Golden visa for New Zealand: Requirements and benefits

New Zealand isn’t the first country that comes to mind when people think about investor visas or Golden Visas. But that relatively low profile in the global residence-by-investment market is exactly what the government in Wellington set out to change in 2025.

In April that year, the government relaunched the program with major reforms. It lowered the minimum investment requirement, removed the English-language requirement, reduced the minimum stay requirement, and expanded the investment options. From the relaunch through December 2025, the program received a high number of applications.

Officially called the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa, New Zealand’s Golden Visa has become one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading residence-by-investment programs. For those seeking a route to permanent residency in a country known for its high quality of life, political stability, strong rule of law, and favorable tax environment, it’s an option worth considering.

This guide explains how the program works under the conditions in effect in 2026.

What is the New Zealand Golden Visa?

The AIP is New Zealand’s residence-by-investment program. It was relaunched in April 2025 with major changes to the previous version. Unlike the real estate investment programs that dominate the global market, the AIP focuses on attracting productive investment into New Zealand’s economy through managed funds, direct investments in businesses, bonds, and other financial instruments.

1- How the New Zealand Golden Visa works

The program offers two investment options, each with different minimum investment amounts, timeframes, and stay requirements. Applicants choose the option that best fits their situation and must make their investment within six months of receiving approval in principle. After meeting the investment and stay requirements, investors can apply for permanent residency and continue living in New Zealand indefinitely.

To help investors navigate the process, the government launched Invest NZ, a service operated by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE). Its team connects applicants with approved fund managers, direct investment opportunities, and provides guidance throughout the investment process.

2- Initial duration of the permit

Once the application is approved, the holder is granted a resident visa from the outset, unlike other programs that issue temporary permits that need to be renewed. The resident visa allows them to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, as long as they maintain the investment for the required period under the chosen category.

3- Renewals and maintaining residency

Unlike many European programs, the AIP doesn’t need to be renewed. The investment must be kept for at least three years in the Growth category and five years in the Balanced category. After that, and once the stay requirements are met, the holder can apply for permanent residency and later for citizenship.

What are the benefits of the Golden Visa in New Zealand?

New Zealand is ranked 10th on the list of the world’s safest countries and 12th in the 2025 Global Passport Index’s Quality of Life ranking. If you want to know more, you can read our article about what it’s like to live in New Zealand.

1- Right of residence

The main benefit is that successful applicants receive a resident visa that allows them to live, work, and study in New Zealand. It’s not temporary and doesn’t need renewals.

2- International mobility

The New Zealand passport is one of the strongest in the world in terms of global mobility, offering visa-free access to more than 180 countries. For AIP holders who go on to become citizens, that’s the end goal.

During the residency period leading up to citizenship, the resident visa allows you to enter and leave New Zealand freely.

3- Inclusion of family members

The program allows you to include a spouse or partner and dependent children up to the age of 24 in the application. One key detail is that children between 21 and 24 must be single and financially dependent on the main applicant to qualify.

4- Access to education and services

AIP holders and their families can access New Zealand’s education system, which is internationally well regarded. New Zealand also has a good public healthcare system, although people who haven’t yet met the usual residency requirements often use private health insurance as well.

5- Eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship

After fulfilling the investment period and physical presence requirements, program participants may apply for permanent residency.

To get New Zealand citizenship, you need to have lived there as a resident for five years, spent at least 1,350 days in the country during that time, and be a tax resident. Unlike citizenship-by-investment programs, obtaining a New Zealand passport requires genuine long-term residence in the country.

Who is eligible to apply for the Golden Visa in New Zealand?

The program is open to high-net-worth investors from any country, with no nationality restrictions. Since it was relaunched in April 2025, most applicants have come from the US, China, and Hong Kong, but anyone who meets the financial and eligibility requirements can apply.

You don’t need to be an active business owner or have prior management experience. Unlike the old Investor 2 program, the AIP doesn’t require any minimum business experience or age limit.

That said, the most common profile is high-net-worth investors looking for a second home in a stable country, with the flexibility of not needing to live there full-time during the investment period.

What are the requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa in New Zealand?

To apply for the Active Investor Plus (AIP) program in 2026, Immigration New Zealand sets strict requirements that go beyond financial capacity alone. The process is designed to attract committed investors who add real value to the country’s economy, so transparency and compliance are essential from day one.

To qualify for the program in 2026, you’ll need to meet the following documentation, financial, and character requirements.

1- Required documentation

The standard documentation needed to begin the process includes:

• A valid passport with sufficient validity to cover the investment period.
• Online application form via the Immigration New Zealand website.
• Proof of funds’ origin: Comprehensive and verifiable evidence of the lawful origin of the funds to be invested. This is one of the most stringent requirements of the process.
• Confirmation that the investment has been completed: From both the bank and the fund manager or the receiving institution.
• Proof of family ties for dependents included in the application.
• Certificate of good conduct or criminal record from the country of origin and countries of recent residence.

2- Financial requirements

Minimum investment requirements depend on the chosen category. Since December 2025, cash held in bank accounts no longer counts as eligible investment, and the full minimum amount must be invested in assets that meet the program’s approved categories.

3- Background checks and security screenings

Applicants must meet Immigration New Zealand’s character requirements. This includes having no serious criminal convictions, not posing a threat to national security, and passing identity checks as well as source-of-funds verification.

Source-of-funds verification deserves particular attention because Immigration New Zealand applies especially strict checks in this area. Investors need to clearly document and trace how the wealth they’re investing was originally generated.

4- Maintenance of the investment

The investment must be made within six months of getting initial approval, with a possible six-month extension. After that, it must be kept for at least three years (Growth) or five years (Balanced). Withdrawing it early can affect the visa.

5- Requirements during renewals

Unlike European programs, the AIP doesn’t involve regular renewals. The key milestones are completing the investment period, meeting the physical presence requirement, and then applying for permanent residency. Once permanent residency is granted, there are no further investment obligations.

Requirements by country of origin

The program does not set any nationality-based restrictions or special conditions. Applicants from all countries are assessed under the same eligibility criteria, regardless of nationality.

One important advantage for Spanish-speaking applicants is that the 2025 reform removed the English language requirement that existed in the previous program, making it more accessible to people who don’t speak English as a first language.

What are the types of investments required to obtain the Golden Visa in New Zealand?

The AIP program offers two investment categories with different features. Here’s a quick comparison so you can see the key differences before we go into more detail:

Investment in managed funds (Growth)

This is the most popular option among investors. It involves investing in funds that have already been officially approved by the New Zealand government (Invest NZ). These funds put money into high-growth companies, which means they aim for higher returns, but also come with higher risk.

Since December 2025, cash in bank accounts no longer counts toward the minimum investment. You now need at least NZD 5 million in eligible assets (about USD 3 million). Approved managed funds receive an 85% weighting under the program, meaning the amount you need to invest may be lower than it first appears.

Another update is that from June 2026, the government will allow part of the investment to be used for social impact. You can allocate up to 20% of your investment (capped at NZD 1 million) to philanthropic donations.

Who can donations be made to? Only to registered charities in New Zealand that meet strict requirements (such as having operated transparently for more than five years), or to official government environmental conservation projects in the country.

What are the risks? Investing in startups or venture capital funds is not guaranteed to succeed. You could lose part or all of your money. That’s why it’s important to get professional financial advice before choosing where to invest.

Direct investment in New Zealand companies (Growth and Balanced)

This involves buying shares in or directly financing companies that operate and are headquartered in New Zealand.

Every dollar invested counts fully toward the minimum investment requirement. There are no discounts or special formulas. It gives you full control over your money, but you need to understand the local market or have good advisors.

Bond investment (Balanced)

This option is only available under the Balanced category and allows you to invest in New Zealand government bonds, local council bonds, or large, established companies.

This is the preferred option for more conservative investors. If your main goal is to protect your capital rather than take risks in search of higher returns, this is the safer choice.

Luxury residential real estate

New Zealand’s laws are very strict and prohibit foreigners from purchasing homes. However, this program has a special exception.

If you have this visa, you can buy or build a home to live in, as long as it costs at least NZD 5 million (about USD 3 million). But the money you spend on the home doesn’t count toward the visa’s required investment.

Since March 2026, applications for permission to purchase qualifying residential property can be approved in as little as five business days.

What taxes do Golden Visa holders have to pay in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s tax system is very different from most European and Latin American countries, which makes it especially attractive and investor-friendly for high-net-worth individuals.

Here’s a simple explanation of how it works:

Tax residency and immigration residency

One major advantage of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) program is that you can hold a resident visa without becoming a tax resident. In New Zealand, you only become liable for tax on your worldwide income if you spend 183 days or more in the country within a 12-month period.

If you only stay in New Zealand for the minimum time required by the visa, 21 days for the Growth category or 105 days for the Balanced category, you won’t become a tax resident, and New Zealand won’t tax your foreign income or assets.

Income tax

If you decide to move to New Zealand permanently and become a tax resident, you’ll pay income tax at progressive rates ranging from 10.5% to a maximum of 39% for the highest earners.

If you decide to move to New Zealand and become a tax resident, there’s a major benefit for new arrivals. For your first four years, most foreign income is exempt from New Zealand tax, giving you time to organize your finances.

Taxes on investments

Unlike almost the rest of the Western world, New Zealand does not have a general capital gains tax.

The main exception is real estate. If you buy a property and sell it soon after with the intention of making a profit, you may have to pay tax under New Zealand’s bright-line test. But if you invest in funds or businesses, you generally won’t pay capital gains tax.

If you sell shares, business interests, or investment funds after holding them long term, any profit you make is generally tax-free.

Property taxes

New Zealand doesn’t have an annual property tax. Homeowners do pay local council rates, which vary depending on the property’s value and location, but they’re generally modest, even for high-value homes.

Tax considerations to evaluate

New Zealand has no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, and no gift tax, making it an attractive country for long-term wealth and estate planning.

Even though the outlook is positive, if you have investments in different countries, you should check double tax treaties (New Zealand has over 40) with a tax advisor before moving your money.

Costs of the Golden Visa in New Zealand

Starting the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa process involves a number of costs and administrative steps you should be aware of from day one. Here’s a breakdown of the real expenses so you know what to expect.

Government fees

To begin with, you need to pay the online application fee. The official cost is 27,470 NZD (16,400 USD). The good news is that this fee already covers the main applicant, their partner, and dependent children up to 24 years old, so there are no extra charges per person.

You pay when you submit the application, and if it is denied for any reason, the government will not refund your money.

Legal costs

Let’s be honest: trying to handle this process on your own is a real headache. Proving the source of your funds in detail and coordinating with Invest NZ requires experienced professionals.

A specialized lawyer usually costs between $10,000 and $30,000, depending on how complex your finances are and the firm you hire.

Administrative expenses

Official translations, apostilles, criminal background checks from every country you’ve lived in, medical exams, and opening bank accounts in New Zealand. All these smaller administrative steps usually add up to between $3,000 and $8,000 over the course of the process.

Renewal costs

Good news: unlike European Golden Visas, you don’t have to renew your visa every few years. Once you get a New Zealand resident visa, it’s permanent. The only ongoing costs are normal fund fees or management costs if you invest directly in companies.

Other related expenses

To maintain your visa, you must travel to the country from time to time (21 days over three years for the Growth category or 105 days over five years for the Balanced category).

If you live in Europe or Latin America, flights to Auckland or Wellington aren’t cheap. You can expect to spend around $1,500 to $3,500 per person each time you travel to meet the required stay days.

How do I apply for a Golden Visa in New Zealand?

The Active Investor Plus (AIP) application process is straightforward and follows a clear structure. It’s divided into five main steps, and each one must be completed in order.

1- Investment preparation

The first step is choosing which investment category to apply under: Growth, with a minimum investment of NZD 5 million (USD 3 million), or Balanced, with a minimum investment of NZD 10 million (USD 6 million).

If you choose the Growth category, you’ll usually work with Invest NZ, the government agency that provides a list of approved investment funds and introduces you to their managers. You decide where to invest, but the government provides the approved options.

2- Gathering documents

While deciding where to invest, you’ll also need to start gathering your documents. Getting your passport, medical certificates, and police clearance certificates from the countries where you’ve lived is the easy part.

The hardest part is proving where your money came from. This usually takes the most time, as the New Zealand government carefully checks the source of your wealth.

3- Submitting the application

Once everything has been properly translated and apostilled, the application is uploaded to the Immigration New Zealand portal and the processing fee is paid.

4- Evaluation by the authorities

Immigration New Zealand will review your application and finances. If everything checks out, you’ll receive an Approval in Principle. Most complete applications are approved in about 35 to 40 business days (around six to eight weeks).

Once you have the AIP approval, you have six months to transfer your funds to New Zealand and complete the investment. If you need more time for valid reasons, you can request an additional six-month extension.

5- Obtaining and renewing the permit

Once you can show that your money has been invested in the approved assets, the government issues your permanent resident visa, and you’re free to move to New Zealand with your family.

After keeping your investment for the required time, you can apply for permanent residency. After five years in total in New Zealand, you may also apply for citizenship. You only need to meet the minimum stay requirements for your category.

How can I get internet access when I arrive in New Zealand?

Going to New Zealand to meet fund managers, look at investment options, or meet the stay requirements means you need to stay connected from day one. Cities have good internet, but hotel WiFi isn’t ideal for managing an investment process like this.

With Holafly’s monthly plans, you get internet in over 160 destinations using a single global eSIM. It’s ideal whether you plan to live in New Zealand long term or just need to meet the minimum stay requirements for the program. You get unlimited data, hotspot sharing for other devices, and automatic renewal with no contracts. Simply subscribe through the app and cancel whenever you want.

You also get the Always On benefit, which gives you an extra 1 GB every month as a backup when you need a digital safety net. It kicks in when your plan runs out or if you cancel it, and it works in more than 70 countries.

Frequently asked questions about the New Zealand Golden Visa

Plans that may interest you

eSIM Europe

eSIM Australia

Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

Read full bio

Related reading