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New Zealand is recognised as one of the world's most stable and attractive destinations for international investors. If you are considering New Zealand Investment Immigration, there are two principal pathways designed for investors and entrepreneurs: the Active Investor Plus Visa and the Business Investor Visa.
Whether your goal is to invest in New Zealand's growing economy or actively purchase and operate a business, New Shores Migration can provide professional immigration advice and guide you through every stage of the visa process.
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers assist clients worldwide in identifying the most suitable New Zealand Investor Visa pathway based on their investment objectives, business experience and long-term migration plans.
The Active Investor Plus Visa NZ is New Zealand's principal residence-by-investment programme for high-net-worth individuals and families seeking a New Zealand Residence Visa through qualifying investments.
The visa encourages investment that contributes to New Zealand's economic growth, innovation and productivity while giving investors and their eligible family members the opportunity to live, work and study in New Zealand.
Applicants may choose between the Growth Category and the Balanced Category.
The Growth Category is designed for investors seeking higher-growth investment opportunities in New Zealand.
Minimum investment: NZD $5 million
Investment period: 3 years
Eligible investments generally include:
From 1 June 2026, applicants may allocate up to 20% of the required Growth Category investment to approved philanthropic organisations in New Zealand.
This category may suit investors seeking growth-focused opportunities while contributing to New Zealand's business and innovation ecosystem.
The Balanced Category offers a broader range of eligible investments and may be suitable for investors seeking greater portfolio diversification.
Minimum investment: NZD $10 million
Investment period: 5 years
Eligible investments may include:
The Balanced Category provides greater flexibility for investors seeking to build a diversified portfolio while meeting Immigration New Zealand requirements.
Applicants for the Active Investor Plus Visa generally need to:
The Active Investor Plus Visa does not impose an English-language requirement.
For many high-net-worth individuals, the Active Investor Plus Visa provides an attractive option for Residence by Investment in New Zealand.
The Business Investor Visa New Zealand is intended for experienced business owners and investors who wish to purchase, invest in and actively operate an established New Zealand business.
Unlike the Active Investor Plus Visa, this pathway focuses on active business ownership and management rather than passive or professionally managed investment.
The Business Investor Visa may offer an immigration pathway for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to relocate to New Zealand while applying their business skills and capital to an existing enterprise.
The Business Investor Visa may be suitable for applicants who wish to:
The proposed investment must satisfy the applicable Immigration New Zealand requirements. The eligibility of a business will depend on factors such as its structure, trading history, ownership, financial position and the applicant's proposed involvement.
Applicants should conduct thorough commercial, financial and legal due diligence before purchasing or investing in a business.
Depending on the pathway and policy requirements, applicants may need to demonstrate:
The exact requirements will depend on Immigration New Zealand policy in force at the time of application and the particular investment and residence option being pursued.
| Feature | Active Investor Plus Visa | Business Investor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Investment approach | Passive or professionally managed investments | Active business ownership and management |
| Investment options | Growth or Balanced investment categories | Purchase and actively operate an eligible New Zealand business |
| Pathway | Residence through qualifying investments | Business investment and active management, with a pathway towards residence |
| Best suited for | High-net-worth individuals seeking investment-based residence | Experienced entrepreneurs, investors and business owners |
| Level of involvement | Limited day-to-day involvement in the underlying investments | Active participation in managing and developing the business |
| Primary objective | Long-term investment in New Zealand's economy | Business ownership, active commercial involvement and potential residence |
The most suitable New Zealand Investment Visa will depend on your financial objectives, preferred level of business involvement, investment capital and long-term migration plans.
Some applicants may potentially qualify under more than one investment pathway. Professional immigration advice can help determine which option provides the most appropriate route towards a New Zealand Residence Visa.
While New Shores Migration provides immigration advice and assists clients with their New Zealand Investment Immigration applications, we do not provide financial, taxation, legal or investment advice.
Choosing an appropriate investment requires careful consideration of your financial objectives, risk tolerance and personal circumstances. We strongly recommend that all investors obtain independent advice from suitably qualified financial advisers, investment managers, accountants and, where appropriate, legal advisers before making any investment decision.
We can work alongside your professional advisers to help ensure that the proposed investment is structured consistently with Immigration New Zealand requirements, while your financial and legal advisers assess the commercial suitability of the investment.
At New Shores Migration, we understand that investment migration involves immigration, financial and commercial considerations. Our Licensed Immigration Advisers can assist with:
Our role is to help ensure that your immigration strategy is properly prepared and compliant. The selection and assessment of any investment should be undertaken with appropriately qualified financial, legal and commercial professionals.
Whether you are interested in the Active Investor Plus Visa, the Business Investor Visa, or would like to explore the available New Zealand Investor Visa options, New Shores Migration can assist.
We provide personalised immigration advice and can help you develop an effective strategy towards Residence by Investment in New Zealand.
Contact New Shores Migration today to arrange a confidential consultation and begin your journey towards living, investing and doing business in New Zealand.
