New Zealand’s Residence by Investment Programme is a tailored pathway for high-net-worth individuals seeking to secure long-term residency through significant financial contributions to the country. This innovative initiative is designed to attract global investors who can bolster New Zealand’s economic growth by channelling funds into approved businesses, investment funds, or specific sectors.

How Does It Work?

By meeting specific investment thresholds and criteria, applicants can gain residency in New Zealand. The Active Investor Plus Visa, has unique requirements, benefits, and investment opportunities.

Successful applicants are granted residency, allowing them to live, work, and study in New Zealand, and progress to permanent residency and eventually citizenship (where they meet the requirements).

Key Features of the Programme:

1. Significant Financial Contribution Investors must commit a substantial sum - ranging from NZ$5 million to NZ$10 million - into approved investment avenues, such as managed funds, direct investments, property, or listed equities.

2. Dual Objectives The programme not only provides a pathway to residency but also facilitates economic development by funding innovation, job creation, and business growth in key sectors.

3. Family Inclusion Applicants can include their immediate family, such as spouses and dependent children, in their residency application, ensuring a comprehensive settlement opportunity.

4. Flexibility in Investment Choices Options include high-growth private businesses, property, managed investment funds, and even philanthropic contributions, offering applicants the ability to align their investments with personal interests and goals.

Benefits of the Programme:

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligible investors and their families can progress to permanent residency after meeting specific criteria, including time spent in New Zealand.

• Quality of Life: New Zealand offers a safe, welcoming environment with world-class education, healthcare, and lifestyle benefits.

• Business Opportunities: Engage directly with New Zealand’s growing sectors, including technology, renewable energy, and agriculture.

Supporting Economic Growth

The Residence by Investment Programme is a mutually beneficial arrangement: it provides applicants with an opportunity to settle in one of the world’s most desirable countries while contributing to the nation’s prosperity. Investments made under this scheme often fund new technologies, create jobs, and promote sustainable development, reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation as a hub for innovation and opportunity.

What Types of Investments Qualify Under the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Programme?

The Active Investor Plus Visa Programme is a unique initiative designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who wish to contribute significantly to New Zealand’s economy. The programme offers a range of investment options, each weighted differently to encourage impactful economic contributions. These investment categories provide flexibility to align with investors’ financial goals and preferences while meeting the visa's eligibility requirements.

Qualifying investments for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa:

For the Growth Category and investor must place NZ$5M into the following:

1. Managed funds

2. Direct investments

For the Balanced Category an investor has the choice of placing NZ$10M into the following:

1. Bonds (Government, local government or corporate)

2. Listed equities

3. Philanthropy

4. Property development (new residential or new/existing commercial or

5. industrial)

6. Managed funds or direct investments

Choosing the Right Investment Mix

The programme’s flexibility allows applicants to craft a tailored investment strategy by combining options that align with their risk appetite, economic goals, and personal values. Whether supporting cutting-edge businesses, funding innovative startups, or contributing philanthropically, the Active Investor Plus visa provides avenues for impactful and meaningful economic participation in New Zealand.

Learn more about these choices by contacting McSweeney Immigration Law

The key benefits of obtaining New Zealand residence through an Investor Visa include​:

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• Long-Term Security: Achieving permanent residence and citizenship by investment.

• Quality of Life: Access to top-tier healthcare, education, and a safe, vibrant New Zealand community.

• Business Opportunities: Direct engagement with a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in New Zealand.

The required investment for the Active Investor Plus Visa ranges from NZ$5 million to NZ$10 million, depending on the investment mix.

For more details, contact McSweeney Immigration Law.

Processing times vary based on complexity, documentation quality, and Immigration New Zealand’s current workload. Contact McSweeney Immigration Law to find out more about investor visa applications in New Zealand. Additionally, book a consultation with McSweeney Immigration Law so you can discuss your investment strategy, optimise your application, and move forward with confidence.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can typically be included, extending the benefits of New Zealand residency to your entire family. Book a consultation with our experienced immigration experts to understand how you can include family members in your New Zealand investor visa.

You must spend a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand (growth category) and 105 days in New Zealand (balanced category). You are eligible for a reduction of time spent in New Zealand if you invest a certain amount. Please refer to specific conditions in the Active Investor Plus Visa table below, provided by INZ.

Commonly required documents include:

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• Financial Records: Proof of funds and their origin.

• Investment Details: Evidence of the businesses, funds, or equities you’ve chosen.

• Identification & Travel Documents: Passports, birth certificates, and other essential documents.

To understand the specific requirements for an investor visa in New Zealand, contact our experienced immigration consultants and lawyers in New Zealand.

Yes, after maintaining residency for 5 years, (and spending at least 240 days in each of the 5 years), investors may be able to apply for New Zealand Citizenship. Contact McSweeney Immigration Law to find out more.

Contact McSweeney Immigration Law, and we’ll guide you through every step of obtaining an Active Investor Plus Visa in New Zealand, including:

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• Initial NZ Investor Consultation: Assessing your eligibility and determine the best investment route.

• Documentation Preparation of your Investor Visa: Compiling and verifying all required records for your investor visa application in NZ.

• NZ Investor Visa Application Submission: Lodge your application with Immigration New Zealand.

• Ongoing Support: Stay informed, compliant, and prepared for any follow-up requirements.

Ready to begin? Book an online investor visa consultation with us, and speak directly with one of our immigration lawyers, who will lead you through each stage of the investor visa application process and help you achieve your desired outcome.