New Zealand Golden Visa: A guide for UK residents

New Zealand has long been a popular choice for British expats thanks to its high quality of life, stable political system, strong economy and a spectacular natural environment.

If you’re based in the UK and considering a long-term move to New Zealand - or perhaps business expansion or international investment - the New Zealand Golden Visa is one of the key pathways to residency. In this guide, we look at how this visa programme works, its benefits, costs and eligibility criteria.

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What is the New Zealand Golden Visa programme?

Known as the Active Investor Plus Visa, the New Zealand Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment programme that is designed to attract high-value investors to the country.

Applicants invest in specific assets such as New Zealand businesses, managed funds, angel networks or listed companies. In return, they gain a residence pathway for themselves and any eligible family members.¹

This current programme replaced previous investor visa categories and now puts a stronger emphasis on active and high-value investment. What’s more, unlike other countries, the New Zealand Golden Visa requires investors to engage with the local economy more directly.

New Zealand Golden Visa benefits

New Zealand offers a range of benefits for Golden Visa recipients including:²

A pathway to permanent residence

Golden Visa holders can transition to permanent residence once they have met certain investment and presence requirements. This means both you and your family can settle long-term in New Zealand.

A high standard of living

New Zealand is known for its clean environment, excellent healthcare, strong rule of law and world-class education. For many British families, these are key motivations for applying for a Golden Visa and eventually moving to New Zealand.

Opportunities to invest

The country has strong regulatory oversight, transparent financial systems and a resilient economy. Low corruption levels and strong governance may also be appealing to investors.

Family inclusion

Your spouse or partner and dependent children aged up to 24 can be included in your application. This gives them the right to study and live in New Zealand.

Travel flexibility

Once you hold residence, you can travel freely in and out of New Zealand. You can also eventually gain access to a New Zealand passport.

What are the risks of a Golden Visa?

Despite the advantages, Golden Visa schemes do come with some potential drawbacks:

• Investment risk. Market fluctuations, business failures and poor fund performance are just some events that can affect the value of your invested capital.
• Regulation changes. Rules may change impacting investment minimums, timelines and residency conditions.
• Compliance obligations. You must meet the country’s presence and investment requirements to maintain your visa.
• Liquidity. Some investment options might be less liquid, meaning funds could be locked in for several years. There is also never any guarantee when it comes to a return on investment.

As with any significant investment, it can be beneficial to consult an independent tax and financial advisor before making a decision.

Eligibility for the New Zealand Golden Visa: who qualifies?

To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet several conditions, including:³

• A minimum investment across acceptable asset classes (more on that later)
• A fit and proper person test
• Good health and good character requirements
• Proof of English language ability
• Evidence of funds and source of funds.

You must also actively maintain the investment during the required investment period, instead of making a one-off contribution.

British Golden Visa applicants

UK residents are permitted to apply for the New Zealand Golden Visa under the same rules as other nationalities.

What’s more, because the UK and New Zealand have well-established financial ties, moving funds between the two countries, like with Wise, is usually relatively straightforward. This can help with both investment choices and general living once you have moved.

Golden Visa New Zealand requirements

Unlike the Cyprus Golden Visa and Greece Golden Visa schemes, New Zealand doesn’t offer a simple ‘buy an overseas property and get residency’ route. Instead, there is a structured investment requirements system. This includes:

• Meeting the minimum investment requirements over the set investment period
• Investing in acceptable assets such as a New Zealand business, Managed Investment Scheme funds, angel funds, listed equities or philanthropic contributions
• Meet the physical presence requirements over the four-year investment period
• Providing evidence of available funds
• Demonstrating English language proficiency

As well as this, you must also maintain your investment for the duration of the visa and comply with any monitoring obligations.¹

Investment options for the New Zealand Golden Visa

Applicants can choose between two investment categories when it comes to the New Zealand Golden Visa: growth and balanced. Each comes with different thresholds, timelines and stay requirements.

Growth category:⁴

• Minimum investment: NZD $5 million
• Investment period: 3 years
• Stay requirement: 21 days in New Zealand over 3 years
• Eligible assets: direct equity investments in private businesses, approved managed funds in high-growth sectors.

Balanced category:⁴

• Minimum investment: NZD $10 million
• Investment period: 5 years
• Stay requirement: 105 days over 5 years (reduced to 63 days for investments of NZD $13 million+ in growth assets)
• Eligible assets: managed funds, direct investments in businesses, listed equities on the NZ Exchange, bonds, philanthropic donations and property development projects.

The weighted investment system in New Zealand

Unlike other Golden Visa schemes, the New Zealand one uses a weighted investment system.⁵ This means that different investment types contribute to different weightings towards the minimum investment threshold.

For example, direct investment receives the highest weighting which means you can invest a smaller amount of actual cash if you choose this route. Below is a summary of the different investment types:⁵

Investment Type	Weighting	Notes
Direct investment	High	Investments into New Zealand businesses
Managed funds	Medium	Includes private equity, venture capital, and growth funds
Listed equities	Low	Shares in New Zealand-listed companies
Philanthropy	Low	Donations to approved organisations

However you combine these options, you’ll need to meet the minimum weighted investment requirements over the investment period.

Direct investment

This option requires you to invest into New Zealand private businesses and carries the highest weighting due to its direct contribution to the economy. It generally suits investors who want a hands-on role or long-term involvement with a company.

Managed funds

Investing into a managed fund includes approved private equity, venture capital and growth funds, and provides exposure to diversified portfolios.

This is considered a more hands-off approach to investment compared to direct investment. This option carries a medium weighting which means you may need to invest a larger total amount than through direct investment.

Listed equities

Investing in New Zealand-listed equities is permitted but shares receive the lowest weighting. You are able to spread your investments across several listed companies but the weighting means you can make up your entire investment portfolio with this option.

Philanthropy

Contributions can be counted towards your required investment but only up to a limited allowable portion and at low weighting. Donations must also be made to approved organisations.

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How to apply and get a New Zealand Golden Visa: step-by-step process

Below is an overview of the typical application process for UK-based investors:

1. Check eligibility. Confirm that you meet minimum investment, health, character and English-language requirements.
2. Prepare documentation. Gather evidence of funds, source of funds, ownership and financial history. These documents must meet strict verification criteria.
3. Select your investment options. Choose a combination of acceptable investments that will meet your weighted investment requirement.
4. Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI). You must also include details about you, your funds and your planned investment.
5. Receive an invitation to apply. If your EOI is accepted you will be invited to submit a full application.
6. Submit a residency application. Provide detailed documents including police certificates, medical certificates, proof of funds and investment plans.
7. Receive approval in principle. At this stage, you can begin transferring funds into New Zealand.
8. Make your investment. Funds must be transferred and invested within the required timeframe.
9. Receive your Active Investor Plus Visa. Once investment conditions are met, your residence visa is issued.
10. Maintain investment and meet presence requirements. Over the four-year investment period, you’ll need to meet the minimum days spent in New Zealand requirement.¹

New Zealand Golden Visa timeline

Current application assessment types are around three to six months from submission to visa issuance.⁶ However, this does depend on the completeness of your application, documentation and fund verification.

After approval, you have six months to transfer funds.⁶ On occasion, extensions are possible but certain criteria must be met.

Once you have maintained the visa and investment for the specified time period (three years under the Growth category and five years under the Balanced category) you can then apply for permanent residence.⁷

New Zealand Golden Visa path to citizenship

After obtaining permanent residence and living in New Zealand for the required number of years, you have the opportunity to apply for New Zealand citizenship. However, you must meet the following requirements:⁷

• Meeting physical presence requirements over several years
• Demonstrating commitment to New Zealand
• Showing basic English language ability
• Passing character checks.

Renewing your New Zealand Golden Visa

During the investment period, your Golden Visa allows residence as long as you maintain:

• Your investment
• Your time spent in the country
• Your compliance with reporting and monitoring requirements

If you meet all obligations, you can then transition to a permanent resident visa rather than renewing the temporary one - after four years.

Golden Visa New Zealand costs

Below is a summary of the expected costs you need to consider when making an application:⁶

• Application fee: NZD $27,470
• Investment amount: NZD $5 million (Growth) or NZD $10 million (Balanced)
• Other costs: Legal, advisory, fund management and due diligence checks fees.

Taxes for a New Zealand Golden Visa holder

Residents of New Zealand are taxed on worldwide income. However, new migrants can benefit from transitional tax exemptions which often include overseas investment income for a fixed period.⁸

As a Golden Visa holder, you need to consider income tax, property-related tax and business tax if you invest directly into a company. While the country doesn’t have a broad capital gains tax scheme, some investment gains will be taxed.

This is why so many people consult a tax advisor before choosing the right investment structure for them.

📚 Read more: Inheritance tax in New Zealand: A complete guide

FAQ on the New Zealand Golden Visa

How long can I stay in New Zealand if I own a property?

Unlike other Golden Visa schemes like the Italy Golden Visa, owning a property in New Zealand doesn’t automatically grant you residency rights. You still have to apply for a visa such as the Active Investor Plus Visa.

Does New Zealand allow dual citizenship?

Yes, New Zealand recognises dual citizenship. This means that British nationals can hold a UK and a New Zealand passport, as long as they meet each country’s legal requirements.

Is New Zealand a good place to live as a British expat?

This depends on what you’re looking for, but the country is very popular with British expats. Namely because of its English-speaking population, outdoor lifestyle, friendly culture, public healthcare, quality education and stable economy.

Is the New Zealand Golden Visa a good investment?

Again, this depends on your goals but it can be. There’s a pathway to residency and potential business opportunities in New Zealand. However, as with any Golden Visa, investments carry risks and returns are never guaranteed.

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Sources used:

1. Henley Global - New Zealand Golden Visa
2. La Vida Golden Visas - New Zealand Golden Visa Overview
3. New Zealand Immigration - Active Investor Plus Visa
4. La Vida Golden Visas - Golden Visa Investment Options
5. New Zealand Immigration - Acceptable Investment Options
6. Global Citizen Solutions - NZ Golden Visa Time and Costs
7. Global Citizen Solutions - Golden Visa Pathway to Residency
8. Inland Revenue - New Zealand Tax

Sources last checked on date: 25-Nov-2025