A Smarter Path to Residency Through Investment
Understanding New Zealand's Active Investor Plus programme and how Fox Partnerships structures qualifying opportunities.
The Active Investor Plus Opportunity
New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa is the country's flagship residency programme for high-net-worth investors. Offshore investors can obtain residency by committing eligible capital into approved investments that support the New Zealand economy.
The programme is designed to attract long-term international capital into businesses, funds and productive assets while providing investors with a clear pathway to residency.
Updated settings came into effect on 1 April 2025, introducing new investment thresholds, streamlined approval pathways, and broader eligible investment categories, creating material new opportunities for both investors and New Zealand project sponsors.
Strong Global Demand Since April 2025 Rule Changes
As at 11 March 2026
AIP applications approved since April 2025
Committed into New Zealand assets
Minimum investment, Growth Category
Source: Immigration New Zealand. Figures as at 11 March 2026, reflecting activity since updated AIP settings effective 1 April 2025.
From Investor to Resident
The Active Investor Plus pathway follows four clear stages. Fox Partnerships supports you at every step, from investment structuring through to ongoing fund governance.
Eligibility Assessment
Confirm eligibility under the AIP programme: investment category (Growth or Balanced), required capital commitment, and family inclusion criteria.
NZD 5M Growth Category or NZD 10M Balanced Category. Family members may be included on the same application.
Investment Structuring
Select or structure a qualifying investment. Fox Partnerships' managed funds provide a direct, pre-approved pathway, or we can structure a bespoke opportunity.
Our Growth Category fund is approved by Invest NZ. Our Balanced Category fund is approved by Immigration New Zealand.
Visa Application
Your immigration adviser lodges the AIP visa application with Immigration New Zealand, supported by the investment documentation and compliance materials.
Fox Partnerships works closely with immigration advisers to ensure all investment documentation meets INZ requirements.
Residency Granted
On approval, you become a New Zealand resident. Your investment remains in place for the required hold period, with quarterly reporting and ongoing governance.
Hold periods are 3 years minimum for Growth Category and 5 years for Balanced Category.
Two Investment Pathways
The Active Investor Plus programme provides two investment categories, each with different thresholds, approval requirements and residency timeframes.
Growth Category Investments
Focuses on active investments in New Zealand businesses and managed funds approved by Invest New Zealand. Growth Category investments are approved by Invest NZ and listed on their approved fund register.
This pathway provides investors with higher visa weighting and a shorter minimum time in New Zealand, just 21 days over the three-year investment period.
Note: from December 2025, Discretionary Investment Management Services (DIMS) are no longer accepted as qualifying Growth Category investments.
Eligible investments include:
- Active investments in NZ businesses
- Invest NZ approved managed funds
- Direct investments in NZ companies
Balanced Category Investments
Provides broader flexibility across a wider range of asset classes, including bonds, listed equities, eligible property developments, philanthropy, and Growth Category investments. Approved by Immigration New Zealand.
Minimum time in New Zealand is 105 days over the five-year investment period. Capital is directed into New Zealand housing, infrastructure, and business growth.
Eligible investments include:
- Listed equities and bonds
- Selected managed funds
- Eligible property developments
- Philanthropy
Fox Partnerships and the AIP Ecosystem
Fox Partnerships works alongside developers, businesses, fund managers and advisers to prepare investment opportunities that align with the Active Investor Plus programme.
Our focus is on ensuring opportunities are properly structured and investment ready before capital is introduced. By working on the receiving side of investment the New Zealand project or business we help create a clear pathway for international capital to enter credible opportunities across the New Zealand economy.
This approach is rare in New Zealand. While many visa-linked investment advisers focus on guiding the investor through migration and portfolio construction, Fox Partnerships works on the other side of the equation preparing the project so it is eligible, structured and positioned to attract capital quickly.
For Developers & Businesses
International demand for New Zealand investment opportunities is growing. The Balanced Category provides a clear pathway for diversified strategies, including property-backed lending and real asset investment. Fox Partnerships prepares projects so they are investment-ready to receive offshore capital.
For Immigration Advisers
Focus on visa strategy while we manage the investment side. Our compliant, well-structured funds remove complexity and reduce risk, giving advisers a clear pathway for clients and confidence in making referrals.
For Investors
Access our Growth and Balanced Category funds to meet residency requirements while gaining exposure to professionally managed New Zealand investments, overseen by an experienced investment committee.
Why International Investors Choose New Zealand
Political stability and strong rule of law
Transparent and well-regulated financial markets
Open economy with strong international trade relationships
High-quality investment opportunities across sectors
AIP Programme FAQ
Information correct as at August 2026. Immigration rules change, so always confirm current requirements with a licensed immigration adviser and Immigration New Zealand directly.
This FAQ is for general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Always seek advice from a licensed immigration adviser and refer to Immigration New Zealand's official website for current requirements.
Ready to Explore the Opportunity?
Whether you are a developer seeking to attract AIP capital, an immigration adviser looking for compliant investment structures, or an investor exploring the programme, Fox Partnerships welcomes a conversation.
Fox Partnerships does not provide financial, legal, or immigration advice. All information presented on this page is for general informational purposes only. International investors should seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Market statistics sourced from Immigration New Zealand.