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Bridget Holland2026-05-29 14:29:132026-05-29 14:31:54Charities Added to Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa Investment Options
Doris Tu
Partner
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Senior Associate
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Senior Associate
Ada Zhang
Senior Solicitor
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Solicitor
Podcast Episode
Moving to New Zealand: Key points to consider and the Active Investor Plus Visa criteria
In this recent Seeds Podcast episode, host and Partner at Parry Field Lawyers, Steven Moe, speaks with Associate, Rebecca Carruthers, who is an immigration specialist at Parry Field Lawyers about tips for moving to New Zealand as well as how the Active Investor Plus visa actually works.
Our Expertise
We can assist with:
- Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visas
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- Skilled Migrants
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- Overseas Investment
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Bridget Holland
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Bridget Holland2026-05-29 14:29:132026-05-29 14:31:54Charities Added to Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa Investment Options
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Bridget Holland
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Bridget Holland2026-05-12 08:32:532026-05-29 14:31:08Can Donating to Charity Help You Get a New Zealand Visa?
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marapizarras@parryfield.com
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marapizarras@parryfield.com2026-05-04 13:25:522026-05-05 10:23:02Immigrants to New Zealand: Opportunities and Challenges of Moving Here
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marapizarras@parryfield.com2026-04-29 11:55:222026-05-04 13:02:40Active Investors: Opportunities for New Zealand Startups, Funds and Venture Capitalists
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Tasha Fraser
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Tasha Fraser2026-04-16 09:04:092026-04-29 11:46:31What the New OIO Directive Means for Overseas Investors
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Tasha Fraser2026-04-15 10:01:112026-04-28 15:28:31Active Investor Plus Visa Attracts $3.39 Billion in Investments to New Zealand
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Tasha Fraser2025-03-28 14:58:162026-04-28 15:28:57New Rules, New Opportunities- A Guide to the 2025 Active Investor Plus Visa
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Tasha Fraser2025-03-06 10:07:072026-04-29 11:45:20More ways to Invest: Active Investor Plus Visa ChangesActive Investor Plus (AIP) Visa – FAQs
We summarised the key requirements of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa in a previous article, which is here. Our Immigration team is very active supporting migrant investors and provide free information, guides and videos here.
As part of our commitment to support migrants, the following are frequently asked questions and answers regarding the AIP visa.
What’s the difference between the Growth and Balanced categories?
Growth involves a lower minimum investment and shorter investment term with fewer days in New Zealand, while Balanced involves a higher minimum investment over a longer term with more days in New Zealand.
How do I decide which category suits me?
Most investors decide based on (a) how much capital they want to invest, (b) how long they are willing to keep these funds invested and (c) what time in New Zealand requirement they can meet. We suggest seeking the advice of a financial advice provider and/or a professional tax adviser before making any investment decisions.
Is Growth more preferable because it’s a lower minimum investment?
Not necessarily. Growth can be less liquid and higher risk, so it is more about suitability and risk tolerance rather than price. We suggest seeking the advice of a financial advice provider and/or a professional tax adviser before making any investment decisions.
What does “acceptable investment” mean?
It means the investment must meet the AIP Immigration Instructions for the relevant category.
Do I need to invest before I apply?
Most investors apply first and invest after Immigration New Zealand issues “Approval in Principle” (AIP), but the specific order of steps and evidence requirements should be confirmed for your situation.
Can I invest in managed funds / direct investments?
Yes, but only if the fund / direct investment is recognised as acceptable for AIP purposes at the time you invest.
Are returns guaranteed because the investment is “acceptable”?
No. The term “acceptable” refers to regulatory approval, not a guarantee of returns.
Who decides my visa – Immigration New Zealand or Invest New Zealand?
Immigration New Zealand decides visas. Invest New Zealand’s role is focused on whether specific funds or direct investments are acceptable under the AIP framework.
Does Invest New Zealand “approve” my investment returns?
No. Invest New Zealand’s involvement is about acceptability for AIP purposes, not investment suitability for your financial goals.
What does “Approval in Principle” mean in an AIP visa application?
It means Immigration New Zealand is prepared to approve the visa once specified conditions are met, such as transferring and placing funds into acceptable investments within required timeframes and passports being scanned.
How long does the AIP process take?
Timeframes vary depending on complexity, evidence readiness and Immigration New Zealand processing.
What delays could there be for investors after Approval in Principle?
Banking and AML onboarding, cross-border funds movement and investment execution timing can be causes of delay.
What is the difference between source of funds and source of wealth?
Source of wealth is how you accumulated your net worth over time. Source of funds is where the specific invested money came from.
What documents might I need to show source of wealth/funds?
Documents might include sale agreements, dividend records, audited accounts, bank statements showing transfers, loan documentation (if relevant) and corporate structure/beneficial ownership evidence.
What does “fit and proper person” mean for AIP?
It refers to credibility and compliance, including whether your business activities have complied with relevant laws (including immigration, employment and tax law requirements, where applicable).
Will past disputes or negative media mean I do not meet the fit and proper person requirement?
Not necessarily as it is fact-specific, but non-disclosure or inconsistent explanations can result in significant problems. Early and careful advice is suggested.
Take advice on what should be disclosed and how to present context and documentation.
Can an AIP visa holder buy a home in New Zealand?
Potentially, but residential property purchases by overseas persons can require Overseas Investment Office consent. There is a specific $5 million + pathway for AIP visa holders.
Can I sign a Sale and Purchase Agreement before overseas Investment consent is granted?
You may be able to sign provided it is drafted as conditional, but you must not complete the purchase until consent is granted (and the condition wording needs to be precise).
If I buy a home in New Zealand, will this count towards the mandatory investment threshold?
Purchasing a home is not considered an acceptable investment for AIP purposes. It is separate from your visa obligations.
These FAQs are 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 immigration decisions.
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Contact us
At Parry Field Lawyers, we specialise in guiding clients through the complexities of the AIP visa application process. If you are considering investing in New Zealand through the AIP visa, our experienced team is here to assist you every step of the way. Please feel free to contact us to explore how we can help you achieve your investment and residency goals.