The Active Investor Plus visa is New Zealand's residency by investment route. British citizens apply on the same terms as other nationals. This page sets out the position and points you to the official source.
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.
There is no nationality bar on the Active Investor Plus visa, so British citizens apply on the same basis as applicants from other countries. The route is built around a qualifying investment rather than a job offer, and applicants must also satisfy health and character requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.
Family members can usually be included in the same application. Confirm who can be added and the current health and character rules with Immigration New Zealand before you apply.
The visa has two investment categories. The Growth category requires a minimum of NZD 5,000,000 placed for at least three years into higher risk options such as managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses. The Balanced category requires a minimum of NZD 10,000,000 placed for at least five years into a wider mix of options, which can include lower risk choices.
Investments must be completed within six months of receiving approval in principle. From June 2026, applicants in the Growth category may allocate part of their total investment to qualifying philanthropic contributions. Confirm the current acceptable investment list with Immigration New Zealand.
Applicants first submit an application, then receive approval in principle, then transfer and place the qualifying funds, and finally receive the visa once the investment is verified. The Active Investor Plus visa is a residence visa.
Each category also sets a minimum number of days you must spend physically present in New Zealand across the investment period, and this differs between Growth and Balanced. Confirm the current presence requirement with Immigration New Zealand.
The main commitment is the qualifying investment of NZD 5,000,000 or NZD 10,000,000, which is placed rather than spent. On top of that sit the government application fee and the immigration levy, plus independent professional, legal and tax costs.
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| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Growth category investment | NZD 5,000,000 | Held for at least three years |
| Balanced category investment | NZD 10,000,000 | Held for at least five years |
| Government application fee and levy | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Set by Immigration New Zealand |
| Professional fees | Varies by case | Set independently, get a written scope |
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 restriction, so British citizens apply on the same terms as other applicants. Confirm the current rules with Immigration New Zealand.
The Growth category has the lower threshold at NZD 5,000,000 held for at least three years. The Balanced category requires NZD 10,000,000 held for at least five years.
Under the current settings the Active Investor Plus visa does not impose an English language test. Confirm the current requirements with Immigration New Zealand.
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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