YES Capital AIP Investment Guide: Understanding New Zealand’s 5M & 10M Pathways
A practical overview of New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa and how eligible investors may access approved AIP fund opportunities.
New Zealand continues to attract global investors seeking a stable, transparent, and long-term destination for capital, family planning, and future growth.
For eligible investors, the Active Investor Plus Visa provides a structured pathway to residence through investment in acceptable New Zealand opportunities.
Under the current framework, investors may apply under one of two categories: the NZD $5 million Growth Category or the NZD $10 million Balanced Category. Each pathway has different investment requirements, investment periods, time-in-New-Zealand requirements, and acceptable investment options.
YES Capital is an approved Active Investor Plus fund platform supporting eligible wholesale investors seeking access to AIP-aligned investment opportunities under both the 5M Growth Category and the 10M Balanced Category.
This guide provides a practical overview of the Active Investor Plus Visa, the key differences between the two investment pathways, and the important timing and reporting requirements investors should understand when planning their New Zealand investment journey.
According to Immigration New Zealand, applicants must invest at least NZD $5 million under the Growth Category or at least NZD $10 million under the Balanced Category in acceptable investments in New Zealand.
The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand’s investor residence visa for applicants who are able to invest in acceptable New Zealand investments and meet the relevant visa conditions.
Applicants must also transfer their investment funds to New Zealand and meet other visa requirements, including being a fit and proper person.
Successful applicants may be able to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. Partners and dependent children aged 24 and younger may also be included in the application, subject to the relevant requirements.
The Two AIP Investment Pathways
The Active Investor Plus Visa includes two main investment categories: Growth and Balanced.
Both categories are designed to bring investment into New Zealand, but they differ in minimum investment amount, investment period, time-in-New-Zealand requirement, and acceptable investment options.
1. Growth Category — NZD $5 Million
The Growth Category is designed for investors seeking more active exposure to New Zealand investment opportunities.
Under current Immigration New Zealand settings, Growth Category applicants must invest at least NZD $5 million in acceptable investments and maintain their nominated funds in acceptable investments for 3 years.
Acceptable Growth Category investments may include direct investments, managed funds, and eligible philanthropy.
For investors seeking a shorter investment period and a more active investment focus, the Growth Category may be an attractive pathway.
YES Capital support: Available for eligible wholesale investors through YES Capital’s approved AIP fund platform, with investment focus areas including manufacturing, infrastructure, and tourism-related development.
2. Balanced Category — NZD $10 Million
The Balanced Category is designed for investors seeking a broader range of acceptable investment options and a longer investment horizon.
Under current Immigration New Zealand settings, Balanced Category applicants must invest at least NZD $10 million in acceptable investments and maintain their nominated funds in acceptable investments for 5 years.
Acceptable Balanced Category investments may include listed equities, philanthropy, property development, and bonds. Balanced Category applicants may also invest in Growth Category investments.
For investors seeking greater flexibility across a wider range of investment types, the Balanced Category may be more suitable.
YES Capital support: Available for eligible wholesale investors through YES Capital’s approved AIP fund platform, with investment focus areas including property development and other eligible real-asset opportunities.
Growth vs Balanced Category
| Item | Growth Category | Balanced Category |
| Minimum investment | NZD $5 million | NZD $10 million |
| Investment period | 3 years | 5 years |
| New Zealand stay requirement | At least 21 days | At least 105 days |
| Investment style | More active investment focus | Broader acceptable investment options |
| Acceptable investment examples | Direct investments, managed funds, limited philanthropy | Listed equities, philanthropy, property development, bonds, and Growth Category investments |
| YES Capital support | Available | Available |
YES Capital supports eligible wholesale investors through an approved AIP fund platform, helping investors access AIP-aligned investment opportunities with clear information, professional documentation, investor communication, and long-term planning awareness.
