Active Investor Plus · Growth
Invest $3 million USD, call New Zealand home
The Growth golden visa category asks for three years of active investment and just 21 days on the ground. Permanent residence follows.
Why New Zealand
Why serious money is looking south
New Zealand is stable, safe, and far from the noise. Nearly half of new golden visa applicants are American, and most pick the Growth tier. You're backing a real economy, not buying a passport.
The Growth golden visa deal in three numbers
NZD $5M
Held for 36 months
about USD $3 million
21 days
In New Zealand over 3 years
about a week a year
No cap
On age or English
health and character only
What counts as a Growth investment
Growth money has to be active. That means funds Invest New Zealand has already approved, or direct stakes in real Kiwi businesses like Expatsi partner Greener Pastures.
- Invest New Zealand-approved, managed funds
- Direct investment in NZ companies, private equity or venture capital
- No bonds or property, that's the Balanced route
Active Investor Plus Visa (Growth)
For investors. Growth category offers flexible investment options and fast-track to permanent residency with minimal residency requirement.
- Processing time
- ~120 days
- Timeline
- Permanent residency after investment period, minimal physical presence (21 days)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Key requirements
- Significant investment in NZ (Growth category)
- Minimal physical presence (21 days)
- Health and character checks
- $3 million USD investment
The tax part people underrate
New migrants get about four years free of NZ tax on most foreign income, and pay no capital gains tax. At 21 days a year, most Growth investors never become tax residents. The funds can still trigger a NZ return, and U.S. citizens always file with the IRS.
The people who make it happen
Greener Pastures
New Zealand Golden Visa
Runs golden visa applications start to finish.
Working In New Zealand
New Zealand Relocation Specialist
Handles the move itself, from paperwork to landing.
Sean Novak
New Zealand Local Guide
A Hawke's Bay local who helps you settle in.
Where to land
Where investors put down roots
Wellington
Capital and culture
Compact, walkable, big on good coffee.
Christchurch
South Island base
Rebuilt, flat, and close to the Southern Alps.
Nelson
Sun and wine
The sunniest corner, with vineyards next door.
Tauranga
Beach and business
Fast-growing Bay of Plenty, warm and easy.
Common questions
Can I lose money on this?
Yes. Growth investments are real, active investments and returns are not guaranteed, so the value can go up or down. Your funds are also locked in for the full 36 months. Invest New Zealand checks that your funds stay invested at 24 and 36 months.
How many days do I actually have to spend in New Zealand?
Just 21 days across the whole three-year investment period, as a resident visa holder. That's roughly a week a year, which is why so many people choose this Growth path over Balanced.
Will I have to pay New Zealand tax?
At 21 days a year, most Growth investors never become New Zealand tax residents. New migrants also get about four years free of NZ tax on most foreign income, and New Zealand has no general capital gains tax. Because Growth funds are often New Zealand limited partnerships, you may still need to file a New Zealand return on the fund's activity. U.S. citizens keep filing with the IRS, no matter what.
How much do I need to invest for the Growth category?
At least NZD $5 million (roughly USD $3 million, depending on the exchange rate) kept in acceptable New Zealand investments for 36 months. That's half the NZD $10 million that the Balanced category requires.
Does this lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Once you've met the investment and time requirements, you can have the conditions removed and apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which lets you come and go from New Zealand for life. Your partner and dependent children (aged 24 and under) can be included; they'll just need to arrive within 12 months of the visa being granted.
What can I invest in?
Active investments only: managed funds pre-approved by Invest New Zealand, or direct investments into New Zealand businesses such as private equity and venture capital. Bonds and property are not eligible under Growth, only under the Balanced category.
See if New Zealand fits your needs.
Speak to an Expatsi advisor about this visa path.
Why not you?