VIEN

New Zealand residency by investment

Introduction

The New Zealand residency by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) supports investors in obtaining permanent residency through the Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP) — a Golden Visa programme reformed from April 2025 with more flexible conditions.
Investment from NZD 5 million (Growth) or NZD 10 million (Balanced), including spouse and children under 24. Minimum residence requirement of only 21 days over 3 years. No capital gains, inheritance, or wealth tax. Pathway to New Zealand citizenship after 5 years.
Introduction to New Zealand residency by investment

Programme Overview

Investment level

Growth: NZD 5 million (~US$3 million) over 3 years. Balanced: NZD 10 million (~US$6 million) over 5 years. The investment threshold has been significantly reduced from NZD 15 million before the April 2025 reform.

Processing time

Average pre-approval in 26–34 working days. After receiving approval, there are 6 months to transfer capital and invest (extendable by another 6 months if necessary).

Benefits

Permanent resident (Resident Visa) from the start — the right to live, work, study, and do business in New Zealand without time limits.

Residence requirement

Growth: minimum 21 days over 3 years (equivalent to 1 week/year). Balanced: minimum 105 days over 5 years. Every NZD 1 million of additional investment in Growth reduces the residence requirement by 14 days.

Family

Includes spouse (or legal partner) and dependent children under 24 in the same application. No additional investment required for dependents.

Citizenship

Eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship after 5 years of legal residence. A New Zealand passport offers visa-free travel to over 190 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area.

Benefits of New Zealand permanent residency

Permanent resident from the start
The Active Investor Plus programme grants a Resident Visa immediately upon completion of the investment – unlike the temporary visas offered by many other programmes. After 3 or 5 years, you may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (which does not require renewal).
Live and work freely
Permanent residents are entitled to live, work, study, and conduct business anywhere in New Zealand without restriction. You gain access to a world-class education system with domestic tuition fees at New Zealand universities.
Citizenship roadmap
After holding permanent residency for 5 years, investors are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship. The New Zealand passport is ranked in the world's top 10, offering visa-free access to over 190 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Benefits of New Zealand permanent residency
Attractive tax incentives
New Zealand has no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, wealth tax, or gift duty. New residents are exempt from tax on foreign income for the first 4 years (transitional resident tax exemption).
Luxury property acquisition
From 2026, AIP investors are permitted to purchase or build one residential property in New Zealand with a minimum value of NZD 5,000,000 – the only exception to the ban on foreign residential property ownership in New Zealand.
World-leading quality of life
New Zealand is ranked in the world's top 10 for quality of life, safety, and environmental indices. Permanent residents benefit from a free public healthcare system, a pristine natural environment, and a stable society.

Residency by investment pathway

Growth Category

Growth Category

Minimum investment of NZD 5,000,000 in an investment fund approved by Invest New Zealand or direct investment into a New Zealand business. The investment holding period is 3 years. The residency requirement is only 21 days over 3 years – equivalent to 1 week per year. This is suitable for investors willing to accept higher risk in exchange for a lower investment threshold and minimal residency requirements. This currently accounts for over 80% of AIP applications.
Balanced Category

Balanced Category

Minimum investment of NZD 10,000,000 in a diversified portfolio including New Zealand government and corporate bonds, listed equities, investment funds, property development projects, and other approved assets. The investment holding period is 5 years. The residency requirement is 105 days over 5 years. This is suitable for investors who prioritise diversification and capital security.
Reduced residency requirements

Reduced residency requirements

Specifically for the Growth Category: every additional NZD 1,000,000 invested reduces the residency requirement by 14 days. For example, an investment of NZD 6,000,000 requires only 7 days in New Zealand over 3 years; an investment of NZD 7,000,000 requires no days (only a visit to provide biometrics). This mechanism allows investors complete flexibility regarding their life in Vietnam.

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Programme requirements

Lawful source of funds

Proof of the legal origin of the entire investment capital is required. Capital must be owned by the investor and cannot be borrowed. Detailed financial records and due diligence reports must be provided.

Investment level

Growth: minimum NZD 5,000,000 (3 years). Balanced: minimum NZD 10,000,000 (5 years). Capital must be transferred to New Zealand within 6 months of receiving preliminary approval (a 6-month extension is available if required).

Application fees

Government application fee of NZD 27,470 for the main applicant. Separate fees apply for dependents over 18. PLI provides a detailed cost breakdown during consultation.

Health

The investor and all dependents must undergo health checks and chest X-rays to prove they meet the health standards set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Education and language

Following the April 2025 reforms, there is no longer an English language requirement. There are no requirements for academic qualifications, business experience, or maximum age limits when applying.

Background

No criminal record. You must provide a police clearance certificate from every country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years. Certificates must be less than 6 months old at the time of application.

Implementation process

Obtain New Zealand permanent residency for your entire family with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.

Consultation and selection

PLI specialists assess your financial situation, residency goals, and family size. We provide advice on choosing between the Growth or Balanced Category. PLI connects you with an Invest New Zealand-approved fund manager and a New Zealand immigration lawyer. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Prepare documentation and submit application

PLI coordinates with New Zealand lawyers to prepare the application, including proof of legal source of funds, police clearance, health checks, and supporting documentation. The application is submitted online to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Duration: 4–6 weeks.

Preliminary approval:

INZ assesses the application and grants Approval in Principle. The average processing time is 26–34 working days. This is a significant advantage – investors know their application is accepted before committing capital. Duration: 6–10 weeks.

Capital transfer and investment completion

After receiving Approval in Principle, investors have 6 months to transfer capital from overseas to New Zealand and complete the investment into an approved fund or business. A work visa may be requested to enter New Zealand to facilitate the transfer. Duration: 1–6 months.

Receiving permanent residency and the path to citizenship

Upon confirmation of the investment, the investor and their family receive New Zealand permanent residency. After 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced) of maintaining the investment and meeting residency requirements, you are eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. After 5 years of legal residence, you are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship.
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Why choose PLI?
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Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the New Zealand residency by investment programme. If you require more detailed advice, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Growth Category: NZD 5,000,000 (~US$3,000,000) held for 3 years. Balanced Category: NZD 10,000,000 (~US$6,000,000) held for 5 years. The investment threshold has been significantly reduced from NZD 15,000,000 prior to the April 2025 reforms. Programme conditions are as announced byInvest New Zealand, the New Zealand Government's investment promotion agency.

Growth focuses on higher-risk investments (Invest NZ-approved investment funds, direct business investment), with a lower minimum threshold (NZD 5,000,000), a shorter duration (3 years), and lower residency requirements (21 days). Balanced allows for a more diversified portfolio (bonds, equities, property development), with a higher investment threshold (NZD 10,000,000), a longer duration (5 years), and higher residency requirements (105 days).

Preliminary approval takes an average of 26–34 working days. After approval, you have 6 months to transfer capital and complete the investment. Once the investment is confirmed, you receive your permanent resident visa within approximately 34 working days. The total process takes about 4–8 months.

Growth: 21 days over 3 years (equivalent to 1 week per year). Balanced: 105 days over 5 years. Specifically for Growth, every additional NZD 1,000,000 invested reduces the requirement by 14 days – an investment of NZD 7,000,000 or more requires almost no residency.

The Active Investor Plus Visa includes a spouse (or legal partner) and dependent children under 24 in the same application. No additional investment is required for dependents, only separate application fees. After settling, you may sponsor parents via the Parent Boost Visa.

Under new laws effective from 2026, AIP investors are permitted to purchase or build one residential property in New Zealand with a minimum value of NZD 5,000,000 – the only exception to the ban on foreign residential property ownership. This property does not count towards the qualifying investment.

New Zealand has no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, net wealth tax, or gift duty. New residents are exempt from tax on foreign income for the first 4 years (transitional resident tax exemption). The top marginal personal income tax rate is 39%, and the corporate tax rate is 28%.

Yes. After 5 years of legal residence in New Zealand (actual residency requirements are higher than those for maintaining permanent residency), investors are eligible to apply for citizenship. New Zealand allows dual citizenship – there is no need to renounce your Vietnamese citizenship. The New Zealand passport offers visa-free access to over 190 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.