For many people, the idea of philanthropy and immigration feel like separate worlds. But under New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa, they can go hand in hand. If you are looking to relocate to New Zealand and want your investment to do some good along the way, this visa pathway is worth understanding.
What Is the Active Investor Plus Visa?
The Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa is designed for wealthy individuals who want to invest in New Zealand and, in return, gain the right to live here indefinitely. It is open not just to the applicant but also to their partner and dependent children aged 24 and under. As with most residence visas, applicants need to be of good health and character and be considered a fit and proper person.
Two Ways to Invest
There are two categories under this visa, and the one that allows philanthropic donations is the Balanced Category.
The Growth Category requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million, which must go into managed funds or direct investments into New Zealand businesses. Philanthropy is not an option under this category.
The Balanced Category requires a minimum of NZD $10 million but opens the door to a much wider range of investments, including listed equities, bonds, property development, managed funds, direct investments and, importantly, philanthropy.
Note that previously, there was a maximum cap of $7.5 million for philanthropy, but now the total required investment can be invested into philanthropy.
The different requirements for both categories can be seen in this table below.
| Growth Category | Balanced Category | |
| Minimum investment | NZD $5 million | NZD $10 million |
| Acceptable investments | Managed funds, direct investments | Listed equities, philanthropy, bonds, property development, managed funds, direct investments |
| Time to invest | 6 months from Approval in Principle (with option to extend 6 months) | 6 months from Approval in Principle (with option to extend 6 months) |
| Retention period | 36 months | 60 months |
| Time in New Zealand | Minimum 21 days over investment period | Minimum 105 days over investment period (reductions available) |
| Checkpoints | 24 and 36 months | 24 and 60 months |
What Counts as a Philanthropic Investment?
Not every charitable donation will qualify. It must meet the criteria set out in the immigration operational manual instructions. To be considered an acceptable investment for the purposes of the Balanced Category, the funds donated as part of this visa must go to organisations that are a registered charity with at least two years of annual returns filed, and that hold current Inland Revenue donee status.
Donee status is granted by Inland Revenue to organisations that use at least 75% of their funds on charitable or public good purposes within New Zealand. It is the same status that makes donations tax-deductible for ordinary New Zealanders, so it is considered an indicator of legitimacy.
One thing to be aware of is that Immigration New Zealand does not maintain a list of approved charities for this purpose. That means the responsibility sits with you and your advisers to confirm that any organisation you intend to support meets both criteria before funds are committed.
A Meaningful Way to Invest
For investors who are drawn to giving back, the Balanced Category offers an opportunity to combine residency with purpose. New Zealand has a strong charitable sector, and directing a portion of a $10 million investment toward an established, compliant charity is a rewarding way to meet the visa requirements.
You can find out more details on the New Zealand immigration, and trade and enterprise websites.
If you are considering this pathway and want to understand how philanthropic giving might fit into your overall investment structure, we would be happy to help you work through the detail. You can reach out to our experienced team here.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided may not be applicable to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent advice from a qualified New Zealand lawyer before making any investment or immigration decisions.
