Question 1

What are the two Active Investor Plus (AIP) categories in 2026?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa has TWO CLEAR TIERS (reformed 2024/2025, replacing old complex Investor 1/2 system): (1) GROWTH CATEGORY: NZD $5 million minimum investment, 3-year investment term, 21 days TOTAL physical presence over 3 years (extremely flexible - just 7 days/year average, ultra-minimal NZ presence required), high-growth assets only (direct equity in NZ companies, venture capital, growth-focused managed funds from NZTE-approved list - targets innovation/startups, higher risk/return). (2) BALANCED CATEGORY: NZD $10 million minimum investment ($5M more than Growth), 5-year investment term (2 years longer), 105 days total physical presence over 5 years (21 days/year average, BUT REDUCIBLE by 14 days for every extra $1M invested above $10M minimum - down to minimum 63 days total if invest $13M+), mixed portfolio allowed (government bonds, corporate bonds, listed equities, property development new builds/commercial value-add, broader managed funds - more conservative/diversified). BOTH achieve same end goal: permanent New Zealand residency after completing investment term. BOTH have: English requirement REMOVED 2025/2026 (NO language test), NO age limit, direct 4-year Resident Visa from approval. Choice depends on: investment amount available ($5M vs $10M), risk tolerance (growth vs conservative), timeline preference (3 years vs 5 years), NZ presence flexibility (21 days vs 63-105 days).

Question 2

Was the English language requirement removed for New Zealand AIP?

Accepted Answer

YES - English language requirement COMPLETELY ABOLISHED for Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa in 2025/2026 reform. MAJOR CHANGE from old system. PREVIOUSLY (old Investor 1/2): Investor 2 required IELTS 3.0 minimum (basic English proficiency), higher scores earned more points. English testing was barrier for non-English speaking investors, added cost/complexity. CURRENT 2026 (AIP Growth + Balanced): NO ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST required for either category. REMOVED ENTIRELY. This eliminates: IELTS/TOEFL testing costs, study/preparation time, potential rejection if couldn't meet proficiency threshold, stress for non-English speakers. WHY REMOVED: New Zealand recognized English requirement was barrier without strong policy justification for high-net-worth investors (especially those investing $5M-$10M+ who can hire translators, have business conducted in any language). Aligns with simplification goals of AIP reform. Investor visa focused on CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION not language skills. PRACTICAL IMPACT: Opens AIP to non-English speaking wealthy individuals from China, Middle East, Latin America, Europe, Asia who previously excluded. English still PRACTICAL advantage (NZ is English-speaking country - daily life, business, government easier with English) but NOT LEGAL REQUIREMENT for visa. Family members, advisers can assist with language needs. VERDICT: Major accessibility improvement - one less barrier for international investors considering NZ permanent residency.

Question 3

What is the new 2026 residential property concession?

Accepted Answer

NEW EARLY 2026 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY CONCESSION: Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa holders can now BUY RESIDENTIAL HOME in New Zealand for PERSONAL USE, provided property value exceeds NZD $5 MILLION. CRITICAL DETAILS: (1) PERSONAL USE ONLY: Property must be for you/family to live in while in NZ (your residence), NOT rental investment or resale speculation. (2) DOESN'T COUNT TOWARD THRESHOLD: Property purchase does NOT count toward AIP investment requirement (must still invest $5M Growth OR $10M Balanced in PRODUCTIVE ASSETS separately - this is ADDITIONAL to investment threshold). (3) >$5M MINIMUM: Residential home must exceed NZD $5 million value (luxury property tier - Auckland waterfront, Queenstown lakefront, Wellington premium areas accessible). (4) EXCEPTION TO FOREIGN BUYER BAN: Previous restriction since 2018 law banned foreign buyers from NZ residential property (protecting housing market from offshore speculation). AIP concession creates EXCEPTION for luxury homes >$5M personal use only. EXAMPLE: Growth Category investor invests $5M in NZTE-approved VC/growth funds (required for visa) + BUYS $6M waterfront home Auckland for family residence (allowed under 2026 concession, separate from $5M threshold, total outlay $11M). STRATEGIC BENEFIT: Addresses investor concern about having personal residence in NZ while on AIP visa. Previously had to RENT (couldn't own home). Now can OWN luxury residence for lifestyle/family while meeting investment requirements. Combines investment immigration + lifestyle property ownership. Luxury property market >$5M substantial (premium locations available).

Question 4

How flexible is the residence requirement for Growth Category?

Accepted Answer

GROWTH CATEGORY RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT IS EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE - MOST FLEXIBLE INVESTOR VISA GLOBALLY: 21 days TOTAL physical presence in New Zealand over 3-year investment term. BREAKDOWN: 21 days total ÷ 3 years = 7 days per year AVERAGE. Just ONE WEEK annually in NZ required. Can fulfill: 7 days each year evenly OR frontload/backload (e.g., 21 days year 1, 0 days year 2-3 OR 0 days year 1-2, 21 days year 3 - flexibility allowed). COMPARE TO OTHER COUNTRIES: USA EB-5 (no minimum but must maintain US ties/intent), Portugal Golden Visa (7 days/year - same as NZ Growth average), Greece Golden Visa (0 days - more flexible BUT no citizenship path), Cyprus (0 days BUT program issues), Australia BIIP was 160-180 days/year (CLOSED now), Singapore GIP requires active business presence. VERDICT: NZ Growth 21 days total over 3 years = AMONG MOST FLEXIBLE globally while still offering clear path to permanent residency + citizenship. WHY SO FLEXIBLE: New Zealand recognizes high-net-worth investors often have global businesses, travel extensively, may not want to relocate fully. Minimal presence allows lifestyle flexibility while capital invested contributes to NZ economy. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Can maintain primary residence elsewhere (Dubai, Singapore, Monaco, etc.) while holding NZ residency. Visit NZ occasionally (annual vacation week sufficient). After 3 years + permanent residency granted → citizenship path requires MORE presence (5 years total 1,350+ days ~270 days/year - citizenship more demanding than initial residence). Growth Category ideal for: globally mobile investors, those with businesses/families elsewhere, wanting residency optionality without relocation commitment.

Question 5

What investments are acceptable for Growth Category?

Accepted Answer

GROWTH CATEGORY ($5M) ACCEPTABLE INVESTMENTS - HIGH-GROWTH ASSETS ONLY: (1) DIRECT EQUITY: Shares in private New Zealand companies (requires NZTE - New Zealand Trade & Enterprise - approval, must demonstrate growth potential, job creation, innovation contribution). Example: Invest $2M equity in NZ tech startup expanding internationally. (2) VENTURE CAPITAL: Investments in NZTE-approved VC funds targeting NZ startups/scale-ups. Example: $3M into Icehouse Ventures fund backing early-stage NZ companies. (3) GROWTH-FOCUSED MANAGED FUNDS: Funds on NZTE Acceptable Managed Fund list (e.g., Movac, other funds focusing NZ high-growth companies, innovation sectors). Example: $5M into NZTE-approved fund portfolio. NOT ALLOWED Growth Category: Bonds (government or corporate - too conservative), passive listed equities (buying shares on stock exchange without active involvement), residential property (rental or development), existing rental properties, cash deposits, offshore investments, personal use assets. FOCUS: Stimulate NZ innovation economy, support startups/scale-ups, create jobs, drive technology/export growth, higher risk/return profile. RISK CONSIDERATION: Growth assets more volatile (startups can fail, VC returns uncertain, direct equity illiquid). BUT potential higher returns if companies succeed (IPOs, acquisitions, rapid growth). Investor must accept this risk profile. PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION: Can diversify across multiple acceptable investments (e.g., $2M direct equity in 2 companies + $3M VC fund = $5M total). Can switch between acceptable Growth investments during 3-year term (portfolio rebalancing allowed within category rules). NZTE APPROVAL PROCESS: For direct equity, must apply to NZTE demonstrating company meets criteria (NZ-based, growth potential, job creation, innovation). VC funds/managed funds on pre-approved list (simpler). Engage NZ financial adviser specializing AIP to navigate acceptable investment landscape.

Question 6

Can Balanced Category investors reduce residence days by investing more?

Accepted Answer

YES - BALANCED CATEGORY RESIDENCE REDUCIBLE BY INVESTING MORE: Base requirement 105 days total physical presence over 5 years (21 days/year average). REDUCTION FORMULA: For every extra NZD $1 MILLION invested ABOVE $10M minimum, reduce required residence by 14 DAYS. MINIMUM: Cannot reduce below 63 days total (even if invest $20M+). EXAMPLES: (1) $10M investment (base): 105 days total over 5 years required. (2) $11M investment (+$1M above minimum): 105 - 14 = 91 days total required. (3) $12M investment (+$2M): 105 - 28 = 77 days total required. (4) $13M investment (+$3M): 105 - 42 = 63 days total required (MINIMUM - cannot reduce further even if invest $14M+). STRATEGIC CALCULATION: Extra $3M investment (total $13M) reduces residence from 105 days to 63 days (saves 42 days = 1.4 months over 5 years). Trade-off: $3M additional capital locked 5 years vs 42 fewer days NZ presence required. For ultra-high-net-worth investors valuing time/flexibility, $3M premium for 42-day reduction may be worthwhile. COMPARE: Even at minimum 63 days total over 5 years = 12.6 days/year average (still very flexible, just ~2 weeks annually). Growth Category 21 days total over 3 years = 7 days/year (more flexible, but higher risk assets required). VERDICT: Balanced Category reduction mechanism provides CUSTOMIZATION - investors can pay for more flexibility. Those with $13M+ liquid can achieve near-Growth-level flexibility (63 vs 21 days) while maintaining conservative portfolio (bonds/equities vs high-growth only). Engage financial adviser to model: capital opportunity cost of extra $1M-$3M vs value of reduced NZ presence days for your specific situation.

Question 7

How long does the New Zealand AIP process take from application to permanent residency?

Accepted Answer

COMPLETE NEW ZEALAND AIP TIMELINE (APPLICATION → PERMANENT RESIDENCY): PHASE 1 - APPLICATION SUBMISSION & PROCESSING (6-12 months): Submit AIP visa application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) with: proof of funds ($5M/$10M legally obtained), source of funds documentation (tax returns, asset sales, business income, inheritance), health certificates, police certificates, passport copies, investment strategy/plan. Application fee ~$5K-$10K NZD. INZ processes application: verification of funds, background checks, character assessment, due diligence. Processing time 6-12 months typical (can vary by complexity, volume). PHASE 2 - VISA GRANT & FUNDS TRANSFER (up to 12 months): After approval, granted DIRECT 4-YEAR RESIDENT VISA from start (immediate resident status, not provisional). Have 12 months to transfer funds to NZ and complete acceptable investments ($5M Growth in VC/direct equity/growth funds OR $10M Balanced in bonds/equities/property development/managed funds). Open NZ bank account, engage NZ financial adviser/fund manager, execute investment strategy, notify INZ once investment complete. PHASE 3 - MAINTAIN INVESTMENT & RESIDENCE (3-5 years): Growth Category: Maintain $5M investment 3 years + reside 21 days total. Balanced Category: Maintain $10M investment 5 years + reside 63-105 days total (depending on extra investment). Track residence days carefully. Can switch between acceptable investments (portfolio management). Investment returns belong to you. PHASE 4 - PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA (after investment term): After completing investment period (3 years Growth / 5 years Balanced) + meeting residence requirements, apply for PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA (indefinite - no time limit, can live NZ forever). Prove: investment maintained full term, residence days met, good character. Approval: Permanent Resident Visa granted. Can WITHDRAW investment. REALISTIC TOTAL TIMELINE: Growth Category: 6-12 months approval + 12 months transfer + 3 years investment = ~4.5-5 years to permanent residency. Balanced Category: 6-12 months approval + 12 months transfer + 5 years investment = ~6.5-7 years to permanent residency.

Question 8

What is the path from AIP to New Zealand citizenship?

Accepted Answer

PATH FROM ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS TO NEW ZEALAND CITIZENSHIP: STAGE 1 - AIP RESIDENT VISA (4 years): Granted direct 4-year Resident Visa upon approval (immediate resident status). STAGE 2 - INVESTMENT TERM (3-5 years): Growth Category 3 years OR Balanced Category 5 years maintaining investment + meeting residence requirements (21 days total Growth / 63-105 days total Balanced). STAGE 3 - PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA (after investment term): Apply for Permanent Resident Visa after completing investment period. Approval grants INDEFINITE permanent residency (no time limit, can live NZ forever, can withdraw investment). STAGE 4 - CITIZENSHIP ELIGIBILITY (5 YEARS TOTAL as resident): After 5 YEARS TOTAL as resident (can include time on initial 4-year AIP resident visa + permanent resident visa time), eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship. CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS: (1) 5 years as resident with 1,350+ DAYS physically present in NZ during those 5 years (about 270 days/year AVERAGE over 5 years - MUCH MORE demanding than initial AIP residence 21-105 days), (2) Good character (no serious crimes, fulfill tax obligations, upstanding behavior), (3) English proficiency (basic conversational ability - less formal than old IELTS requirements), (4) Intent to continue living in NZ. Citizenship application fee ~$500 NZD. Processing few months. CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY: Oath of allegiance → New Zealand citizen + passport. NZ passport 191 visa-free countries (top 10 globally - Schengen 90 days, UK 6 months, USA ESTA, etc.). DUAL CITIZENSHIP ALLOWED (keep original passport - NZ permits multiple citizenships). TRANS-TASMAN BENEFIT: NZ citizens can LIVE/WORK AUSTRALIA FREELY under Trans-Tasman agreement (reciprocal access major benefit - effectively two countries' residency rights). REALISTIC TOTAL TIMELINE: Growth Category: 4.5-5 years to permanent residency + 0-1 years additional to meet 5-year citizenship countdown (if days sufficient during AIP period, can apply citizenship soon after permanent residency; if not, need more NZ time) = ~6-8 years total to citizenship. Balanced Category: 6.5-7 years to permanent residency + similar citizenship path = ~8-10 years total to citizenship.

Question 9

How much does New Zealand AIP cost in total?

Accepted Answer

TOTAL NEW ZEALAND AIP COSTS: GROWTH CATEGORY $5M NZD (~$3M USD): $5M investment (held 3 years in high-growth assets - VC/direct equity/growth funds, returned after permanent residency granted but subject to investment performance/liquidity). Application fee ~$5K NZD. Immigration adviser $15K-$30K NZD (recommended for complex process). Financial adviser NZ investments $10K-$20K NZD. Health certificates, police checks $2K-$4K NZD family. Permanent Resident Visa fee (later) ~$3K NZD. Total professional fees ~$35K-$60K NZD. Ongoing: minimal residence (21 days total over 3 years - ~$2K-$5K travel/accommodation over 3 years - very low). Investment returns offset costs (growth assets target 8-15%+ annual returns but riskier, could lose value if startups fail - principal recovery uncertain). Effective cost: $35K-$60K fees + opportunity cost of $5M locked 3 years, minus any investment gains (if successful). BALANCED CATEGORY $10M NZD (~$6M USD): $10M investment (held 5 years in mixed portfolio - bonds/equities/property development/managed funds, more stable/predictable returns, returned after permanent residency). Similar professional fees ~$40K-$70K NZD. Ongoing: higher residence (63-105 days total over 5 years - need NZ accommodation ~$20K-$50K/year if renting, or use new >$5M personal home concession = additional $5M+ property purchase separate from $10M threshold). Investment returns offset costs (conservative portfolio target 4-7% annual returns, more stable). Effective cost: $40K-$70K fees + opportunity cost $10M locked 5 years, minus investment returns. CITIZENSHIP COSTS: ~$500 NZD application fee (negligible). TOTAL ECONOMIC COMMITMENT: Growth Category: $5M investment + $35K-$60K fees = ~$5.035M-$5.06M NZD (~$3.02M-$3.04M USD). Investment returned after permanent residency (subject to performance). Balanced Category: $10M investment + $40K-$70K fees + optional $5M+ personal residence = ~$10.04M-$15M+ NZD (~$6.02M-$9M+ USD). Investment returned after permanent residency.

Question 10

Is New Zealand AIP worth it compared to other investor programs?

Accepted Answer

NEW ZEALAND AIP VALUE PROPOSITION vs ALTERNATIVES (2026 comparison): NZ AIP GROWTH $5M NZD (~$3M USD, 3 years, 21 days total): PROS - World's most peaceful nation (Global Peace Index #1 for 15+ years - ultimate safe haven), clean/green environment (pristine nature, low pollution, 100% renewable electricity target), English language official (no barrier for Anglophones), stable democracy + rule of law (low corruption #2 globally), NZ passport 191 visa-free (top 10 globally), Trans-Tasman agreement (NZ citizens can live/work Australia freely - effectively two countries access), ultra-flexible residence (21 days total over 3 years = just 1 week/year), direct permanent residency path, dual citizenship allowed. CONS - Higher investment ($3M USD vs some programs), high-growth assets required (riskier than bonds - startups/VC volatile), remote location (far from Europe/Americas - 24+ hour flights), smaller economy ($250B GDP vs USA $27T, Australia $1.7T), longer to citizenship (~6-8 years total vs Caribbean CBI 3-6 months), colder climate (vs Mediterranean/Caribbean). COMPARE: Portugal Golden Visa €500K (~$530K USD) - MUCH CHEAPER but 7 days/year + 5 years to permanent residency + 6 more years to citizenship = 11+ years total (vs NZ 6-8 years). EU access BUT Portugal facing restrictions. USA EB-5 $800K-$1.05M - CHEAPER than NZ Growth $3M BUT capital at-risk (not guaranteed return like NZ investment often recoverable), 10+ years to citizenship, China/India decades-long backlogs. Australia BIIP CLOSED (no longer option). Singapore GIP $2.5M SGD (~$1.85M USD) - Cheaper than NZ $3M BUT active business criteria (must operate business), no clear citizenship path (Singapore citizenship extremely difficult for investors). Caribbean CBI $100K-$200K donation - MUCH CHEAPER + FASTEST (3-6 months to passport) BUT no major economy residency, visa-free access declining (Vanuatu lost EU/UK, Dominica lost UK/Ireland), no path to G7/developed country citizenship. VERDICT: NZ AIP ideal for: high-net-worth investors ($5M+ liquid) prioritizing SAFETY/STABILITY (world's most peaceful nation, safe haven), QUALITY OF LIFE (clean/green environment, outdoor lifestyle, low density), DUAL ACCESS (NZ + Australia via Trans-Tasman), FLEXIBILITY (21 days minimal presence), willing accept higher investment ($3M-$6M) + longer timeline (6-10 years) for developed country permanent residency + citizenship. NOT ideal for: those seeking cheapest/fastest passport (Caribbean CBI better), EU residency specifically (Portugal/Greece/Spain better), or those without $5M+ liquid capital.

Requirement	Growth Category	Balanced Category
Minimum Investment	NZD $5 Million (~$3M USD)	NZD $10 Million (~$6M USD)
Investment Term	3 Years	5 Years
Physical Presence	21 Days TOTAL over 3 years (7 days/year avg - extremely flexible)	105 Days total over 5 years (21 days/year avg) - REDUCIBLE 14 days per extra $1M invested (min 63 days)
Asset Classes	HIGH-GROWTH: Direct equity in NZ companies, Venture Capital, Growth-focused managed funds (NZTE-approved list)	MIXED: Bonds (govt/corporate), Listed equities, Property development (new builds/commercial value-add), Managed funds
Risk Profile	Higher risk (growth-focused, riskier assets targeting NZ innovation)	Lower risk (diversified, includes conservative assets like bonds)
English Requirement	REMOVED 2025/2026 (NO test)	REMOVED 2025/2026 (NO test)
Age Limit	NO age limit	NO age limit
Visa Type	Direct 4-year Resident Visa from start	Direct 4-year Resident Visa from start
After Investment Term	Permanent Resident Visa (can withdraw investment)	Permanent Resident Visa (can withdraw investment)
Best For	Higher-risk tolerance, want shortest term (3 years), minimal NZ presence (21 days total), willing high-growth assets	Ultra-high-net-worth ($10M+ liquid), want conservative portfolio, willing longer term (5 years) for flexibility

NEW ZEALAND ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS 2026

AT A GLANCE (2026)

ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS (AIP) 2026 QUICK FACTS

🇳🇿 2024/2025 REFORMS: SIMPLIFIED TWO-TIER ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS

WHY NEW ZEALAND?

ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS (AIP) CATEGORIES 2026

GROWTH vs BALANCED - STRATEGIC CHOICE

🏠 NEW 2026: RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY CONCESSION

ACCEPTABLE INVESTMENTS (2026)

READY FOR NEW ZEALAND AIP 2026?