New Zealand AIP Visa 2026
Programme Overview
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa offers indefinite residency for high-net-worth investors through complying investments. NEW 2025: Charitable contributions/philanthropy now confirmed as qualifying investment in Balanced category. As of March 6, 2026, AIP visa holders can purchase residential property valued at NZ$5M+ with Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approval in just 5 working days. Choose between Growth (NZ$5M, 3 years, 21 days total) or Balanced (NZ$10M, 5 years, 105 days total—reducible to 63 days) categories. Application processing: 80% approved in principle within 11 weeks. Application fee from NZ$27,470.
New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa programme, launched in 2022 to replace the former Investor Visa categories, represents the gold standard in investor immigration. Designed for sophisticated global investors, the programme requires significant capital commitment—NZ$5 million minimum for the Growth category or NZ$10 million for the Balanced category—alongside genuine engagement with New Zealand's economy. In return, investors gain access to one of the world's most desirable countries: clean, safe, politically stable, with a high quality of life and a strong rule of law. New Zealand's territorial tax system means foreign income is generally not taxed, while the March 2024 property reforms have made real estate investment viable again for AIP applicants. For ultra-high-net-worth families seeking a "Plan B" in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand offers an unmatched combination of lifestyle, security, and long-term wealth preservation. The AIP's active investment requirement means this programme suits engaged investors, not passive wealth parkers.
Fund Your New Zealand Investment with a Lombard Loan
Instead of liquidating your portfolio to fund the From NZ$5,000,000 New Zealand investment, use your existing assets as collateral and keep your money working for you.
Traditional: Liquidate Assets
- ✗Sell From NZ$5,000,000 from your portfolio
- ✗Trigger capital gains tax (up to 20%)
- ✗Lose years of compound growth
- ✗After 10 years: $10.79M
Lombard Loan: Keep Your Portfolio
- Borrow From NZ$5,000,000 against $10.00M collateral
- No capital gains event triggered
- Portfolio continues growing at ~8%
- After 10 years: $19.84M
10-Year Wealth Projection
Investment Options
Key Benefits
Eligibility Requirements
Investment & Stay Requirement Details
Application Timeline
Application Submission
ImmediateApply with us. We prepare your complete application package with supporting documents: 2 photos, police certificates, source of funds evidence, medical examination/chest X-ray, and comprehensive cover letter summarizing your evidence
Processing & Approval in Principle
11 weeks (80% of applications)Immigration NZ processes application and grants approval in principle. Official processing standard: 80% approved within 11 weeks from NZ$27,470 application fee payment
Transfer & Invest Funds
6 months (extendable +6 months)Transfer investment funds to NZ and complete qualifying investments within 6 months of approval in principle. Extension available for additional 6 months if reasonable steps shown
Investment Period & Compliance
36 months (Growth) or 60 months (Balanced)Maintain qualifying investments and meet physical presence (21 or 105 days total). Submit evidence at 24-month checkpoint and end of period. Complete post-investment questionnaires within 3 months of checkpoints
Permanent Resident Visa
3-6 months processingApply for Permanent Resident Visa after completing investment period. Early application available after holding Investor Resident Visa for 24+ months. Permanent visa allows indefinite travel in/out of NZ
New Zealand Citizenship
60 months (5 years) as permanent residentEligible to apply for NZ citizenship after 5 years as permanent resident. Requirements: 1,350 days in NZ over 5 years with 240 days in each of final 5 years, English language proficiency, good character. Processing time: 12-18 months
Family Inclusion
- •Partner/spouse (must demonstrate genuine, stable relationship with 12+ months cohabitation)
- •Dependent children aged 24 and younger
- •For ages 21-24: must provide proof of financial reliance on primary applicant
- •Children born after original application can be included via Dependent Child Resident Visa after approval in principle
- •Family members must arrive in NZ within 12 months of visa grant or must reapply for residence
- •All family members receive residence visas with same pathway to permanent residence
Taxation
New Zealand taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 39%. Tax residency triggered by 183+ days in NZ in any 12-month period OR by Permanent Place of Abode (PPOA). CRITICAL: Purchasing NZ property creates HIGH risk of PPOA designation and worldwide taxation even with fewer than 183 days. STRATEGY: Use managed funds or listed equities instead of property to MINIMIZE PPOA risk (no physical property = minimal PPOA indicators). For absolute certainty, apply for IRD Binding Ruling—a legally binding determination from Inland Revenue that confirms your tax status. Once issued, the IRD must honour the ruling and cannot later reassess you differently. Binding Rulings recommended even for managed fund investors. Cost: NZ$2,000-5,000, timeline 6-8 weeks. No capital gains tax (except property speculation), no inheritance tax.
Residency Requirements
Growth Category: minimum 21 days TOTAL over entire 36-month investment period (NOT per year). Balanced Category: minimum 105 days TOTAL over entire 60-month investment period (NOT per year)—reducible by 14 days for each additional NZ$1M invested in Growth category investments (maximum 42-day reduction, bringing minimum to 63 days). Days must be physically present in NZ during investment period. Visa grants indefinite travel rights: Growth 4 years from first arrival, Balanced 6 years from first arrival.
Path to Citizenship
Eligible for NZ citizenship after 5 years as permanent resident, including physical presence requirements (1,350 days over 5 years with 240 days in each of final 5 years). English language proficiency and good character required. Permanent Resident Visa application available after completing full investment period (36 or 60 months) OR early application available after holding Investor Resident Visa for 24+ months.
Costs & Fees
Minimum investment for Growth category
Minimum investment for Balanced category
Immigration New Zealand application and assessment fees
Licensed immigration adviser fees for application preparation
Legal structuring and tax planning advisory
Required health and character documentation
Is New Zealand Right for You?
Ideal For
- Ultra-high-net-worth families seeking Southern Hemisphere "Plan B"
- Investors wanting access to both New Zealand and Australia
- Families prioritizing quality of life, safety, and education
- Entrepreneurs interested in NZ business opportunities
- Those seeking territorial taxation and no capital gains tax
- Investors comfortable with active investment engagement
Consider Alternatives If
- •Those with budgets under $3 million USD
- •Passive investors wanting no involvement with investments
- •Those unable to meet annual presence requirements
- •Investors seeking quick returns (long investment periods)
- •Those wanting immediate permanent residency (multi-year process)
Alternative Programmes to Consider
Australia
If you want to live primarily in Australia. Australia's SIV requires A$5M but provides direct Australian residence.
Portugal
If you prefer Europe and lower investment. Portugal offers EU residency from €250,000.
UAE
If you want zero-tax residency with lower investment. UAE Golden Visa from $545,000.
Related Resources
Fund Your Investment with a Lombard Loan
See how portfolio-backed lending can preserve your wealth while funding your active investor plus investment.
New Zealand AIP Visa 2026 Guide
March 6 property reform, Growth vs Balanced categories, and tax residency warnings.
NZ vs European Golden Visas
Why high-net-worth investors are choosing NZ over Greece and Portugal.
Complete Guide to Golden Visa Financing
Compare all financing methods: Lombard loans, fund financing, and traditional options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Schedule a consultation with our expert advisors to discuss your New Zealand active investor plus application.