Active Investor Plus vs. Business Investor Visa: Finding Your Ideal New Zealand Investment Pathway
New Zealand continues to be a desirable destination for international investors seeking new opportunities and a high quality of life. For those looking to make a significant contribution to the Kiwi economy, two prominent visa categories stand out: the Active Investor Plus Visa and the newly introduced Business Investor Visa. While both aim to attract investment, they cater to different types of investors with distinct objectives and requirements. Understanding the nuances of each can help you choose the pathway best suited for your aspirations.
Active vs. Active: A Fundamental Distinction in Investment Style
The most crucial difference lies in the nature of the investment expected:
The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed for individuals who wish to make a substantial capital investment in New Zealand, focusing on acceptable investments that contribute to the economy. While the name includes "active," the emphasis is on the capital investment and its management, with specific requirements for days spent in New Zealand. This pathway ultimately leads to an indefinite stay in New Zealand.
In contrast, the Business Investor Visa targets experienced investors who are prepared to actively run a business in New Zealand. This visa is explicitly designed to attract individuals who will help grow the economy through direct business operation and job creation.
Investment Thresholds and Pathways to Residence
Both visas offer different investment tiers and corresponding pathways to residency:
Active Investor Plus Visa: This visa lets you stay in New Zealand indefinitely, with investment periods ranging from 36 to 60 months. After holding a Resident Visa for at least 24 months, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which allows indefinite travel in and out of New Zealand.
Growth Category: Requires an investment of at least NZD $5 million in acceptable investments for 36 months. This category includes higher-risk investments like direct investments and managed funds, which are typically illiquid and may require a long-term commitment.
Balanced Category: Requires an investment of at least NZD $10 million in acceptable investments for 60 months. This category offers a broader range of acceptable investments, including direct investments, managed funds, listed equities, philanthropy, bonds, or property developments.
Business Investor Visa: Set to open for applications in November 2025, this visa offers two pathways, both involving investment in an existing business:
NZD $1 million Investment: This option leads to a 3-year work-to-residence pathway.
NZD $2 million Investment: This provides a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway.
Under both Business Investor options, applicants can purchase a business outright or acquire at least 25% of the business, provided the minimum investment thresholds are met.
Key Eligibility Criteria
While both visas require applicants to meet health and character standards, other eligibility criteria differ significantly:
Active Investor Plus Visa:
Funds: You must have earned or acquired your investment funds lawfully.
Identity: Proof of identity, including two acceptable photos, is required.
Health: A chest X-ray and medical examination are mandatory.
Character: Police certificates from countries of citizenship and any country where you've stayed for 12 months or more over the last 10 years are needed. These certificates must be less than 6 months old and, if not in English, must include an English translation.
Fit and Proper Person: You must confirm you meet these requirements, ensuring all businesses you influence comply with immigration, employment, and taxation laws. You must also have no investigations by the Serious Fraud Office or NZ Police for business dealings, no convictions for dishonesty, and no involvement in business fraud or financial impropriety.
Business Investor Visa:
Age: Applicants must be aged 55 or younger when they apply.
English Language: You must meet English language requirements, specifically an IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
Support Funds: Applicants must demonstrate they have at least NZD $500,000 to support themselves and their family while establishing their business.
Business Experience: You must meet specific business experience requirements.
Business Employment: The business you invest in must employ at least 5 full-time equivalent staff.
Investment Focus and Restrictions
The types of investments acceptable and unacceptable also vary:
Active Investor Plus Visa:
Acceptable investments for the Growth category include direct investments and managed funds.
For the Balanced category, acceptable investments extend to direct investments, managed funds, listed equities, philanthropy, bonds, and property developments (new residential, commercial, or industrial developments, or existing commercial and industrial developments).
Invest New Zealand determines what constitutes an acceptable investment, and applicants are advised to conduct due diligence.
Business Investor Visa:
This visa specifically requires investment in an existing business.
However, there's a clear list of unacceptable business types, including drop-shipping, gambling, manufacturing of tobacco or nicotine products, adult entertainment, convenience stores, immigration advisory services, discount/value stores, fast food outlets, franchised businesses, and home-based businesses.
Time Commitment in New Zealand
Both visa categories have specific requirements for time spent in New Zealand as a resident during the investment period:
Active Investor Plus Visa:
Growth Category: You must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand as a resident visa holder during the 36-month investment period.
Balanced Category: You must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand as a resident visa holder during the 60-month investment period. This can be reduced by 14 days for each additional NZD $1 million invested in acceptable Growth category investments, up to a maximum reduction of 42 days (e.g., investing NZD $13 million could reduce the requirement to 63 days).
Business Investor Visa:
Further information is to be released, however the visa's nature as a "work-to-residence" pathway for actively running a business implies a more continuous presence in New Zealand.
Including Your Family
Both visa categories allow for the inclusion of family members:
For the Active Investor Plus Visa, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application. You must provide evidence of a genuine and stable relationship with your partner (living together for at least 12 months) and proof that children meet the definition of dependent children.
For the Business Investor Visa, applicants may also include their partner and dependent children.
Application Process and Costs
The Active Investor Plus Visa applications are currently open, with an application cost of NZD $27,470. Once approved in principle, you have 6 months to transfer and invest funds, with the option to apply for a work visa to facilitate this process.
The Business Investor Work Visa is scheduled to open for applications in November 2025, with an application cost of NZD $12,380, which includes the visa application fee and immigration levy.
Conclusion: Which Visa is Right for You?
The choice between the Active Investor Plus Visa and the Business Investor Visa hinges on your investment strategy and personal goals.
If you are an investor primarily looking to deploy significant capital into New Zealand's economy through various approved financial instruments, with less emphasis on day-to-day business operations, the Active Investor Plus Visa might be your ideal route. It offers flexibility in investment types and distinct pathways based on your risk appetite and investment amount.
However, if your vision involves actively managing and growing a business in New Zealand, leveraging your entrepreneurial experience to create jobs and directly contribute to the economy, then the Business Investor Visa(opening in November 2025) is tailored for you. This visa is perfect for those seeking a hands-on approach to their investment in New Zealand.
For a smooth application process, remember to thoroughly review all specific requirements, gather necessary documentation, and ensure all funds are lawfully acquired and transferred.