Active Investor Plus Visas

For global investors, New Zealand offers an excellent combination of stability, lifestyle and long‑term confidence. The Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa is New Zealand’s investor‑migrant pathway designed to attract experienced investors who can contribute capital, networks and expertise to the New Zealand economy.

Valta supports investor buyers by pairing exceptional property access with a curated network of trusted professionals—immigration, legal, tax and investment—so you can move forward with clarity and discretion.

While every case is different, the AIP journey often follows a clear sequence.

Step 1: Define your strategy

Choose Growth or Balanced based on your goals, risk appetite, and expected time in New Zealand.

Step 2: Prepare documentation & eligibility evidence

Applicants should expect health/character documentation and lawful funds evidence as part of visa processes, and to work with relevant professionals.

Step 3: Approval in principle → transfer & invest funds

From the date of approval in principle, investments must be completed within 6 months, with the possibility of a one‑off 6‑month extension in certain circumstances.

Step 4: Maintain investments & meet presence requirements

Presence requirements are 21 days (Growth) and 105 days (Balanced), with reductions possible at higher investment totals under Balanced.

Step 5: Pathway to longer-term residence

Immigration NZ guidance indicates a pathway to permanent residence after maintaining funds for 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced).

Since 6 March 2026, changes to the Overseas Investment Act have allowed Active Investor Plus visa holders to buy or build a home in New Zealand, including investors who are based overseas.

- Eligible visa holders can apply for Overseas Investment Office consent to buy or build one residential property valued at $5 million or more. The same pathway applies to Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa holders

- The property is for personal or family use. It does not count towards your AIP investment requirement, so it sits alongside your qualifying investments rather than replacing them

- The pathway does not cover land that is sensitive for other reasons, such as certain land adjoining the foreshore or a lakebed, or non-urban land over 5 hectares

- Buyers who already own a residential property acquired under these settings should expect to sell it before purchasing another

- Owning a home can have tax implications, including questions of tax residency, so independent tax advice before you buy is strongly recommended

Overseas investment rules are strict and penalties can apply for non-compliance, so official guidance recommends taking legal advice.

Valta's role: We don't provide legal advice; we connect you with the right specialists and help you find the right property, publicly listed or discreetly available, aligned to your goals.