Ways to Invest in
New Zealand
Four ways to make New Zealand your base.
New Zealand's residence-by-investment system splits into two pathways — Active Investor Plus for those who'd rather invest than operate, and Business Investor for entrepreneurs building or buying a company outright. Between them there are four concrete ways to invest, from NZD $1 million to $10 million, and every route folds close family into the same application.
Two Pathways, Four Ways to Invest
New Zealand doesn't run four independent investment visas — it runs two pathways, and each splits into two options. Active Investor Plus suits those who'd rather invest than operate a company; Business Investor suits entrepreneurs willing to buy and run one outright.
Active Investor Plus Visa
Invest rather than operate — the closest equivalent to a "golden visa." Funds are approved and monitored by Invest New Zealand.
Business Investor Pathway
For entrepreneurs who want to actively own and operate a New Zealand business, not just fund one.
Quick guidance: with NZD $5–10 million and a preference for investing over operating a company, Active Investor Plus is usually the simpler route. With strong entrepreneurial experience and NZD $1–2 million, Business Investor may suit better — though it comes with substantially more operational responsibility.
What every pathway requires
Requirements vary by pathway, but these baseline rules apply whether you choose Active Investor Plus or Business Investor.
Be at least 18 years old.
Show that your investment funds were obtained legally.
Transfer your investment funds into New Zealand through approved banking channels.
Invest only in investments approved for your chosen category.
Meet standard health and character requirements.
Maintain the investment for the full qualifying period.
Compare all four ways at a glance
These are separate programmes, not options within one application — you choose the one that matches your goals, budget, and how long you plan to keep it.
| Pathway | Minimum entry | Commitment | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Investor — Standard | NZD $1,000,000 in an existing business | 3-yr work-to-residence | Hands-on operators buying into an established business |
| Business Investor — Fast-track | NZD $2,000,000 in an existing business | 12-mo. fast-track to residence | Operators wanting the fastest route to residence |
| Active Investor Plus — Growth | NZD $5,000,000, held 3 yrs | 21 days' presence over 3 yrs | Investors who want portfolio exposure with minimal time in-country |
| Active Investor Plus — Balanced | NZD $10,000,000, held 5 yrs | 105 days' presence over 5 yrs (reducible) | Investors who want a lower-risk, diversified asset mix |
New Zealand closed its Entrepreneur Work Visa in 2025, replacing it with the Business Investor Work Visa above. Residence gained through these pathways can eventually lead to citizenship, but it isn't automatic — you must separately meet New Zealand's standard naturalisation requirements, including residence, good character, and other statutory criteria.
Prefer to listen than read?
Play a short spoken walkthrough of every pathway and step, right here in your browser — nothing to download.
Your step-by-step path to New Zealand
The same nine-step sequence applies whichever pathway you choose — New Zealand channels most investor and business applications through a licensed adviser, with Active Investor Plus funds pre-approved by Invest New Zealand.
Determine the right pathway
Pick Active Investor Plus (Growth or Balanced) if you'd rather invest than operate a company, or Business Investor (Standard or Fast-track) if you want to actively run a New Zealand business.
Gather your documentation
Passport, proof of identity, police certificates, medical examinations, source-of-funds evidence, bank statements, asset and tax records — plus business ownership documents if you're going the Business Investor route.
Submit the application
Apply to Immigration New Zealand with your supporting documents and pay the applicable fee (NZD $12,380 for the Business Investor visa).
Receive Approval in Principle
Once satisfied, Immigration New Zealand issues Approval in Principle — giving you a window to transfer funds and arrange your investment.
Transfer your investment funds
Move your money into New Zealand through approved banking channels.
Make your approved investment
Commit to investments approved for your category — Immigration New Zealand verifies compliance before moving you forward.
Receive your resident visa
Once your investment requirements are satisfied, your resident visa is granted.
Maintain the investment
Hold your investment for the full qualifying period — 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced) for Active Investor Plus, or the equivalent operating period for Business Investor — and keep meeting any presence conditions.
Apply for Permanent Residence
After completing the investment period and meeting your visa conditions, apply for your Permanent Resident Visa.
What residency gives you beyond the permit
Family included
Partner and dependent children can be included on the same application across every pathway.
Minimal time in-country
As few as 21 days over 3 years under the Growth category — among the lightest physical presence rules of any residency-by-investment programme.
Property purchase rights
From 2026, Active Investor Plus holders can buy or build one home worth NZD $5 million or more — an exception to New Zealand's general ban on foreign home purchases.
A path to Australia
New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia under the Special Category Visa, once naturalisation is complete.
Keep this guide handy
Download the full pathway breakdown, comparison table, and step-by-step process as a single branded PDF you can save, print, or share with your advisor.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Investment thresholds, government fees, and processing times change; confirm current figures with a New Zealand immigration adviser and the Visa Helperz Team before applying.