New Zealand Investment Visa

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New Zealand Investment Visa

New Zealand currently has two main investment-based residence pathways for foreign investors:

  1. Active Investor Plus Visa (passive or portfolio-style investment)
  2. Business Investor pathway (active business ownership and operation)

These are both designed to lead to New Zealand residence, but they suit different types of investors. The Active Investor Plus Visa was significantly revised on 1 April 2025, lowering investment thresholds and simplifying requirements.

  • Purpose: Obtain Portuguese residency by making a qualifying investment.
  • Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a clean criminal record and legally sourced funds.
  • Real estate: No longer qualifies for the Golden Visa.

1. Active Investor Plus Visa (Most Popular)

Option A – Growth Category

  • Invest NZD 5 million
  • Hold investment for 3 years
  • Invest in approved growth assets (e.g., managed funds, private companies)

Option B – Balanced Category

  • Invest NZD 10 million
  • Hold investment for 5 years
  • More flexible investments (shares, bonds, approved property, managed funds, etc.)

Requirements:

  • Prove funds were legally earned
  • Meet health and character requirements
  • Invest only in approved assets
  • No English-language requirement

Process:

  1. Choose the Growth or Balanced category.
  2. Submit visa application.
  3. Receive Approval in Principle.
  4. Transfer funds to New Zealand.
  5. Make approved investments.
  6. Receive a resident visa.
  7. Maintain investment for 3 or 5 years.
  8. Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after meeting conditions.

2. Business Investor Pathway

This route is intended for entrepreneurs who want to actively own and operate a New Zealand business.

There are two options:

Standard pathway

  • Invest at least NZD 1 million in an existing New Zealand business.
  • Operate the business for 3 years before becoming eligible for residence.

Fast-track pathway

  • Invest at least NZD 2 million.
  • Eligible to apply for residence after 12 months, provided all conditions are met.

Applicants must actively run the business and satisfy employment and regulatory requirements.

Estimated Timeline:

  • Document preparation: 1–3 months
  • Visa processing: Varies
  • Investment: Transfer and invest funds after Approval in Principle
  • Maintain investment: 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced)
  • Permanent residence: Eligible after completing the investment period and meeting all visa conditions.

Can this lead to citizenship?

Yes. Residence obtained through these pathways can eventually lead to New Zealand citizenship, but citizenship is not automatic. After becoming a resident, you must separately satisfy New Zealand’s citizenship requirements, including residence, good character, and other statutory criteria under citizenship law.

Which pathway is best?

  • If you have NZD 5–10 million and prefer investing rather than running a company, the Active Investor Plus Visa is generally the simpler and more flexible route.
  • If you have strong entrepreneurial experience and want to build or acquire a business in New Zealand with a lower capital outlay (NZD 1–2 million), the Business Investor pathway may be more suitable, though it involves substantially greater operational responsibility.