We have considerable expertise in this area.
For an outline of investor visa options see our website.
There have been two recent changes in this space.
Investors able to include philanthropy as part of their investment
From 1 June 2026, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa allowed applicants in the Growth Category to invest up to 20% of their total NZ$5m investment into approved philanthropic projects. This is a change from requiring the entire investment to be in direct investments into New Zealand companies, or a managed fund or such investments.
The update responds to feedback from investors and charities seeking a clearer pathway for philanthropic giving alongside investment migration. While similar options already exist in the Balanced category, this expansion brings the same opportunity to the Growth category.
The change is expected to benefit New Zealand’s charitable and conservation sectors.
Under the new settings, investors may support eligible charities or Department of Conservation initiatives through approved philanthropic gifts. These contributions must benefit New Zealand and cannot provide any personal benefit to the applicant.
The Growth category minimum investment remains NZD $5 million. Of this, up to $1 million may be allocated to philanthropy, with the remainder required to be invested in acceptable growth investments.
Clarification on investment fund transfer methods
Immigration New Zealand has announced that, to meet the fund transfer requirements for an Active Investor Plus, Parent Retirement or Temporary Retirement visa, funds must be transferred via the banking system using a cross-border international payment, such as SWIFT or an international telegraphic transfer.
Immigration New Zealand has seen increased use of foreign exchange providers such as Wise to transfer funds. Wise accounts are not bank accounts, and funds nominated in a Wise account cannot be transferred from that account for immigration purposes.
Transfers will not meet requirements if they are:
- transferred from an offshore bank account to Wise; then
- converted to New Zealand dollars within a Wise account; and then
- paid out locally in New Zealand via a local banking partner.
However, some transfers through Wise and some foreign exchange companies are made through SWIFT may meet immigration requirements. In such cases, applicants must provide a SWIFT payment record or international telegraphic transfer receipt as evidence that funds were transferred from overseas through the banking system.
Applications may be declined if Immigration New Zealand cannot verify that the funds in New Zealand are the applicant’s nominated funds, or that the funds were legally transferred through the banking system.
Contact us
Our expect team can guide you through all aspects of the process.
If you would like further information about these changes, please contact Director Richard Small and our friendly team at Pacific Legal.
Richard Small
June 2026