Golden Visa New Zealand

New Zealand’s Golden Visa provides a unique opportunity for global investors to secure residency while enjoying the country’s stability, lifestyle, and growth potential.

What is the New Zealand Golden Visa?

The term “New Zealand Golden Visa” is commonly used to describe the Active Investor Plus Visa. This visa is designed for high‑value investors who want to live, work, and invest in New Zealand while contributing to the country’s economy.

To qualify, applicants must invest at least NZD $5 million in approved Growth investments, or at least NZD $10 million under the Balanced investment option. In return, they and their families gain the opportunity to settle in New Zealand, enjoy its world‑class lifestyle, and eventually apply for permanent residency.

The Golden Visa is one of the most attractive residency pathways for global investors seeking both security and opportunity in a stable, welcoming country.

Interested in migrating?Complete a free assessment
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Need help with your Golden Visa?

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with golden visa applications.

Golden Visa NZ Requirements

To qualify for New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa (often called the Golden Visa), you must meet several key requirements.

  • 1

    Investment: At least NZD $5m in Growth for 36 months, or NZD $10m in Balanced for 60 months. Funds must be lawful, transferred, and maintained in New Zealand.

  • 2

    Residency: Spend at least 21 days in New Zealand under the Growth category, or 105 days under the Balanced category, with the option to reduce time by investing more in Growth assets.
  • 3

    Be a fit and proper person
  • 4

    Prove that your investment funds were earned or acquired lawfully
  • 5

    Meet Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements

By applying for New Zealand’s Golden Visa, you begin the journey of investing in the country while securing a pathway to residency for you and your family.

Processing times are usually around four months for approval in principle, so submitting a complete and accurate application is essential to avoid delays.

How IMMagine Can Help

Applying for the Active Investor Plus Visa can feel complex, with strict rules around investment amounts, categories, and residency requirements. At Immagine Immigration, we make the process simple and stress‑free.

Here’s how we support you:

  • Expert Guidance – We explain the visa rules clearly and help you choose the right investment pathway.

  • Tailored Advice – Every investor has different goals. We create a strategy that fits your situation.

  • Application Preparation – Our licensed advisers handle the paperwork, evidence, and communication with Immigration New Zealand.

  • Trusted Connections – We connect you with reliable partners in finance, law, and business to support your investment journey.

  • Ongoing Support – From your first consultation through to permanent residency, we are with you every step of the way.

With over 35 years of experience and more than 30,000 successful clients, Immagine Immigration is a trusted partner for investors who want to make New Zealand their new home.

Complete a free assessment

Step by Step

Our Process

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1. Free Eligibility Check

Complete our short questionnaire and attach your resume (or provide a summary of qualifications and work experience).

Within 48 working hours, we will provide a free written assessment of Visa options.

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2. Online Consultation

Book a 75–90 minute paid online consultation to explore your visa options and get answers to all your questions.

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3. Visa Application 

Once you decide to proceed, we will handle the preparation and processing of your visa application.

Golden Visa Cost & Processing Time

Government Application fee: From NZD $27,470

Processing time: 80% of applications receive approval in principle within 5 months

Need Help With Your NZ Golden Visa?

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with golden visa applications. Contact us today!

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with Student Visas, Partner Visas, and Work Visas.

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Contributory Parent Visa
(Subclass 143 Visa)

The Contributory Parent visa allows a parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen to move to Australia permanently. The subclass 143 visa requires at least AUD47,825 for sponsorship. 

Contributory Parent Visa
(Subclass 173 Visa)

The Contributory Parent visa subclass 173 is similar to the Contributory Parent visa subclass 143 visa. The major difference is that the subclass 173 is a temporary visa that only allows a stay of up to 2 years. It requires a smaller contribution of AUD31,980, but still allows parents to apply for the subclass 143 visa at a later time.

Sponsored Parent
(Subclass 870)

This is another temporary visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to visit Australia. This visa allows for stays between 3-5 years but the visa can be extended for up to 10 years in total. The main purpose is to allow extended time in Australia whilst the permanent resident visa is processed. Stays of up to 3 years cost AUD5,090 and up to 5 years cost AUD10,180.

Parent Visa 
(Subclass 103)

Parents with a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen are allowed to move to Australia permanently under this visa. The cost for the subclass 103 visa starts at AUD6,490. To be successful in the subclass 103 visa, you need to pass the balance of family test and meet certain health and character criteria.

This visa type can take many years to be processed, and the outcome must be decided when you are outside of Australia.

Aged Parent Visa
(Subclass 804)

The Aged Parent (subclass 804) visa is another visa with a very long waiting period for processing. It allows older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or “eligible New Zealand citizens” to permanently move to Australia. Costs start at AUD6,490. Aged parents are defined as those of retirement age in Australia.

Contributory Aged Parent Visa
(Subclass 864)

To reduce the waiting period, eligible aged parents may want to apply for the Contributory Aged Parent visa. This visa however will incur a larger application fee and an Assurance of Support bond. This visa allows aged parents to permanently move to Australia and enrol in Medicare. Costs start at AUD47,825.

Onshore applications

As a general comment the advantage of filing an onshore application in Australia is that it confers bridging visa rights to applicants. Bridging visas enable applicants to remain lawfully in Australia whilst the parent residence visa is processed.