2026 Updated Calculator

Check your New Zealand eligibility instantly

New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Eligibility Calculator

By VISA AI Editorial TeamReviewed by VISA AI Immigration Research DeskUpdated
The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed for experienced investors looking to contribute significantly to New Zealand's economy. Use this free tool to understand your eligibility based on key criteria.
Processing:INZ priority processing — straightforward applications decided in 8–12 weeks post-lodgement.Min score:60FreeOfficial source

Check Your Visa Eligibility Score in 60 Seconds

Free • New Zealand

1. Investment capacity (transferable to NZ)?

2. Preferred category?

3. Willing to spend 21–105 days in NZ across the hold period?

4. Can you fully document lawful source of funds with an approved NZ accountant?

Answer all questions to see your score

New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Overview

New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa is one of the most searched immigration pathways for people moving to New Zealand

This page gives you a fast, no-signup way to check where you stand before you spend money on application fees or agents. Our calculator mirrors the official rule set and then translates the answers into a clear, percentage-based eligibility score. You will see exactly which requirements you already meet, which ones need work, and what the realistic next step looks like.

If you want a deeper, AI-personalised plan covering documents, timeline, costs and alternative pathways, run the full assessment — it compares your profile against every visa we track for your destination and ranks the routes most likely to succeed for someone with your background.

Active Investor Plus Visa Requirements

Investment categories (relaunched 2025)

Growth category: NZD $5m+ into direct investments (private equity / managed funds in NZ businesses). Balanced category: NZD $10m+ across direct + listed equities / bonds / philanthropy / property.

Investment period

Growth: 3-year hold. Balanced: 5-year hold.

Time in NZ

Growth: 21 days in NZ across 3 years. Balanced: 105 days in NZ across 5 years (reducible if higher-weighted investments).

No English, age or business-experience cap

2025 relaunch removed English, age and business-experience requirements.

Funds source & character

Demonstrate lawful source of funds (audited by approved accountant); pass health and character.

Official New Zealand Investor Visa Resources

Verify with the official government source

Want to double-check requirements? Read the rules directly from . Our calculator is a guide — official policy can change at any time. Immigration New Zealand.

Active Investor Plus Visa FAQs

Common mistakes to avoid

1

Counting personal-use property or existing NZ residential property as eligible investment.

2

Underestimating audit & legal costs — total upfront cost often NZD $50–100k beyond the investment itself.

3

Failing to transfer funds within the 6-month window after approval-in-principle.

4

Missing the minimum days-in-NZ requirement and losing residence.

5

Trying to count overseas assets — funds must be transferred into NZ.

Improve your chances

  1. 1

    Engage an INZ-experienced lawyer + audit accountant before lodging — paperwork drives outcomes here.

  2. 2

    Pre-identify Growth-eligible NZ funds (private equity / VC) to deploy quickly after approval-in-principle.

  3. 3

    Choose Growth if you want lower capital + shorter hold; choose Balanced if you need diversification.

  4. 4

    Build a clear NZ residency footprint plan (homes, school enrolments, board roles) for the days requirement.

  5. 5

    Layer philanthropy investments to access weighted reductions in days-in-NZ and to strengthen contribution narrative.

Categories (2025 relaunch)

INZ reopened Active Investor Plus in April 2025 with two simplified categories.
CategoryMinimum investment
GrowthNZD $5,000,000
BalancedNZD $10,000,000

Eligible investments

CategoryWhat counts
GrowthDirect investments in NZ businesses, managed funds investing in private NZ companies
BalancedListed NZX equities, bonds, philanthropy, new residential developments + a portion in direct investments
ExcludedExisting residential property, passive bank deposits, personal use assets

Fees (NZD, 2025/26)

ItemAmount
Application fee$27,470
Migrant Levy$310 per applicant
IVL$100 per applicant
Approved accountant audit (third-party)$10,000–$40,000+ depending on complexity

Step-by-step application process

  1. Self-assess eligibility. Use this calculator and review the official New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa Eligibility Calculator criteria before paying any fees. Confirm you meet every hard gate (age, language, health, character, qualifying offer or investment) — failing one gate cannot be offset by scoring well elsewhere.
  2. Gather and translate documents. Collect passport, civil documents, qualifications, language test, police clearances from every country lived in 12+ months since age 17, and proof of funds. Obtain certified translations and apostilles/attestations where the destination authority requires them.
  3. Submit the formal application. Lodge online through the official government portal listed on this page. Pay the correct government fee, complete biometrics at the designated centre, and upload supporting evidence in the exact format the authority specifies.
  4. Respond to requests for evidence. Caseworkers commonly request additional payslips, employer letters, or medicals. Respond inside the deadline given — most refusals come from missed deadlines, not weak profiles.
  5. Travel and activate status. On approval, collect your visa vignette or eVisa, enter the country before it expires, register your address where required, and collect any biometric residence permit/card. Keep digital and paper copies of every document.

Sources & references

Every figure on this page is sourced from official government or regulator publications. Cross-check before applying — rules change.

  1. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) —
  2. New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) —

This calculator is editorial guidance, not legal advice. Immigration thresholds, points, salary floors and occupation lists change frequently — always verify your route against the official government source linked on this page before applying. For complex cases, consult a licensed immigration adviser regulated in the destination country.

Helpful resources

Continue your New Zealand research with these trusted next steps.

Popular guides

Tailored visa & PR guides by occupation and nationality.

Ready for your full assessment?

Get matched against 110+ visa programs across 24 countries with AI-powered personalized recommendations.