American nationals can apply for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus visa, a residence by investment route run by Immigration New Zealand. It offers two investment categories with different thresholds and holding periods.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
American nationals face no nationality specific exclusion. Applicants must make a qualifying investment in acceptable New Zealand assets, meet health and character requirements and satisfy a reduced physical presence test tied to the chosen category. United States citizens remain subject to US worldwide taxation, so American applicants should take tax advice before investing.
There are two categories. The Growth category requires a minimum investment reported at 5 million New Zealand dollars held for at least three years in higher growth assets such as managed funds and direct business investment. The Balanced category requires a minimum reported at 10 million New Zealand dollars held for at least five years across a wider mix of acceptable assets, including bonds. Immigration New Zealand has also reported allowing a share of a Growth investment to go to philanthropy. Confirm the current settings with the official authority.
Holding periods are three years for the Growth category and five years for the Balanced category. Processing time depends on documentation, source of funds checks and the deployment of capital. Confirm current processing expectations with Immigration New Zealand.
Beyond the qualifying investment, applicants should budget for the visa fees set by Immigration New Zealand, professional and fund management costs and any currency and transfer costs on moving capital to New Zealand. We do not publish a fixed total here. Confirm the current fee schedule with the official authority.
| Category | Indicative minimum | Holding period |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 5 million New Zealand dollars | At least three years |
| Balanced | 10 million New Zealand dollars | At least five years |
| Visa and processing fees | Confirm with the official authority | Set by Immigration New Zealand |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Immigration New Zealand publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Yes. There is no nationality specific bar. Standard investment, health and character checks apply. Confirm the current rules with Immigration New Zealand.
The Growth category has a lower threshold, reported at 5 million New Zealand dollars over three years in higher growth assets, while the Balanced category is reported at 10 million New Zealand dollars over five years across a wider asset mix. Verify current figures before acting.
United States citizens are generally taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence. Take qualified tax advice before applying.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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