New Zealand Residency & Investor Visa Programs

Why Choose New Zealand?

New Zealand, comprising the North Island and South Island, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, lush greenery, and vibrant wildlife. From pristine lakes and rivers to sandy beaches and snow-capped mountains, New Zealand offers a safe, scenic, and welcoming environment for individuals and families seeking global mobility.

Its high quality of life, stable economy, and thriving business environment make it an ideal destination for investors and entrepreneurs looking to secure Permanent Residency (PR) and enjoy long-term opportunities.


New Zealand Residency Through Investment

New Zealand offers Permanent Residency via investment in real estate, business, or government-approved bonds. The Investor Visa program has two main categories: Investor 1 (High Net Worth) and Investor 2 (Standard Investor), catering to different investment capacities and eligibility criteria.


Investor 1 Category – High Net Worth Investment

  • Investment Amount: NZ$10,000,000 over a period of 3 years.

  • Age Limit: No maximum age requirement.

  • Language Requirement: No English language requirement.

  • Stay Requirement: Minimum stay of 88 days in New Zealand over the 3-year investment period.

  • Key Advantage: Ideal for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking fast-track Permanent Residency with minimal residency obligations.


Investor 2 Category – Standard Investor Visa

  • Investment Amount: NZ$2,500,000 over a period of 4 years.

  • Age Limit: Applicants must be under 66 years of age.

  • Language Requirement: English proficiency is required.

  • Stay Requirement: Minimum of 438 days over 4 years, with an annual quota of 400 applicants.

  • Key Advantage: Provides a structured pathway to PR for individuals with moderate investment capacity, including family inclusion.


Benefits of New Zealand Permanent Residency

Freedom of Travel: PR holders can enter and leave New Zealand freely without limitations.
Social and Work Benefits: Full rights to live, work, and study in New Zealand.
Healthcare Access: Permanent residents are entitled to government healthcare and social security benefits.
Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible for New Zealand citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements; children born in New Zealand automatically acquire citizenship.
Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children can be included in the PR application, ensuring the whole family can benefit from relocation.


Why Choose TrueStep Immigration for New Zealand Investor Visa?

At TrueStep Immigration, we provide end-to-end consultancy for individuals and families aiming for New Zealand Permanent Residency through investment. Our team guides you through:

  • Choosing the right Investor Visa category.

  • Preparing investment and residency documentation.

  • Assisting with legal, financial, and immigration compliance.

  • Ensuring a smooth application process with minimal stress.

Secure your future in New Zealand with TrueStep Immigration — your trusted partner for global residency and investor visas.

Active Investor Plus

Invest in a Secure Future

The 2026 Active Investor Plus program offers a streamlined pathway to residency, rewarding investors who contribute to New Zealand's high-growth economy.

21 Days
Total Stay (3 Yrs)
NONE
English Requirement
NZD 5M
Min. Growth Capital
Direct
Residency Pathway
Queenstown NZ
Growth Strategy Focused

A World-Class
Investment Destination

New Zealand ranks as the #1 easiest place to do business. Following the 2025/2026 reforms, the AIP visa incentivizes direct investment into tech, agribusiness, and renewable energy, offering permanent security for your family.

NZD 5M
Growth Category
NZD 10M
Balanced Category

Why Choose New Zealand

Zero English Test

Unlike previous years, the 2026 program has completely removed mandatory English language testing.

Education Benefits

Children of residents qualify for domestic tuition rates, saving hundreds of thousands over a degree.

Ultimate Flexibility

The Growth tier requires just 21 total days in-country over 3 years, allowing you to manage global affairs.

Program Requirements

1

Direct Investment

Invest into approved VC/PE funds or directly into high-growth NZ resident entities.

Productive Assets
2

Asset Nomination

Nominate legal funds or assets to be transferred to New Zealand via the banking system.

Traceable Origin
3

Investment Term

Maintain your capital for 36 months (Growth) or 60 months (Balanced) to secure permanent status.

Holding Period
4

Personal Property

New 2026 concession: Buy luxury residential property (>NZD 5M) for personal use without long delays.

Concession Available

At a Glance

Visa Category
Active Investor Plus (Resident Visa)
Age Limit
No maximum age limit applies
Permanent Residency
Eligible after 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced)

Family Inclusion

Main Applicant

Investor with legally acquired funds and a clean character record.

Partner

Legal spouse or partner in a genuine and stable relationship.

Children

Dependent children up to the age of 24 may be included.

Flexible Stay

All family members enjoy the same low stay requirements as the main applicant.

Application Journey

1

Strategy

Portfolio planning & tier selection.

2

Submission

Filing the AIP Resident Visa petition.

3

Approval

Approval-in-Principle within 30 days.

4

Transfer

Funds transferred within 6 months.

5

Residence

Visa grant & investment period starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Under 2026 concession rules, AIP holders can purchase a personal residential property valued at over NZD 5M. Note: This purchase does not count toward your investment threshold.
  • Growth requires NZD 5M and has higher asset risk but a shorter 3-year term and just 21 days stay. Balanced requires NZD 10M, allows more conservative assets, but has a 5-year term and 105 days stay.
  • No. The English language requirement was removed in the 2025/2026 overhaul to make the program more accessible to global mobile investors.
  • Approvals-in-Principle are currently averaging 25–30 working days for well-documented applications, making it one of the fastest global residency programs.

Begin Your Journey to Aotearoa

Our expert consultants specialize in NZTE-approved growth strategies and New Zealand residency law.