The Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa

Migrant Visas

5 min read

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In the following article, we explore the increasingly agile and international lifestyles of modern-day wealth holders. We also explain why New Zealand’s ‘Active Investor Plus Visa’ appeals to HNW and UHNW individuals and families from all over the world. (Please note that Alvarium does not offer tax or legal advice).

The global population of individual wealth holders is on the rise. According to recent research, high-net-worth individual wealth is believed to have risen by 4.2% in 2024, following a growth rate of 4.7% the previous year[1].

That collective wealth is also increasingly on the move as lifestyles become ever-more international. Whether looking to relocate for study, business or pleasure, wealth holders face no shortage of jurisdictions actively vying to secure their business. The incentives to move are often heavily based around tax privileges, with perceived lifestyle benefits and ease-of-doing-business dynamics also frequently leveraged in marketing collateral.

Recent events in the Northern Hemisphere offer a live example of the speed with which today’s wealth holders can relocate. Last year’s announcement by the UK government that it intended to remove the tax-friendly ‘res-non dom’ regime is now attributed to a forecasted exodus of circa 16,500 high-net-worth individuals in 2025[2]. In parallel and in contrast, several jurisdictions have repositioned themselves as asset-friendly alternative destinations, as they seek to lure nomadic wealth holders.

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Introducing the ‘Active Investor Plus Visa’

Amid a multitude of complex options and risks facing wealth holders contemplating an international move, there is good news via New Zealand. The country offers a much-simplified solution that grants access to a unique lifestyle in one of the most stunning parts of the world.

The ‘Active Investor Plus Visa’, commonly known as the AIP Visa, lies at the heart of NZ’s efforts to make relocation as easy as possible for international HNWIs and UHNWIs.

At last count, and according to publicly available data[3], 862 people have been approved to enter New Zealand via this visa. Most of them have come from the US (39.9%), followed by China (14.4%) and then Hong Kong (11.1%). For AIP Visa migrants from Europe, the top country of origin is Germany, with 83 people approved for entry as part of a cohort of 21 applications.

Introduced in 2022, and recently revised in April 2025, the AIP Visa offers eligible investors two choices. In broad terms, they are:

1. The Growth category:

A $5 million (NZD) entry point
A 3-year minimum investment term
A minimum 21-day requirement for the investor to be in NZ
Investment options: Approved investments only

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2. The Balanced category:

A $10 million (NZD) entry point
A 5-year minimum investment term
A minimum 105-day requirement for the investor to be in NZ. (However, there is scope for this to come down if investment levels are increased).
Investment options: A broad range including NZ bonds and listed equities, approved funds, direct investments, philanthropy, property and more.

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For both categories, there are some important considerations to be aware of. Approved investors must invest funds within 6 months of Immigration New Zealand’s issuance of the ‘Approval in Principle’ letter, or an extension can be requested (within the same time frame). Family members can be included on one application. English-language and age tests have also been removed.

Please note:

Full details of the AIP Visa can be found on the official New Zealand Immigration website.

Alvarium does not offer tax, legal, or immigration advice. We recommend you consult with qualified professionals in these fields.

Why does New Zealand appeal?

Each AIP Visa applicant will have their own motivations for moving to New Zealand, but anecdotally there are some common factors that entice investors to this spectacular country. They include, but aren’t limited to:

· Environment:

From tropical clear waters in the North, to eye-catching ski resorts in the South, New Zealand’s unique landscapes offer something for everyone. Five national parks sit within an hour’s flight of the main business hubs, further cementing the country’s reputation as one of the best places in the world for work-life balance.

· Safety, stability and transparency

New Zealand is rated the world’s third most-peaceful nation[1],and fourth least-corrupt[2]. At a sovereign level, Fitch, the global ratings agency, assesses NZ’s rating as AA+ based on “sound governance and resilient institutions”[3]. For business owners, the commercial environment is extremely supportive. Contracts rest on English common-law principles.

· Green energy capability, blue-chip innovation

Renewables already power 94 percent of NZ’s grid, delivering instant Scope-2 decarbonisation for relocating businesses[4]. Meanwhile, tech exports hit NZ$17.95 billion last year[5],driven by agritech, climate science, and high-value manufacturing. Early-growth companies can benefit from government R&D grants of up to 40 percent. Many of these companies are open for investment to AIP Visa migrants, alongside private investors, superannuation schemes, and fund managers.

· Business-friendly tax and trade

New Zealand has a double-tax agreement with 41 countries. There is neither broad capital gains nor inheritance tax. At the time of writing, personal income tax is capped at 39%, business tax is 28%, and GST (a goods and services tax) is a flat 15%[9].

Want to know more?

At Alvarium, we’re proud to feature on the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise list of approved AIP Visa investment firms, via the ‘Alvarium Active Investor Managed Account’.

Our in-house advisers are experts in supporting the investment needs of eligible AIP Visa applicants, and in collaborating with lawyers, accountants, and consultants where appropriate.

If you’d like to learn more about our services, we are always happy to have an exploratory conversation, in confidence.

Please use our ‘Contact us’ form and an adviser will get in touch with you.

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Sources:

[1]Source: Capgemini Research Institute, ‘World Wealth Report 2025’

‍[2]Source: Henley & Partners, ‘The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025’

[3]Source: Immigration New Zealand, ‘Active Investor Plus Visa overview’ webpage. Data as at 8 August 2025.

[4]Source: Institute for Economics and Peace, ‘Global Peace Index’

[5] Source:Transparency International, ‘New Zealand’s score slips 2023 corruption perceptions index, now ranked third’

[6]Source: Fitch Ratings, ‘Fitch Affirms New Zealand at ‘AA+’; Outlook Stable’

[7]Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, ‘High share of quarterly renewable electricity generation as industrial demand for electricity fell’