NZ Active Investor Plus Visa Requirements 2026
The Active Investor Plus visa has two categories: Growth (NZ$5M minimum, 3-year term, 21 days presence) and Balanced (NZ$10M minimum, 5-year term, 105 days presence). Both require clean health and character checks. Neither has an age limit or English language test as of April 2025. This page sets out every eligibility requirement for 2026.
$5M
Growth Minimum (NZD)
$10M
Balanced Minimum (NZD)
No
Age Limit
No
English Requirement
Requirements at a Glance: Growth vs Balanced 2026
Every key requirement for both Active Investor Plus categories, side by side.
| Requirement | Growth Category | Balanced Category |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | NZ$5,000,000 (~US$3M) | NZ$10,000,000 (~US$6M) |
| Investment term | 3 years (36 months) | 5 years (60 months) |
| Physical presence | 21 days total over 3 years | 105 days total over 5 years |
| Age limit | None | None |
| English language | Not required (removed Apr 2025) | Not required (removed Apr 2025) |
| Business experience | Not required | Not required |
| Health check | Required (INZ panel physician) | Required (INZ panel physician) |
| Character / police | Required (all countries, past 10 yrs) | Required (all countries, past 10 yrs) |
| Family inclusion | Partner + dependants to age 24 | Partner + dependants to age 24 |
| Government fee | NZ$27,470 (~US$16,000) | NZ$27,470 (~US$16,000) |
Growth Category: Full Requirements
The Growth category is chosen by 82% of AIP applicants. Full Growth category details here.
Investment Amount
NZ$5,000,000 minimum (approximately US$3M at current exchange rates). Funds must be transferred to your chosen investment vehicle within 6 months of visa approval. Full amount must be deployed: you cannot stage contributions.
Investment Term
36 months from the date your capital is deployed (not from visa grant). After the 36-month term, you may liquidate, roll over, or redeploy your investment: there is no restriction on what you do with the capital after the term ends.
Physical Presence
21 days in New Zealand over the 36-month investment period. Days need not be consecutive. Most clients satisfy this across 2–3 short visits per year: a week each trip. Days are counted as nights in New Zealand.
Acceptable Investments
NZTE-approved managed funds, direct NZ business investment, or NZ property development (added June 2025). DIMS are no longer acceptable from 4 December 2025. See the full eligible investments list.
Health Requirement
Full medical examination and chest X-ray with an INZ-approved panel physician. All family members included in the application must also pass. Panel physicians are available in major cities worldwide; we coordinate bookings for you.
Character Requirement
Police certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 or more months over the past 10 years. INZ also runs independent security checks through the NZSIS. Certificates must be less than 6 months old at time of lodgement.
Source of Funds
You must demonstrate that your NZ$5M comes from a legitimate source. Acceptable sources include business sale proceeds, investment returns, inheritance, property sales, and salary over time. INZ requires a documented funds trail: typically 5–10 years of financial history depending on complexity.
Family Inclusion
Your partner (married or de facto, same-sex included) and dependent children up to age 24 can be included at no additional investment cost. Dependent children between 17–24 must be financially dependent on you and not in a de facto relationship of their own.
Balanced Category: Full Requirements
The Balanced category suits investors with larger capital reserves who prefer lower-risk asset classes. Full Balanced category details here.
Investment Amount
NZ$10,000,000 minimum (~US$6M). Must be deployed within 6 months of visa approval. The Balanced category allows you to split across multiple investment types: for example, 50% in managed funds and 50% in NZ government bonds.
Investment Term
60 months (5 years) from date of deployment. The longer term reflects the broader range of acceptable assets, some of which (like government bonds) have longer maturity horizons. After 5 years, capital is yours to deploy as you choose.
Physical Presence
105 days over 60 months: approximately 21 days per year. This is 5× the Growth category's requirement and is the primary deterrent for most investors. You must be physically present in New Zealand, not simply passing through an airport.
Acceptable Investments
Everything available under Growth, plus: NZ government bonds, NZ local government bonds, NZ corporate bonds, NZ listed equities, and philanthropy (up to 5% of total). This flexibility is the main advantage of the Balanced category.
What Changed in 2025: AIP Requirements Update
April 2025
English Requirement Removed
Immigration New Zealand removed the English language test requirement for both Growth and Balanced categories. This was a deliberate policy move to compete with Portugal's Golden Visa and other programmes for Chinese, Gulf, and Latin American investors. The Business Investor Work Visa still requires English proficiency because it involves active business management in New Zealand.
June 2025
Property Development Added
Growth category now accepts investment in new property development through a New Zealand company. This allows investors to fund new housing or commercial construction, not purchase existing properties. The addition was driven by government housing supply goals and expands the qualifying investment universe considerably.
December 2025
DIMS Removed from Acceptable Investments
As of 4 December 2025, Discretionary Investment Management Services (DIMS) are no longer an acceptable investment vehicle. Investors who previously held DIMS-based investments must restructure into an NZTE-approved managed fund or direct investment before renewal. This is a material change: if you received advice before December 2025 recommending DIMS, that advice is now outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions: AIP Visa Requirements
Common questions about eligibility for New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa in 2026.
What are the minimum requirements for the NZ Active Investor Plus visa in 2026? expand_more
The Growth category requires NZ$5,000,000 (~US$3M) held for 3 years with 21 days of physical presence. Balanced requires NZ$10,000,000 (~US$6M) over 5 years with 105 days of presence. Neither category has an age limit or English requirement as of 2026. Both require clean health and character checks and a documented source of funds.
Is there an age limit for the NZ investor visa? expand_more
No. The Active Investor Plus Growth and Balanced categories have no age restriction. We regularly assist clients in their 60s and 70s. The Business Investor Work Visa is capped at 55, but the AIP is age-unrestricted.
Do I need to speak English to get the NZ investor visa? expand_more
No. The English language requirement was removed in April 2025 for both the Growth and Balanced AIP categories. You can apply entirely in your native language with certified translations.
How much money do I need to qualify? expand_more
The Growth category minimum is NZ$5,000,000 (~US$3M), deployed as a lump sum within 6 months of visa approval. Balanced requires NZ$10,000,000 (~US$6M). Government fees of NZ$27,470 (~US$16,000) are additional. Our advisory fees are quoted separately and depend on case complexity.
Do I have to live in New Zealand? expand_more
No. The Growth category requires just 21 days over 3 years: roughly one week per year. Balanced requires 105 days over 5 years. You can continue living and working in your home country throughout the investment period.
What source of funds evidence is required? expand_more
INZ requires 5–10 years of financial records demonstrating the legitimate origin of your capital. Acceptable sources include business sale proceeds, investment returns, property sales, and inheritance. We help clients prepare their source of funds narrative and identify documentation gaps before lodging.
Can my children be included in my application? expand_more
Yes, dependent children up to age 24 can be included at no additional investment cost. They receive the same residence rights, including NZ public education and healthcare. Children aged 17–24 must be financially dependent on you and not in a de facto relationship of their own.
What is the difference between Growth and Balanced? expand_more
Growth: NZ$5M, 3 years, 21 days presence, high-growth assets only. Balanced: NZ$10M, 5 years, 105 days presence, broader asset classes including bonds and listed equities. 82% of applicants choose Growth. Full comparison here.
Check Your Eligibility
Our licensed immigration advisers will review your investment profile, source of funds, and family circumstances and advise on the optimal pathway, Growth or Balanced, for your situation.
Engagements are by application. We work with clients where we can deliver a genuine result.