

New requirements governing managed funds and direct investments under New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa came into effect on 28 September 2026. The changes are intended to strengthen the quality of investments participating in the programme and provide greater certainty for international investors and investment providers. One of the most significant changes is a requirement for managed funds to provide and maintain investment deployment plans, demonstrating how capital is expected to be invested into New Zealand. Invest New Zealand has also been given stronger oversight of approved investments, including the ability to suspend or revoke acceptable status where programme requirements are no longer met. Managed funds and direct investments that are declined must generally wait six months before reapplying. The revised framework reinforces the need for investors to consider both immigration eligibility and investment suitability and to obtain appropriate professional advice.

New Zealand's revamped Active Investor Plus Visa continues to attract significant international investor interest, with the latest Immigration New Zealand figures showing approximately NZ$5.15 billion either committed to New Zealand or progressing through the investment pipeline. Between 1 April 2025 and 24 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand received 949 applications covering 3,092 people. Of these, 496 applications have already been approved. The NZ$5 million Growth category continues to dominate, accounting for 813 of the 949 applications — approximately 86%. International demand is also broad, although the United States remains the largest individual market with 305 applications, followed by China with 180 and Hong Kong with 121. The figures demonstrate that Active Investor Plus has developed into a significant international investment programme rather than simply an immigration pathway.

1News reports that over 700 wealthy foreign nationals have applied under New Zealand's investor visa scheme in the last 14 months—with 277 applications coming from US investors, as moving to NZ becomes "a badge of honour in Silicon Valley".

Immigration New Zealand announces improvements to the Active Investor Plus Visa programme, providing greater certainty for investors and simplifying the investment pathway.

An analysis of the latest Immigration New Zealand statistics showing strong demand for the refreshed investor programme, with over $3.7 billion in committed capital and efficient processing times.

Reuters reports that New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa has attracted almost NZ$4 billion in committed investment since the programme was refreshed, highlighting strong international demand from high-net-worth investors.

Reuters examines the surge in applications following the 2025 policy reforms, noting that American investors quickly became the largest source of applicants after investment thresholds were lowered and English-language requirements removed.

The official government update outlining the 2025 reforms, investment categories, application statistics and programme performance.

Reuters highlights how the programme is supporting New Zealand's "Going for Growth" strategy by encouraging productive investment into businesses and approved managed funds.

The Guardian reports that American applicants have become the largest nationality applying under the Active Investor Plus programme following the 2025 reforms.

Business Insider explains New Zealand's decision to allow qualifying Active Investor Plus visa holders to purchase one luxury residence valued at NZ$5 million or more.

The Economic Times reports on growing international interest in the programme, particularly from U.S. investors, following the 2025 policy changes.

One of the world's leading immigration firms explains the major reforms to the Active Investor Plus programme and their implications for investors.

A review of the first year of the refreshed programme, examining application numbers, investment flows and future opportunities.

An international legal perspective on why New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa has become one of the world's leading residency-by-investment programmes.