New Zealand’s Golden Visa Continues to Shine!

New Zealand’s “Golden Visa”, the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa, continues to demonstrate strong momentum, reinforcing its position as an internationally competitive residence-by-investment programme designed to attract high-value, active investors.

Since the AIP policy changes were introduced in April 2025, Immigration New Zealand has received 688 applications. Of these, 568 have been approved in principle and 263 resident visas have been granted. These applications represent a potential investment of NZ$4.015 billion (USD2.4 billion), with approximately NZ$1.56 billion (USD94 billion) already committed to the New Zealand economy. Applicants are from 40 countries and while the USA is still the main source country, with 35% of applicants, this percentage is reducing as the AIP gains popularity across Asia and Europe.

Processing timeframes remain efficient, with an average of 36 working days for both approval in principle and final approval – once investment evidence has been provided.

The majority of applicants (85%) continue to favour the Growth Category which requires NZ$5 million (USD3 million) to be invested in active investments over three years, whereas the Balanced Category NZ$10 million (USD 6 million) enables for more passive investments but for a five year investment term. This indicates that applicants are strongly attracted to the Growth Category policy settings, despite the more active nature of the underlying investments.

Two further defining features of the AIP programme are its relatively low physical presence requirements (21 days for the Growth Category and 105 days for the Balanced Category) and the ability to secure life-long New Zealand permanent residence, with no ongoing conditions, at the end of the investment term.

Pathways to New Zealand Ltd Managing Director Richard Howard is a member of the New Zealand Government Adviser Reference Group, which contributed to the development and implementation of the AIP policy changes.

Overall, the AIP programme is delivering measurable economic impact while attracting internationally experienced investors, further positioning New Zealand as an increasingly attractive “Golden Visa” destination.