Back to Services

    Investor Visas

    Guiding investment-based immigration with clarity and care for high-net-worth individuals.

    New Zealand remains one of the world's most desirable locations for high-net-worth individuals seeking stability and growth. The 2026 investment landscape emphasises "Active" participation—rewarding those who direct capital into managed funds, direct equities, and high-value infrastructure.

    1. Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa

    The AIP visa is New Zealand's premium "Golden Visa" category, offering unparalleled flexibility for global investors. Under the 2026 settings, there is no English language requirement and no maximum age limit, making it accessible to a diverse range of international investors.

    Investment Categories

    The AIP visa offers two distinct pathways depending on your investment appetite and desired presence in New Zealand:

    A. Growth Category (Minimum NZD $5 Million)

    Investment Focus:Funds must be directed into "Growth" assets, such as direct investment in NZ companies or pre-approved managed funds.
    Investment Period:A minimum of 36 months.
    Residency Requirement:Just 21 days in New Zealand over the entire 3-year period.

    B. Balanced Category (Minimum NZD $10 Million)

    Investment Focus:Allows for a lower-risk profile, including government or corporate bonds, listed equities, and eligible property developments.
    Investment Period:A minimum of 60 months.
    Residency Requirement:A minimum of 105 days in New Zealand over the 5-year period.

    Flexible Stay Options

    For those in the Balanced Category, the physical presence requirement can be progressively reduced by allocating a higher percentage of funds toward Growth assets. For example, increasing your total investment to $13 million can reduce your stay requirement to as few as 63 days.

    2. Key Benefits & Opportunities

    Investing in New Zealand through the AIP or BIV pathways provides significant advantages beyond residency:

    Family Inclusion

    Your partner and dependent children up to age 24 can be included in your application, granting them full residency rights.

    Residential Land Purchase

    As of early 2026, AIP visa holders may be eligible to apply for consent to purchase a residential home in New Zealand valued over $5 million for personal use.

    Pathway to Permanent Residency

    Once the investment term is completed and stay requirements are met, you and your family can transition to Permanent Residency, granting you the right to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.

    3. The Application Journey with McMellon Law

    The process of transferring multi-million dollar sums across borders requires rigorous legal oversight. Our firm provides:

    Verification of Lawful Funds

    We help you compile the extensive "paper trail" required by INZ to prove the legal origin of your investment capital.

    Certified Documentation

    We can help you to ensure all foreign-language documents (police certificates, bank statements, etc.) are accompanied by certified English translations.

    Investment Management Liaison

    We work alongside your financial advisers to ensure your chosen assets meet the strict "Acceptable Investment" criteria set by INZ and Invest NZ.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Investor Visas

    Ready to Explore Investor Visa Options?

    Book a consultation to discuss your investment capacity and eligibility for New Zealand's investor categories.

    Book a Consultation

    Let’s Start Your Journey

    Ready to take the next step? Our immigration experts are here to help you achieve your goals.

    Get Started Today