2025 Guide to Living in New Zealand with the Active Investor Plus Visa

2025 has brought a range of new programs and advancements in the world of residency and citizenship by investment. One of the most exciting is the revamped New Zealand Golden Visa, officially known as the Active Investor Plus Visa. Since its re-launch in April 2025, the program has attracted global investors looking to establish roots in one of the world’s most desirable and safest destinations. In the first two months alone, New Zealand confirmed that the program had generated NZ$25 million in foreign investment, with an estimated NZ$1 billion in the pipeline from pending applications. These numbers speak volumes and underscore the program’s remarkable early momentum. A large proportion of applicants have come from the USA – a trend we are seeing across all investor visa programs in recent years. At La Vida, we’re proud to guide investors through every step of this journey.

What Is the Active Investor Plus Visa?

The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand’s investment residency route, offering a direct path to live, work, and study indefinitely for investors and their families. There are two investment paths, each with unique requirements and benefits:

Active Investor Plus Categories: Growth and Balanced.

Growth investment:

• Requires a minimum investment of NZ$5 million (approx. USD 3 million) held over three years.
• A physical presence requirement of just 21 days across the three-year period.
• Eligible investments include managed funds, direct investment into New Zealand businesses, and listed equities.
• This option is designed for investors seeking high-growth opportunities aligned with New Zealand’s economic priorities.

Balanced Investment

• Requires a higher minimum investment of NZ$10 million (approx. USD 6 million), held for five years.
• A physical presence requirement of 105 days over the five-year period.
• This pathway allows for a more diverse portfolio, including bonds, listed equities, property developments, managed funds, and other approved investment vehicles.
• It suits investors looking for long-term diversification and stable growth.

In both categories, funds must be transferred to New Zealand within six months of approval in principle (with an optional six-month extension), and there are clear investment retention checkpoints during the residency period.

New Zealand Active Investor Plus Benefits

The new updates have brought a range of benefits to the program, these include:

• No Language Requirement: Previous English language requirements have been dropped.
• No Maximum Age Restriction: Open to a broad age range of investors.
• Indefinite Residence: After meeting investment and presence requirements, applicants can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
• Family Inclusion: Your family spouse and children up to 24 are included in the application, and after residency you may sponsor your parents through the Parent Boost Visa.
• Top Education: Residents benefit from domestic tuition rates at world-class New Zealand schools and universities.
• High Quality of Life and Tax Benefits: Residents enjoy New Zealand’s excellent healthcare, stable governance, no gift, estate, or wealth taxes, and no capital gains tax, plus no tax on foreign income.
• Fast and Streamlined Process: Application with approval within about 4 months – 6 months.

How Does the Active Investor Process Work?

The process to gain New Zealand residency through investment, is refreshingly simple through La Vida’s expert team.

1. Following a personalised consultation with La Vida’s advisors, you can initiate your application by completing our pre-application background check and onboarding through our secure online portal.
2. La Vida’s team will assist you to compile and submit your application, preparing all supporting documents such as proof of funds, health records, criminal record checks etc.).
3. Once your application has been approved “in principle,” you have 6 months to transfer your funds and finalize your investment.
4. Once your investment is in place, you and your family receive residency for the application period (three or five years, depending on your chosen category).
5. Providing you meet the minimum stay requirements and maintain the investment you can apply for permanent residency.
6. After 5 years of residency, you may be eligible for New Zealand citizenship.

Life in New Zealand: The Golden Advantage

Choosing New Zealand offers much more than a visa, it’s an investment in your family’s future. This is a country where day-to-day life combines stability, opportunity, and natural beauty in equal measure.

Ranked consistently among the top nations for democracy, gender equality, and peacefulness, New Zealand combines natural beauty with a progressive, forward-thinking society.

A Resilient, Welcoming Economy
With strong governance, a transparent business climate, and a stable currency, New Zealand offers security for investors and peace of mind for families.

Lifestyle That’s Hard to Match
In New Zealand the pace is calmer, the air is cleaner, and the views are the kind you never tire of. Beaches, lakes, vineyards, and snow-capped mountains are often just a short drive apart.

Healthcare You Can Rely On
A high-quality public healthcare system, supported by excellent private options, ensures you and your family are well looked after. Preventive care and a focus on wellbeing are part of daily life.

Education with a Global Reputation
From school to university, education is innovative, English-speaking, and internationally recognised – opening doors worldwide for your children’s future.

A Safe, Stable Society
Low crime rates, political stability, and a welcoming culture create an environment where safety is simply part of every day life.

An Outdoor Way of Life
Whether hiking in national parks, sailing on clear waters, or skiing in the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s landscapes are an open invitation to explore, and the outdoor lifestyle is deeply woven into its culture.

Global Connectivity
Despite its remote beauty, New Zealand is well-connected, with direct flights to major hubs such as Sydney (3.5 hours), Singapore (10.5 hours), San Francisco (12 hours), and Dubai (17 hours).

It’s not just where you live, it’s how you live. And in New Zealand, life is balanced, secure, and full of opportunity.

Access Australia with New Zealand Citizenship

A unique benefit of gaining New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa is that, once citizenship is later achieved, New Zealand citizens and their families have the right to live, work, and study in Australia without needing to apply for an additional visa.

This special arrangement is underpinned by the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement between Australia and New Zealand, allowing hassle-free movement and settlement across both countries. As a result, your pathway to New Zealand citizenship not only secures your future in one of the world’s most desirable destinations, but also opens doors to the opportunities and lifestyle Australia offers.

Why Partner with a Golden Visa Specialist?

Navigating New Zealand’s investment landscape can be complex. Here at La Vida, we streamline the process with an end-to-end service and investments through our approved partners, ensuring compliance, and preparing documentation for a smooth transition to your new life.

To explore how a residency in New Zealand can work for you, contact us at La Vida for personalized guidance and support in securing your financial future.

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Tags: Australia, Citizenship By Investment 2025, New Zealand, Oceania