New Zealand Golden Visa 2026: Active Investor Plus Residency Guide for Global Investors

Summary

This guide explains New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa (the country’s so‑called Golden Visa) for global investors. The scheme offers indefinite rights to live, work and study in New Zealand once granted, provided applicants meet investment, presence and compliance requirements. There are two main tracks: the Growth category (minimum NZD 5 million, three‑year holding, lighter physical presence) and the Balanced category (minimum NZD 10 million, five‑year holding, greater asset flexibility). The article covers eligibility, required documentation, source‑of‑funds scrutiny, ongoing reporting, family inclusion, tax features and practical trade‑offs around capital, liquidity and days spent in New Zealand.

Key Points

Active Investor Plus grants open‑ended residency rights once conditions are met; it is aimed at active, not purely passive, capital.
Growth category: NZD 5 million minimum, 3‑year holding, 21 days minimum presence over 36 months, potential PR after 3 years.
Balanced category: NZD 10 million minimum, 5‑year holding, 105 days presence over 60 months with stepwise reductions if you increase capital and add Growth‑style assets.
Eligible assets differ by track: Growth focuses on direct NZ business investments and approved managed funds; Balanced allows broader allocations including listed equities, bonds and qualifying philanthropy.
Stringent source‑of‑funds and AML/KYC checks; transfers must be completed through approved channels, typically within six months of approval in principle.
Applicants must meet standard fit‑and‑proper criteria (health, police clearances) and provide comprehensive documentation akin to an investment committee pack.
Two structured questionnaires during the investment period (around 24 months and at the end) require updates on investments and engagement with NZ businesses.
Tax advantages include no general wealth, inheritance or gift taxes, and a possible four‑year exemption on most foreign‑sourced income for new investor residents.
Family can be included (partner and dependents up to age 24 under specified criteria), making the route suitable as a geopolitical ‘Plan B’.

Context and relevance

For family offices, ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals and global executives, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus sits at the intersection of geopolitical insurance, lifestyle choice and portfolio strategy. The programme reflects a broader trend among stable jurisdictions offering residency‑by‑investment to attract patient, engaged capital. Its emphasis on active investments (rather than parked funds) distinguishes it from some other golden‑visa schemes and appeals to investors prepared to accept lower liquidity for faster residency or reduced presence requirements. The tax profile and pathway to permanent residence and eventual citizenship make it particularly relevant for those building long‑term family strategies and contingency plans.

Why should I read this?

Quick answer: if you or your clients are weighing residency options or sizing up geopolitical diversification, this is a compact field guide. It tells you how much cash you need, what kinds of assets count, how long you’ll actually need to be on the ground, and the paperwork pain points to expect. Saved you time — read this before you call advisers or wire any funds.

Author style

Punchy — the piece cuts through technicalities to give executives the practical trade‑offs: speed vs liquidity, presence vs capital, and where New Zealand sits as a quietly strong ‘backup’ jurisdiction. If you’re considering residency by investment, the detail matters; this article highlights the levers you can pull.