By IndiaHub 
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.
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
