Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa

Information Hub

This Information Hub brings together free articles and resources on the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa, including visa categories, acceptable investments, application requirements, and practical guidance for prospective applicants.

The Active Investor Plus visa is designed to attract high-value investors who wish to bring capital, experience, and business opportunities to New Zealand. Updated visa settings introduced from 1 April 2025 have made the pathway simpler and more attractive, with two streamlined investment categories:

  • Growth Category: Requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million in high-risk, direct investments in New Zealand businesses for at least three years.
  • Balanced Category: Requires a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over five years, with a broader range of investment options, including bonds and property developments (new residential, commercial, or industrial projects).

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.

Parry Fields new partner Doris Tu leads our Migrant Team
Doris Tu
Partner

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Steven Moe
Partner

StevenMoe@parryfield.com
021761292


Viv Zhang
Senior Associate

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Yang Su
Senior Associate

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Rebecca Carruthers
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Senior Solicitor

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Solicitor

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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.

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Active 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.

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.

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.

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.

It means the investment must meet the AIP Immigration Instructions for the relevant category.

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.

Yes, but only if the fund / direct investment is recognised as acceptable for AIP purposes at the time you invest.

No. The term “acceptable” refers to regulatory approval, not a guarantee of returns.

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.

No. Invest New Zealand’s involvement is about acceptability for AIP purposes, not investment suitability for your financial goals.

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.

Timeframes vary depending on complexity, evidence readiness and Immigration New Zealand processing.

Banking and AML onboarding, cross-border funds movement and investment execution timing can be causes of delay.

Source of wealth is how you accumulated your net worth over time. Source of funds is where the specific invested money came from.

Documents might include sale agreements, dividend records, audited accounts, bank statements showing transfers, loan documentation (if relevant) and corporate structure/beneficial ownership evidence.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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