Active Investor Plus Category and Business Investor Visa cheat sheet

Shi Sheng Cai (Shoosh) • 19 November 2025

New Zealand has attracted (as at 31 October 2025) 401 applications under its revised Active Investor Plus Category (AIP) since the category opened on 1 April 2025. The high number of high-net-worth families that have already applied indicates that these families are attracted to applying for New Zealand resident and permanent resident visas.


The New Zealand new Business Investor Visa (BIC) launch on 24 November 2025, provides another quasi migration by investment pathway.


We have set out below a summary of information on the AIP and BIC categories and subcategories.


All categories have the following requirements

  • Requirement to demonstrate the ability to earn the quantum of nominated investment funds.
  • Requirement to demonstrate the ownership of nominated funds or assets.
  • Requirements for investment funds to be transferred through the international banking system to New Zealand in a manner that is complaint with requirements.
  • Health, fit and proper person, and character requirements.


Both AIP Growth and Balanced Categories have the following benefits

  • There is no age requirement/age cut off.
  • There is no English requirement.
  • There is no requirement to remain in New Zealand for 184 days in each 12 month period (to trigger New Zealand tax residence).
  • Proposed exemption to buy one non sensitive residential property that is valued at NZD$5million or more.


The AIP Growth Category

  • Focuses on higher-risk investments (Growth Category) investments including managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses that are assessed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. Requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million for a minimum period of 3 years into these investments. While Invest New Zealand determines whether direct investments or managed funds are acceptable for this visa category, they do not endorse or guarantee the success of any investments
  • Only required to spend 21 days in New Zealand over the 3-year investment term.


The AIP Balanced Category

Allows for more types of investments including:

  • Direct investments
  • Managed funds
  • Listed equities
  • Philanthropy
  • Bonds
  • Property developments (new residential, commercial or industrial developments or existing commercial and industrial developments

 

Requires a minimum investment of NZD $10million for a minimum period of 5 years into these investments.


Principal applicant only required to spend 105 days in New Zealand over the 5 year investment term. This can be shortened by investment into Growth investments:


 Nominated amount

 NZD $11 million (the extra NZD $1 million must be invested in acceptable Growth category investments)

 Time required in New Zealand by principal applicant: 91 days


 NZD $12 million (the extra NZD $2 million must be invested in acceptable Growth category investments)

 Time required in New Zealand by principal applicant: 77 days


 NZD $13 million (the extra NZD $3 million must be invested in acceptable Growth category investments)

 Time required in New Zealand by principal applicant: 63 days

   

Requirements under the BIV includes:

The Principal applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Age requirements that require the principal applicant to be aged 55 or younger at the time the BIV work visa is approved.
  • English requirements.
  • An exclusion for bankruptcy or business failure within the last five years.
  • A due diligence requirement requiring the principal applicant understands the legal and financial position of the nominated business that will be purchased and any associated risks.
  • A requirement to demonstrate ownership of reserve funds/assets with a quantum value of at least NZ$500,000.
  • A requirement to have at least 3 years of paid self-employment or paid senior management experience that meets requirements.
  • A requirement to spend 184 days in New Zealand for each 12 month period from the date the business started operation.


Requirements for the business that is nominated for purchase including requirements to:

  • Employ five people in full time equivalent positions excluding the owners of the business.
  • Have operated in New Zealand for at least the last 5 years.
  • Comply with New Zealand’s laws and not be on a list of excluded businesses.


Requirements that allow for the grant of residence after holding a Business Investor work visa and operation of the nominated business with valuation (excluding GST and real estate value) of at least:

  • $1 million for at least 36 months; or
  • $2 million for at least 12 months.

Under this requirement, the BIV applicants do not get a resident visa straight away and have to hold temporary visas and meet requirements before submitting their residence application. 


A requirement for the business that is invested into, to remain solvent, compliant with New Zealand’s laws and to create one full time role.


Moving Forward

Our team have previously helped clients with obtaining residence under the current investor categories and prior Entrepreneur Category. We are ready to help with bespoke and practical advice and solutions on navigating the tricky and constantly changing immigration landscape. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need help.

 

Disclaimer: We remind you that while this article provides commentary on employment law, health and safety and immigration topics, it should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice for specific situations. Please seek legal advice from your lawyer for any questions specific to your workplace.


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