South African nationals can apply for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus visa on the same basis as other applicants. There is no nationality bar. This page sets out the current position so you can plan.
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.
Immigration New Zealand does not restrict the Active Investor Plus visa by nationality, so South African passport holders may apply if they meet the investment, health and character requirements. You will generally need to show good health, provide police certificates from any country where you lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, and hold a valid passport.
Eligibility rests on the funds and the investment you can commit rather than on where you are from. Confirm the current health and character rules with Immigration New Zealand before you start.
There are two categories. The Growth category asks for a minimum of NZD 5 million placed in higher activity investments such as managed funds and direct investment in New Zealand businesses, held for at least 36 months. The Balanced category asks for a minimum of NZD 10 million across a wider mix of acceptable investments, held for at least 60 months.
From 1 June 2026, Growth category applicants may direct up to 20 percent of their total investment toward philanthropic contributions. Confirm the current list of acceptable investments with Immigration New Zealand.
If approval in principle is granted, applicants have a set window to transfer and place the funds in New Zealand. Permanent residence may be sought after the investment has been held for the required period, which is 3 years under the Growth category and 5 years under the Balanced category.
Presence rules apply. Growth category applicants must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand during the 36 month investment period. Balanced category applicants must spend at least 105 days during the 60 month period.
Indicative investment thresholds are shown below. Government fees and professional costs sit on top and change over time, so confirm them with the official authority.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Growth category minimum | NZD 5 million | Held for at least 36 months |
| Balanced category minimum | NZD 10 million | Held for at least 60 months |
| Growth presence requirement | 21 days | Across the 36 month period |
| Balanced presence requirement | 105 days | Across the 60 month period |
| Government and visa fees | Confirm the current figure 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. The visa is not limited by nationality. South African applicants apply on the same investment, health and character basis as other applicants. Confirm the current rules with Immigration New Zealand.
The Growth category sets the lower threshold at NZD 5 million held for at least 36 months. The Balanced category requires NZD 10 million held for at least 60 months.
Permanent residence may be sought once the investment has been held for the required period and presence rules are met. Verify the present settings with the official authority.
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.
We introduce you to vetted, independent advisors, in confidence and at no obligation. Your topic is noted for you below.
Independent and paid by the people we help, never by a government and never by a firm.
One short email when a programme rule changes, with the official source named so you can verify it. No hype, unsubscribe anytime.