New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa continues to gain traction among high-net-worth individuals and families seeking a stable, welcoming, safe, and attractive destination following the well-received immigration policy changes of 1 April.
A recent article by Henley & Partners predicts that a “record-breaking 142,000 millionaires are projected to relocate internationally this year,” and the AIP visa is the key to opening this door to New Zealand.
The policy changes have simplified the AIP structure and broadened its appeal, positioning New Zealand as a serious contender in the global investor migration market. The AIP visa offers two distinct investment pathways:
- Growth Category: Requires an investment of NZ$5 million (USD 3 million) over three years in NZ Trade & Enterprise pre-approved active investments.
- Balanced Category: Requires NZ$10 million (USD 6 million) over five years in more passive investments including bonds, equities, philanthropy, a range of property options, as well as any Growth Category investments.
The visas’ popularity is already evident. Between April and June 2025, Immigration New Zealand received 189 applications, representing a potential NZ$1.145 billion (USD 689 million) in investment. Current applicants are from 19 countries, with the USA (almost 50%), China, Hong Kong, and Germany the most popular source countries. Interest is also growing from Europe and other Asian countries. While the figures include 50 applicants transitioning from the previous AIP policy settings, it is still an impressive start.
This popularity is driven by several factors:
- Reduced time required to stay in the country (just 21 days for Growth Category applicants and 105 days for the Balanced Category)
- The permanent residence outcome on completion of the investment term (life-long New Zealand residence with no conditions and no expiry date)
- Applications can include dependent children under 25 years
- No English language requirement
- Swift and efficient application processing (we have had applications approved in just 3 days!)
- An informed and supportive investment ecosystem
- Tightening of other countries’ Golden Visa programmes (e.g., Portugal has curtailed its real estate investment route, and Ireland and Australia have closed their investor visa programmes altogether)
These factors, combined with increasing global uncertainty and conflict, have redirected investor attention toward countries like New Zealand that offer lifestyle, stability, and long-term security.
New Zealand is a country of just 5 million people, and AIP applicants benefit significantly from the support and services available from the network of well-established, experienced and proven professionals who have collaborated over many years to welcome and support migrant investors. New Zealand’s approach is unique with its “people-first approach” and its emphasis on “human capital.” The AIP visa encourages investors not just to contribute financially, but to engage with the local economy and community – something which aligns with the country’s broader, long-term, goals of sustainable growth and innovation.
As one of New Zealand’s most experienced immigration advisers, Pathways® is seeing first-hand the potential of the AIP visa to transform lives and stimulate economic growth across the country. The strong start of the AIP has been welcomed by everyone and can be attributed, in part, to the positive collaboration between the Government and the private sector in formulating, promoting and delivering the new policy settings. The continued success of the AIP now largely depends on the support and outcomes applicants personally experience along their New Zealand migration journey, and the Government’s ongoing input and focus to ensure the AIP delivers on its’ economic growth plans. We can do this New Zealand!
Ready to begin your New Zealand Golden Visa journey? Contact Richard Howard of Pathways to New Zealand® today!
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