New Zealand Active Investor Plus visa draws 247 approvals in first year

New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa has drawn nearly NZ$4 billion in committed and pipeline investment in its first year under settings that took effect April 1, 2025. Immigration New Zealand said NZ$1.48 billion has already been invested from 247 approved applications, covering nearly 2,000 people.

The program has Growth and Balanced pathways. Growth starts at NZ$5 million and requires 21 days in New Zealand over 36 months. Balanced starts at NZ$10 million and requires 105 days over 60 months, though extra Growth investment can reduce that stay requirement.

Who the visa covers

The visa is aimed at high-net-worth applicants, not tourists or remote workers. It can include partners and dependent children under 25 and holders can live, work and study in New Zealand if they clear health, character and fit-and-proper checks.

Top applicant nationalities are the United States with 234 applications, China with 108 and Hong Kong with 91, according to Immigration New Zealand. The agency said managed funds and bonds have taken most of the money so far, while one application was declined and 8 were withdrawn.

What applicants need to do next

Immigration New Zealand said it had received 659 applications under the new settings by April 17, 2026, with 538 approved in principle. Average processing times were 35 working days for approval in principle and 34 days after investment documents were filed.

Applicants have 6 months after approval in principle to transfer funds, with one possible 6-month extension. Fees start at NZ$27,470 and applicants need proof of identity, medicals, police certificates and fund sources. Read our full New Zealand guide for the complete picture.