New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa

What is the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?

The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand's premier residency-by-investment pathway for high-net-worth individuals. As of 1 April 2025, there are two categories: Growth Category requires NZD $5 million investment for 3 years with only 21 days residency required, and Balanced Category requires NZD $10 million investment for 5 years with 105 days residency (reducible with larger investments). No English language requirement applies under either category.

Can Harvey Law Group assist clients based outside New Zealand?

Absolutely. HLG serves clients worldwide, guiding you through the entire process remotely, from eligibility assessment to final residency grant, while ensuring your application is submitted through our compliant network of New Zealand-licensed immigration professionals.

What makes Harvey Law Group different from other immigration firms?

Harvey Law Group offers global reach with offices in 20+ cities worldwide, full concierge service from visa strategy to investment structuring and post-arrival support, proven track record with 30+ years of experience in investor immigration including high-value cases, and multilingual expertise with service available in English, French, Chinese, Arabic, and more.

Does Harvey Law Group assist with investment structuring for the Active Investor Plus Visa?

Yes. We work alongside licensed financial advisers to help select and structure eligible investments, including private equity, listed equities, and philanthropy, while ensuring compliance with INZ criteria for both Growth and Balanced categories.

How long does the Active Investor Plus Visa process take with Harvey Law Group?

Timeframes vary based on investment type and personal documentation readiness. On average: initial eligibility assessment takes 1 to 2 weeks, application preparation and submission takes 4 to 6 weeks, and INZ processing takes 6 to 12 months.

What are the physical residency requirements for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?

Growth Category requires 21 days total over the 3-year investment period, while Balanced Category requires 105 days total over the 5-year investment period (can be reduced with each higher investment of an extra NZ$1 million, reducing the requirement by 14 days up to a maximum 42-day reduction). Harvey Law Group can help you plan your residency strategy to meet these requirements.

Can Harvey Law Group help with family applications for the Active Investor Plus Visa?

Yes. Spouses/partners and dependent children up to 24 years of age can be included in the main application. Our team ensures your family's residency status is secured alongside yours, with all eligible family members properly included to maximize your family's immigration benefits.

How do I start my Active Investor Plus Visa application with Harvey Law Group?

Contact us for a confidential FREE consultation. We will review your eligibility and recommend the optimal AIP Visa category, and guide you through each step until permanent residency is granted.

Are there any language requirements for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?

No, there are no language requirements for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa. This makes the program more accessible compared to other immigration pathways. However, if you later pursue citizenship, basic English proficiency will be required.

When do I need to make the investment after approval?

The investment must be transferred to New Zealand within 6 months following Approval in Principle. Harvey Law Group will guide you through the entire process, from initial application to successful investment completion and residency grant.

What character and health requirements must I meet for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?

All applicants must satisfy New Zealand health requirements (including chest x-ray and medical examination) and character requirements. Applicants 17 years or over must provide Police Certificates from their country of citizenship and any country where they've spent 12 months or more over the last 10 years. Harvey Law Group will help you gather all necessary documentation to meet these requirements.

Can I change between Growth and Balanced categories after applying?

Yes, investors have the right to change from Growth Category to Balanced Category (and vice versa) once, either while their application is under assessment or within the first 6 months of Approval in Principle. This flexibility allows you to adapt your investment strategy based on changing circumstances.

What happens after I complete the investment period for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?

After completing the investment period and meeting residency conditions, you can apply for a Permanent Resident visa In New Zealand. This allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely with access to most benefits available to citizens. Harvey Law Group will assist you through this transition to permanent residency.

What path to New Zealand citizenship is available after obtaining the Active Investor Plus Visa?

5 years after obtaining permanent residency in New Zealand, you can apply for New Zealand citizenship once you meet the criteria: living in New Zealand for at least 5 years as a resident (240 days per year for 5 years, totaling 1,350 days), demonstrating good character, and basic English language proficiency. You must also intend to remain in New Zealand or maintain strong connections to the country.

How must I prove that my investment funds were lawfully acquired?

Evidence requirements depend on how you acquired the funds and may include tax returns, pay slips, business financial statements, property sale receipts, bank certificates, share trading profits, or inheritance documentation. Gifted funds are acceptable if unconditional, lawful, and originally earned lawfully. Harvey Law Group will help you compile the appropriate documentation to demonstrate the lawful source of your investment funds.