Migrant visa investing in New Zealand
Wealth management for migrants with the New Zealand Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa
We have great news if you are a migrant who wants to invest and immigrate to New Zealand. The New Zealand government recently made it easier to gain residency with some significant changes to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa.
“This Government is intent on welcoming people who want to contribute to New Zealand” said Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis.
The team at Alvarium are passionate about helping migrant investors feel welcome in New Zealand. Alongside managing your investment funds, we go the extra mile to help you and your family settle into New Zealand life. We can introduce you to schools and neighbourhoods, valuable networks and help you identify businesses or philanthropic ventures that suit your background and interests.
As a boutique company, with considerable experience and global connections, we offer advice and solutions to ensure your wealth is managed in a way that matters most to you. Along with our investment offering, we are also passionate about partnering with organisations that make a difference in our communities. These include The King’s Trust, Paralympics New Zealand, the Auckland Football Club, the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix team, Live Ocean and the AIMES awards. We’re also a proud sibling of the award-winning ethical fund manager – Pathfinder.
The new Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa
As of 1 April 2025, the new Active Investor Plus (AIP) visas will incorporate a reduced deployment timeframe, no English language requirements and two "simplified" investment categories as follows:
Growth Category
This requires a minimum investment of NZD$5 million over a three-year period – this is much shorter than previous visa requirements. The money needs to be invested directly into acceptable New Zealand businesses or approved managed funds.
Migrant investors are required to spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over three years, with key investment check-ins at 24 and 36 months.
Balanced Category
This requires a minimum investment of NZD$10 million over a five-year period. This category allows for approved investments that can include bonds, listed equities, property developments, philanthropy, and approved managed funds. Investors must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over the same 5-year period with investment checkpoints at 24 and 60 months.
To reduce the number of days spent in New Zealand, there are options for additional investment and time periods as follows:
Additional spend (NZD) Reduction in days
$1 million 14 days
$2 million 28 days
$3 million 42 days
Why would you choose to invest with Alvarium?
We’re here to help migrants navigate these new visa opportunities by offering a tailored, personal wealth management service. Our migrant investor service includes:
- We start with wealth advisory – this means we listen, we discuss your goals and expectations and then we design a custom portfolio, taking your individual needs into account when selecting your investments, while meeting the requirements of the visa. Read our Financial Advice Provider statement here.
- You will have the ability to access all approved asset classes including approved direct investments and approved managed funds on one custodial platform, with one reporting system, administration and control.
- Our ‘Alvarium Active Investor Managed Account’ is one of only a few New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Accepted Managed Funds. It is also part of our Discretionary Investment Management Service (DIMS) which means that legally you will receive the same level of protection as New Zealand retail investors.
- We arrange for your assets to be held through an independent custodian.
- You will have investor portal access 24/7 along with ongoing portfolio reviews.
- We can work closely with your immigration adviser and lawyer when required.
- We offer strategic planning and management of your assets beyond the AIP visa.
- We offer a personal approach and take pride in helping families settle into New Zealand life.
Our Active Investor Plus (AIP) team.
With decades of experience in financial services, our team have helped clients worldwide navigate their New Zealand-focused financial decisions and are passionate about optimising their investment goals. Our AIP team includes:
Mark Steedman, Director of Private Wealth, Financial Adviser, CFP
Rick Parry, Director of Private Wealth, Financial Adviser, CFP
Kevin Mclean, Director of Private Wealth, Financial Adviser
Alana Barron, Head of Private Wealth Clients
Jeremy Ward, Portfolio Manager
Kismat Herr, Client Adviser Support
See more about our people
Enquire now.
Alvarium Wealth (NZ) Limited (Alvarium) has prepared the Service Disclosure Statements in accordance with the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. Please read them before making your investment decisions. Alvarium advisers can give you financial advice to help you decide if this service is appropriate for you.
