2026 Program Guide
New Zealand Golden Visa & Residence Permit
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa offers residence through an investment of NZD 5 million in the Growth category or NZD 10 million in the Balanced category. With a low physical presence requirement (21 days in 36 months), it offers residence in a country with a high quality of life and safety.
Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal
At a glance
- Program
- Active Investor Plus
- Growth category
- NZD 5,000,000 (36 months, 21 days residence)
- Balanced category
- NZD 10,000,000 (5 years, 105 days residence)
- Investment type
- Approved investments
- Outcome
- Residence
- Family
- Spouse and children included
Who is it for?
- High-net-worth investors prioritizing quality of life and safety.
- Those seeking residence with a very low physical presence requirement (21 days in 36 months).
- Families wishing to settle in a stable, English-speaking country.
- Those with an investment budget of NZD 5 million or more.
Two Categories: Growth and Balanced
The Growth category focuses on higher-yield direct or managed growth investments with NZD 5,000,000 and requires only 21 days of residence in 36 months. The Balanced category allows a broader range, including bonds, real estate, and equities, with NZD 10,000,000, but requires 105 days of residence in 5 years.
A Program Renewed in 2025
The Active Investor Plus visa was restructured with new parameters in 2025, aiming to attract productive investment that contributes to the New Zealand economy. The Growth category is particularly attractive for investors seeking flexibility with a low residence requirement.
Approved Investments and Residence
The investment must be held in approved instruments; the minimum holding period is 36 months for the Growth category and 5 years for the Balanced category. The program provides residence; permanent residence and, over time, citizenship may be considered. A spouse and dependent children are included in the application.
Residence With a Light Footprint
New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa suits globally mobile investors who value a safe, high quality of life without committing to spend most of the year in one place. The Growth category asks for NZD 5 million directed toward higher-yield investments and carries a notably light presence requirement of 21 days across 36 months, while the Balanced category sets the figure at NZD 10 million with a longer presence commitment. Both channel money into approved investments and lead to residence in an English-speaking country. Family is part of the design, with spouse and children able to be included, so the visa fits households as readily as individuals. Meeting the residence days for your chosen category and maintaining a clean record are the practical obligations to plan around. Because the two categories trade investment size against time on the ground, the right choice depends on how much you intend to be present. Talking through your investment horizon and travel patterns with an adviser helps match the category to your life.
Benefits
- One of the world's highest quality-of-life and safety countries.
- A very low physical presence requirement in the Growth category (21 days).
- An English-speaking country.
- Family members can be included.
Requirements
- NZD 5M (higher-yield investments) for the Growth category.
- NZD 10M for the Balanced category.
- Residence for the number of days set by category, and a clean record.
Costs
- Growth category
- NZD 5,000,000
- Balanced category
- NZD 10,000,000
FAQ
- What is the difference between the two categories?
- The Growth category requires NZD 5M and 21 days of residence in 36 months; the Balanced category requires NZD 10M and 105 days of residence in 5 years.
- How long do I need to stay?
- Only 21 days in 36 months for the Growth category, and 105 days in 5 years for the Balanced category.
- Is my family included?
- Yes, a spouse and dependent children are included in the application.
- Which investments are accepted?
- The Growth category accepts direct and managed growth investments; the Balanced category accepts a broader range, including bonds, real estate, and equities.
- How long do I need to hold the investment?
- The investment must be maintained for 36 months under the Growth category and 5 years under the Balanced category.
- Is there a path to permanent residence and citizenship?
- The program provides residence; permanent residence and, subsequently, citizenship may be considered once certain residence requirements are met.
Sources
Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.
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