A SMARTER PATH TO RESIDENCY
Seizing the AIP Opportunity
The Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa is New Zealand’s flagship residency programme for high net worth individuals. Offshore investors can gain residency by committing eligible capital into Acceptable Investments under one of two pathways.
The Growth Category requires a minimum NZD 5 million invested over three years and carries higher visa weighting, while the Balanced Category requires NZD 10 million invested over five years and offers greater flexibility across a wider range of investments.
Two Investment Pathways
Growth Category
The Growth Category focuses on active business investments and NZTE-approved managed funds. While it requires formal approval, it provides investors with a faster residency timeline and higher visa weighting, and supports high-growth sectors of the New Zealand economy. Fox Partnerships manages Growth Category strategies in collaboration with approved managers to ensure compliance and readiness.
Balanced Category
The Balanced Category offers broader flexibility across listed equities, bonds, philanthropy, selected managed funds and eligible property developments. Fox Partnerships has deep expertise in structuring Balanced Category funds with a strong focus on property-backed investments. This pathway does not require NZTE approval, making it straightforward and efficient for investors while directing significant capital into New Zealand housing and infrastructure.
Applications by Category
As of May 2025, Immigration New Zealand had received 146 applications under the AIP Visa settings. 31 were in the Balanced Category and 115 were in the Growth Category. This reflects both the scale of demand and the opportunity for greater use of the Balanced pathway alongside Growth investments.
Since the new AIP settings came into effect on 1 April 2025, the government has received 236 applications under the revised scheme, representing potential investment of approximately NZD 1.43 billion, including around NZD 845 million in the first three months. This confirms substantial global demand for the programme.
The Balanced Category offers a highly efficient yet under-utilised pathway. It does not require NZTE approval, making it simpler for investors, advisers and New Zealand developers to deploy diversified capital into managed funds, private equity and property without unnecessary friction.
What This Means for Developers and Businesses
Global demand is accelerating, with investors already committing significant capital. The Balanced Category provides a strong pathway for diversified, lower-risk strategies such as property and bonds.
Fox Partnerships helps New Zealand projects become investment ready now, positioning them to capture offshore capital ahead of the next wave of demand.