Investor Pathways

Investing in New Zealand to secure your and your family’s future…

For many successful investors, New Zealand offers something increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in the world: political stability, economic resilience, a transparent legal system, a highly regarded education system, exceptional lifestyle opportunities, and a direct pathway to lifelong New Zealand residence.

The Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa is New Zealand's premier investment migration programme. For many investors, it is also one of the most competitive residence-by-investment programmes currently available anywhere in the world.

Richard presenting on the AIP visa at the Rockefeller Centre in 2025 in New York to an InvestNZ guest audience including the Minister of Immigration Hon Erica Stanford and the (now former) New Zealand Ambassador to the United States Rosemary Banks

A Recognised Leader in New Zealand Investor Immigration

Pathways® is one of New Zealand's most experienced investor immigration advisory practices. We assist investors, professional advisers and family offices with Active Investor Plus eligibility assessments, applications and long-term residence planning.

Our Managing Director, Richard Howard, is a member of the Minister of Immigration’s Active Investor Plus Adviser Reference Group which contributed to the development, and ongoing refinement, of the current Active Investor Plus policy settings. This experience provides Pathways® with a unique understanding of both the intent and practical operation of New Zealand's investor migration programme.

Contact Richard to Discuss About Your AIP Interest

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand offers many advantages.

Political and economic stability
Strong rule of law and a transparent legal system
A trusted and well-regulated banking environment
A highly regarded education system
Personal safety and security
Lifestyle and environmental advantages
Wealth diversification opportunities
A direct pathway to lifelong residence

For many investor migrants, it is this combination of lifestyle, security, opportunity and stability that makes New Zealand unique, whether you are planning a permanent move, creating opportunities for future generations, or simply establishing an important Plan B for your family.

Understanding the Active Investor Plus Visa

The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed to attract investors who can contribute to New Zealand's economic growth.

There are two investment categories.

Growth Category

If you are comfortable taking a more active investment approach, the Growth Category may be the most suitable option.

Minimum investment of NZ$5 million
Investment period of 3 years
Investment into active investment classes approved by Investment New Zealand, including managed funds and direct private equity investments
Minimum presence requirement of only 21 days in New Zealand during the three-year investment period

Balanced Category

If you prefer a more conservative and flexible investment strategy, the Balanced Category may be more appropriate.

Minimum investment of NZ$10 million
Investment period of 5 years
Wider range of approved investment classes, including Government bonds, corporate bonds, listed equities and certain property-related investments
Minimum presence requirement of 105 days in New Zealand during the investment period, with opportunities to reduce this through additional qualifying investment

Both categories provide residence pathways for you, your partner and your dependent children under 25 years of age.

Key Requirements

You must demonstrate that your nominated investment funds, or assets, are personally owned and were originally lawfully earned or acquired.

Equally important is ensuring those funds can later be readily realised and transferred through the international banking system into New Zealand. The source of your funds, ownership history, transferability and the availability of the relevant supporting documentation are among the most important factors when assessing your AIP eligibility.

You must also meet health and character requirements, although where issues exist these can often be addressed. There are no age limits and no English language requirements.

The Application Process

The Active Investor Plus application process is undertaken online, with all documentation able to be submitted electronically.

Following application lodgement, Immigration New Zealand will normally process the application to the Approval in Principle stage within around two months. Following Approval in Principle, you will have six months to transfer and invest the required funds into approved New Zealand investments.

Once the investment has been completed, resident visas are issued, and you and your family then have twelve months to enter New Zealand to activate your visas.

When you have completed the required investment period and met the applicable time-in-New Zealand requirements, you become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. The PRV is a relatively straight-forward and quick application process and provides you and your family with life-long New Zealand residence.

Successful AIP outcomes depend on having a clear understanding of all the investment options available, selecting the most appropriate funds to nominate from the outset, and then following the strict protocols that apply to the subsequent transfer and investment of those funds.

Trusted Relationships and Specialist Networks

Over many years, Pathways® has developed strong relationships throughout New Zealand's investment, legal, accounting and professional advisory community.

For you, residence may be only one part of a much broader decision involving investment selection, banking, taxation, wealth structuring, education, family and relocation planning. Our role is to help you navigate these considerations and connect you with the professionals best placed to assist.

We provide a single point of coordination, helping you confidently navigate both the immigration process, and the broader considerations associated with your New Zealand plans.

Pathways® does not receive referral fees, commissions or any other financial benefit from any professional or investment introductions we may make.

Why Investors Choose Pathways®

The decisions made at the beginning of an Active Investor Plus application can significantly influence both the application process, end outcomes and the overall experience.

Our clients choose Pathways® because they want an adviser who:

Understands investor migration at the highest level
Has direct experience with Active Investor Plus applications
Understands investment structures and fund transfer requirements
Has strong relationships throughout New Zealand's investment and professional advisory community
Provides practical and commercially focused advice
Understands both the policy and practical realities of investor migration

A Conversation About Your Future

Every AIP investor has different objectives, priorities and circumstances.

Whether your focus is wealth diversification, investment opportunities, family security, education planning or obtaining New Zealand residence, the first step is understanding how the Active Investor Plus pathway may fit within your broader goals.

We welcome the opportunity to understand your objectives, answer your questions, and explore how New Zealand may support your family's long-term goals and aspirations.