How New Zealand’s dual investor visas are the new path to citizenship

Visa routes

Active Investor Plus (AIP) For hands-off investors

Introduced: 2022. New Growth Category in 2025.

Investment: NZ $5 million/~Rs.25 crore


Investment options: Managed funds or direct businesses.

Holding period: 3 years (permanent residency after that)

Business Investor Visa (BIV)

For hands-on business owners

Introduced: 24 November 2025, successor to Entrepreneur Visa.

Investment:
NZ $1 mn/~Rs.5 cr (3-year route)
NZ $2 mn/~Rs.10 cr (1-year fast track)

Requirements:

• Must run or grow an existing business.
• Must create local employment.

Presence, language requirements

AIP

• Physical presence: 21 days in 3 years.
• No English requirement.

BIV

• Must actively run the business for 184+ days in a year in NZ.
• Basic English needed.

What’s the appeal?

While the US, China and Hong Kong remain top sources, India’s demand is expected to expand rapidly.

• Reliable, transparent programme.
• Seamless pathway to citizenship.
• Family included (partner + children).
• Low physical presence requirement.
• High-quality lifestyle & healthcare.

Also Read | NRIs flying home for faster access to healthcare, lower costs: Here’s what to check before you seek medical treatment in India

Which investments qualify?

Real estate: Only commercial/residential development projects; personal residential property does not qualify.

Government bonds/treasury bills: Accepted in limited cases under AIP.

Cryptocurrency: Such assets or leveraged funds are not accepted directly.

Philanthropy/donation: Allowed as part of AIP, but non-refundable.

Bank deposits: Don’t qualify as these are not considered growth investments.

Family and dependants

AIP

• Main applicant + children up to 24 years
• Applicant age limit: No age cap

BIV

• Main applicant + children up to 19 years
• Applicant age limit: Under 55 (exceptions allowed)

Path to citizenship

AIP: After 5 years, presence requirement of 1,350 days.
BIV: Fast-track citizenship eligibility
(12 months or 3 years).

Other expenses to factor in