NEW ZEALAND BLOG

Why Americans Are Flocking to New Zealand's Golden Visa Program in 2025

Jul 08, 2025

This is the first time a visa has been offered in New Zealand like this! You may want to jump on this opportunity because who knows what could change with a possible new government in 2026.

Many of my clients have loved the investments that they can invest in, the fact that you only have to be in the country for 21 days over 3 years, and that you get a resident visa right away!

If you are interested in finding out if this Investor Visa makes sense for you or want someone to manage the whole process for you, contact me directly via email at [email protected]

Quick Facts: New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa (2025)

Program Name: Active Investor Plus Visa

Minimum Investment:

NZ$5 million (Growth Category)
NZ$10 million (Balanced Category)

Investment Period:

3 years (Growth Category)
5 years (Balanced Category)

Processing Time: 80% of applications are approved in principle within 4 months.

Visa Cost: From NZ$27,470

Family Inclusion: Partner and dependent children (aged 24 and under) can be included in the application.

Pathway: Permanent residence after 3 or 5 years (depending on investment type).

Investment Categories & Requirements

Category	Minimum Investment	Investment Period	Permanent Residence Pathway	Residency Requirement
Growth	NZ$5 million	3 years	Eligible after 3 years	21 days in NZ over 3 years
Balanced	NZ$10 million	5 years	Eligible after 5 years	105 days in NZ over 5 years (can be reduced with higher investment)

Investment Options

Growth Category (NZ$5 million, 3 years):
- Direct investments in NZ businesses (NZTE-approved)
- Managed funds (NZTE-approved)
Balanced Category (NZ$10 million, 5 years):
- Direct investments in NZ businesses (NZTE-approved)
- Managed funds (NZTE-approved)
- Listed equities
- Bonds
- Philanthropy (donations to Inland Revenue-approved NZ charities)
- Property developments (new residential, commercial, or industrial; or value-adding upgrades to existing commercial/industrial)

Notes:

Direct investments and managed funds for both categories must be approved by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE).
Property development (Balanced only) must be new residential, or new/existing commercial/industrial that adds value (e.g., earthquake strengthening).
Philanthropy (Balanced only) must be donations to Inland Revenue-approved NZ charities.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Phase	Timeline	Key Actions	Cost
Preparation	Varies	Gather financial documents, prove source of funds, plan investments	Varies
Application Submission	Immediate	Apply online, pay fee, submit all required documents	NZ$27,470
Approval in Principle	~4 months (80% of applications)	If approved, you have 6 months to transfer and invest funds in NZ
Investment Period	3 or 5 years	Maintain investment in NZ for the required period
Permanent Residence	After 3 or 5 years	Apply for permanent residence after maintaining your investment

What This Visa Lets You Do

Live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
Include your partner and dependent children (aged 24 and under) in your application.
Apply for permanent residence after 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced) of maintaining your investment.

Key Benefits

Security: Political and economic stability.
Opportunity: Access to NZ/AU markets, business, and investment opportunities.
Lifestyle: High quality of life, world-class healthcare, and education.
Family: Partner and dependent children included.
Future: Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship.
No English language requirement.