Active Investor Plus Visa NZ: How Growth and Balanced Options Differ

New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa offers high-net-worth individuals a prestigious pathway to residence, strategically designed to attract significant investments into the local economy. As of 2025, applicants can choose between two primary investment approaches: the Growth Investment Pathway and the Balanced Investment Pathway. While both lead to residence, their structures, risk appetites, and strategic implications differ considerably.

In this comprehensive breakdown, we compare the Growth and Balanced categories of the Active Investor Plus Visa to help prospective investors make informed decisions aligned with their financial goals and residency ambitions.

Active Investor Plus Visa NZ: How Growth and Balanced Options Differ

Eligibility Thresholds: Capital Commitment Requirements

The first and most crucial distinction lies in the minimum capital requirements and the nature of qualifying investments.

Growth Category

• Minimum Investment: NZD $5 million

• Eligible Assets: Direct investments in New Zealand-based private businesses or early-stage companies

• Exclusions: No investment in passive assets like government bonds or listed equities

• Objective: Prioritize high-impact, innovation-driven enterprises

Balanced Category

• Minimum Investment: NZD $15 million

• Asset Mix Flexibility: Combines direct investments, listed equities, managed funds, and philanthropic donations

• Risk Level: Lower than Growth Pathway due to diversification and inclusion of passive instruments

• Objective: Broader economic contribution through both entrepreneurial and traditional financial instruments

The Growth Pathway demands a focused, hands-on approach, whereas the Balanced Pathway appeals to those seeking a diversified, lower-risk portfolio with wider asset eligibility.

Investment Weighting and Point Allocation

The Active Investor Plus Visa operates on a point-based system, with different investment types awarded distinct weights. This directly affects the overall capital required to meet the eligibility threshold.

Investment Type	Weighting in Growth Category	Weighting in Balanced Category
Direct Investments	3x	3x
Managed Funds	Not Allowed	2x
Listed Equities	Not Allowed	1x
Philanthropy	Not Allowed	1x

Key Insight:

To achieve the required points under the Balanced category, applicants often combine various investment vehicles, while Growth applicants concentrate their full investment in direct, impactful ventures.

Residency Timelines and Physical Presence Requirements

Understanding the residency obligations is vital for long-term relocation planning.

Growth Pathway

• Minimum NZ Stay: 117 days over 4 years

• Initial Visa Duration: 3 years, extendable upon meeting milestones

• Progress to PR: Permanent residency available after completing investment term and meeting presence criteria

Balanced Pathway

• Minimum NZ Stay: 88 days over 4 years

• Visa Term: 4 years, with structured milestones for investment maintenance

• Permanent Residency: Also accessible after 4 years if obligations are fulfilled

While the Growth Pathway demands a slightly higher physical presence, both routes offer a clear path to permanent residency, provided the investor adheres to the program's investment and compliance benchmarks.

Risk and Return Considerations

Growth Category Risks and Benefits

• Higher Risk, Higher Potential Returns: Investment in startups and private businesses carries elevated risk, but also greater return potential

• Active Involvement Expected: Many businesses in this category may seek strategic input or board participation from investors

• Limited Liquidity: Direct investments often require longer lock-in periods, making them less liquid

Balanced Category Risks and Benefits

• Reduced Volatility: With access to diversified and liquid instruments, this pathway offers a more stable portfolio

• Easier Exit Options: Managed funds and listed equities offer greater liquidity, easing withdrawal or reallocation

• Lower Involvement: Minimal to no need for active oversight in most investment vehicles

For those seeking a strategic, long-term economic footprint in New Zealand, the Growth route may appeal. Conversely, the Balanced approach suits those who value capital preservation and liquidity.

FAQs: Changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa Settings

Due Diligence and Compliance Requirements

Both categories require applicants to undergo rigorous due diligence screening, including:

• Proof of Source of Funds: Legal origin of all capital

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance

• Background checks: No criminal convictions or security risks

However, Growth investors often face greater scrutiny in business vetting to ensure the investment target is genuinely innovative and aligned with government priorities.

Economic Impact and Strategic Fit

Growth Pathway Impact

• Designed to stimulate innovation, especially in:

  • Technology startups

  • Green tech

  • Health sciences

• Aligns with the government’s long-term vision to promote high-value exports and skilled job creation

Balanced Pathway Impact

• Supports a broader array of sectors

• Provides capital influx into:

  • Public markets

  • Large-scale projects

  • Charitable institutions

• Promotes economic stability without intense sectoral focus

Applicants should consider which economic legacy they wish to leave behind in New Zealand, transformational growth or foundational support.

Exit Strategies and Post-Investment Considerations

At the end of the four-year investment period, both categories permit:

• Withdrawal of capital

• Retention of residency if all terms have been met

• Option to convert into permanent residency, followed by potential citizenship after five years

It's vital to plan early for exit, especially in the Growth Pathway, where liquidating positions in unlisted companies can take significantly longer.

Which Path Is Right for You?

Factor	Growth Category	Balanced Category
Minimum Investment	NZD $5 million	NZD $15 million
Risk Level	High	Moderate
Asset Type	Private enterprises	Mixed (private + public + donations)
Involvement Level	High (active)	Low (passive)
Economic Focus	Innovation & Startups	Broader capital support
Residency Days	117 days / 4 years	88 days / 4 years

Investors with entrepreneurial instincts and high-risk tolerance should pursue the Growth category, whereas those seeking portfolio security and diversification may find the Balanced category more suitable.

Choose a Visa Strategy That Matches Your Vision

At its core, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa is not just a route to residence, it’s an invitation to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth. Whether you seek to accelerate innovation through bold, direct investment or prefer a strategic yet diversified economic engagement, there is a pathway tailored for you.

We recommend all prospective applicants conduct financial planning and seek professional immigration advice from a Licensed Immigration Adviser in Auckland. This ensures their investment strategy aligns with visa eligibility, personal goals, and New Zealand’s evolving economic priorities.

At Immigration Chambers, we don’t just process applications, we craft investment migration strategies. Our licensed advisers help you evaluate the Growth and Balanced categories, guiding you through eligibility, risk profiles, and compliance. From due diligence to document perfection, we handle it all. Let us turn your investment into your path to residency in New Zealand. Get in touch with our expert team to find the investor category that fits your vision.