Last Updated: July 31, 2026
Global Residency Programs Report: New Zealand
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Introduction
In the 2025 Global Residency Programs Index, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus ranked 10th overall with a score of 88.03. Its strongest relative results were in Investment (1st) and Quality of Life (2nd), while Procedure (18th) represented its main comparative trade-off.
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Rankings Snapshot
The Global Residency Programs Index 2025 compares 23 residency pathways across five dimensions: Procedure, Mobility, Tax Optimization, Quality of Life, and Investment. The overall score provides a high-level comparison, while the individual rankings help readers identify the strengths and trade-offs most relevant to their priorities.
Index | Ranking | Score |
|---|---|---|
Overall Ranking
| 10th | 88.03 |
Procedure
| 18th | 81.55 |
Mobility
| 9th | 79.03 |
Tax Optimization
| 7th | 85.42 |
Quality of Life
| 2nd | 93.76 |
Investment
| 1st | 80.31 |
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus at Glance
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus is the program name used in this index. Its formal basis is Immigration Act 2009, administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The current program is the Active Investor Plus Visa. The route is intended for qualifying applicants who meet the relevant investment or financial criteria, with an indicative minimum threshold of NZD $5 to $15 million (approx. USD $3 to 9 million) and estimated processing of 6 – 9 months.
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Legal Provision
| |
Region
| Oceania |
Minimum Investment Threshold
| NZD $5 to $15 million (approx. USD $3 to 9 million) |
Year of Inception
| 2022 |
Visa-free Countries
| 187 |
Investment Options
| Direct investments into New Zealand firms Indirect investments via listed equities, managed funds, or philanthropic contributions |
Physical Presence Requirements
| Must spend at least 117 days in New Zealand over the 4-year investment period |
Family Member Inclusion
| The main applicant can include spouse, children up to 24 (if dependent) |
Dual Citizenship Allowed
| Yes |
Path to Citizenship
| Eligibility to apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence, with specific conditions |
Average Processing Time
| 6 – 9 months |
Conclusion
The 2025 Global Residency Programs Index shows that no single residency program leads on every dimension. The most suitable option depends on the applicant’s priorities—whether mobility, tax efficiency, quality of life, investment potential, or ease of process—making the index a comparative starting point rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Footnotes
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Explore More with Related Reports
The Global Passport Index 2026 measures that value across 197 countries and territories, synthesising fourteen indicators across three weighted pillars: Enhanced Mobility, Investment, and Quality of Living.
The Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 (GCPI) ranks fifteen active programs across five dimensions — Procedure, Mobility, Tax Optimisation, Quality of Life, and Investment— with Credibility and Compliance.