Active Investor Plus Visa (NZ’s “Golden Visa”)

The Active Investor Plus Visa allows high net worth individuals to obtain New Zealand residence by investing at least NZD $5 million to $10 million into approved New Zealand investments such as venture capital, managed funds, or listed companies. Applicants must maintain the investment for four years and spend a minimum amount of time in New Zealand during that period to qualify for residence.

    • High standards of living, multicultural population, and low population density

    • Residence applicable to a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 24

    • Excellent schools and universities. Milford Relocations can assist in securing the best educational opportunities for your family

    • Political, social, and economic stability

    • Solid legal system based on English law

    • No gift, estate, or wealth tax, and no capital gains tax

  • 1. Growth Category

    • Requires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million in managed funds and direct business investments, both of which must be approved by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)

    • Investments must be held for a period of three years

    • Investors must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over this period

    2. Balanced Category

    • Requires a minimum investment of NZD 10 million across a broader range of eligible investment options, including equities, bonds, managed funds, direct business investments, property development, and philanthropy

    • Investments must be held for a period of five years

    • Investors must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over this five-year period, though this requirement may be reduced with a higher investment

  • Applications must include completed application forms and should be accompanied by the appropriate fees and supporting documents.

    After maintaining the investment for the required period (three years for the Growth category and five years for the Balanced category) and meeting the physical presence requirements, investors become eligible to apply for permanent residence.

    If families are included in the resident visa, they are required to go to New Zealand within 12 months of their visa being granted but are not required to remain in New Zealand for any minimum length of time.

    A visa holder may take up residence anywhere in New Zealand and can study at all schools and tertiary education providers in the country as a domestic student. To purchase residential real estate, visa holders must be usually resident in New Zealand. Those who spend only the minimum number of days in the country are likely to be required to obtain approval to purchase. This requirement is removed once they have lived in New Zealand and been physically present in the country for at least 183 days in the preceding 12 months and are a tax resident.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand, a politically, economically, and socially stable country, as well as access to a favorable tax regime, and a high quality of life.

  • Processing times for residence by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.

  • Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse and dependent children in the application.

  • Applicants must make a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process. The Milford Global Mobility team can assist with this work.

  • The Growth category requires at least 21 days of stay in New Zealand over a period of three years, while the Balanced category requires a stay of at least 105 days over a period of five years, with a possible reduction for higher investments.

  • Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment or contribution, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.

  • Yes, after maintaining residence for five years, investors may be eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship.

  • Yes, our team assists with preparing documentation, coordinating with immigration advisers and legal professionals, and ensuring that applications are complete and aligned with Immigration New Zealand requirements. We also support practical aspects of relocation, including business setup, housing search, schooling options, and settling into local communities.