New Zealand continues to attract global investors seeking stability, a high standard of living, and investor-friendly immigration pathways. With its transparent policies, excellent healthcare, and seamless residency-to-citizenship process, the country has become a preferred destination for business owners and high-net-worth individuals—particularly from India.
In this article, we break down the two major investor pathways available in New Zealand today:
- Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP) – ideal for hands-off investors
- Business Investor Visa (BIV) – suited for hands-on entrepreneurs
Why Investors Choose New Zealand?
According to the information extracted from the PDF, New Zealand appeals to global investors due to:
- A reliable and transparent programme
- A smooth pathway to citizenship
- Family inclusion (partner + dependent children)
- Low physical presence requirements
- High-quality lifestyle, healthcare, and safety
- Increasing demand from India, alongside US, China, and Hong Kong investors
- Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa
A flexible, low-touch investment pathway
Key Features
- Introduced: 2022
- Investment requirement: NZD 5 million (~₹25 crore)
- Eligible investments:
- Managed funds
- Direct businesses
- Holding period: 3 years (PR after completion)
- Physical presence requirement: Only 21 days over 3 years
- English requirement: None
- Family inclusion: Children up to 24 years
- No age cap for the applicant
Pathway to Citizenship
- Eligible after 5 years with 1,350 days of physical presence in NZ.
- Business Investor Visa (BIV)
A pathway for entrepreneurs who want to actively run or grow a business in New Zealand
Key Features
- Introduced: 24 November 2025 (replacing the Entrepreneur Visa)
- Investment options:
- NZD 1 million (~₹5 crore) – 3-year route
- NZD 2 million (~₹10 crore) – 1-year fast-track route
- Requirements:
- Actively run or grow an eligible business
- Create local employment
- Be in NZ for 184+ days per year
- Basic English required
- Age limit: Under 55 (exceptions allowed)
- Family inclusion: Children up to 19 years
Pathway to Citizenship
- Fast-track eligibility in 12 months or 3 years, depending on route.
Which Investments Qualify?
Eligible:
- Commercial or residential development projects (but not personal property)
- Government bonds/treasury bills (limited cases under AIP)
- Philanthropy/donations (allowed under AIP but non-refundable)
Not Eligible:
- Personal residential property
- Cryptocurrency or leveraged funds
- Bank deposits (do not qualify as investments toward AIP/BIV)
Other Costs to Consider
According to the data in the provided chart:
Typical Fee Ranges (in NZD):
- Government fees: ~27,470 to 27,858
- Legal fees: ~5,000 to 25,000
- Due diligence: ~5,000 to 25,000
- BIV applicants may incur higher amounts: ~60,000–80,000 for certain components
Note: Exchange rate used in the PDF – 1 NZD = ₹50.07 as of 21 November 2025.
Family Eligibility Comparison
Criteria | AIP | BIV |
Dependent child age limit | Up to 24 years | Up to 19 years |
English requirement | None | Basic English |
Applicant age limit | No cap | Under 55 (with exceptions) |
Which NZ Investor Visa Is Right for You?
Choose AIP if you:
✓ Prefer passive investments
✓ Want minimal physical presence requirements
✓ Want to include older dependent children (up to 24 years)
Choose BIV if you:
✓ Wish to run or grow a business in NZ
✓ Are comfortable residing in NZ for 184+ days/year
✓ Want a faster citizenship pathway
✓ Have younger dependent children (up to 19 years)
Thinking About Migrating to New Zealand Through Investment?
At Siva Visa, we assist individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors across all visa pathways — including investor visas, skilled migration, family visas, and more.
If you’re considering New Zealand’s investor visa programmes, our team can guide you through eligibility, documentation, business planning, investment structuring, and end-to-end application support.
Contact us today for a personalised consultation.
Call: +91 9553 030 030
Email: enquiry@sivavisa.com
