New Zealand Golden Visa Process in officially known as the *Active Investor Plus Visa* or *Sone ka Visa* (सोने का वीजा), is a residency-by-investment program designed to attract wealthy investors to contribute to New Zealand’s economy. Launched in September 2022 and updated in April 2025, it offers a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship for those who meet its requirements. Below is an 800-word overview in English and Hindi, covering the process, timing, documents, age limit, income, and investment details, ensuring proper and accurate information based on recent changes.
Overview of the *Sone ka Visa*
The *Active Investor Plus Visa* encourages *videshi niveshak* (विदेशी निवेशक) to invest in New Zealand’s economy, offering the right to live, work, and study indefinitely. It replaced the older Investor 1 and 2 visas, which closed in July 2022. The program is unique because it prioritizes *active investments*—like direct business investments or venture capital—over passive ones like residential property. *Yeh visa New Zealand ke economic growth ko badhata hai* (यह वीजा न्यूज़ीलैंड के आर्थिक विकास को बढ़ाता है). Successful applicants can include their spouse and dependent children up to age 24, making it family-friendly. After five years of residency, investors may apply for *nagrikta* (नागरिकता).

Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the *Sone ka Visa*, applicants must meet specific *maapdand* (मापदंड):
1. **Age Limit**: The minimum age is 18, with *koi umra seema nahi* (कोई उम्र सीमा नहीं) for the maximum, making it accessible for older investors, including retirees. *Yeh flexibility is visa ko sabke liye attractive banata hai* (यह फ्लेक्सिबिलिटी इस वीजा को सभी के लिए आकर्षक बनाता है).
2. **Investment**: The visa offers two categories:
– **Growth Category**: Requires a minimum investment of NZ$5 million (approx. ₹25 crore) over three years in *active investments* like direct business investments, managed funds, or listed equities. Applicants must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over three years.
– **Balanced Category**: Requires NZ$10 million (approx. ₹50 crore) over five years, including bonds, philanthropy, or commercial property. Applicants must spend 105 days in New Zealand, reducible with higher investments. *Yeh investments NZ ke economy mein jobs aur innovation laate hain* (ये निवेश एनजेड की अर्थव्यवस्था में जॉब्स और इनोवेशन लाते हैं).
3. **Income**: There’s no specific *aay* (आय) requirement, but applicants must prove their investment funds are *vidhi-sammat* (विधि-सम्मत) or lawfully earned. Evidence like tax returns, payslips, or property sale receipts is required. Applicants must also show sufficient funds to support themselves and their family beyond the investment.
4. **Health and Character**: Applicants must meet *swasthya* (स्वास्थ्य) and *charitra* (चरित्र) standards, including a clean criminal record and medical clearance.
5. **English Language**: Since April 2025, *Angrezi bhasha* (अंग्रेजी भाषा) proficiency is not mandatory, removing a significant barrier for *videshi niveshak*. However, family members may need to demonstrate English skills for integration, via IELTS or proof of English-medium education.
Application Process (New Zealand Golden Visa Process)
The *Sone ka Visa* application is straightforward and online, managed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). *Yeh process tezi se aur efficiently chalta hai* (यह प्रोसेस तेजी से और कुशलता से चलता है). The steps are:
1. **Expression of Interest (EOI)**: Submit an EOI via INZ’s website, detailing investment plans, funds, and personal information. Points are awarded based on age, investment type, and business experience. *Zyada points, zyada chance of approval* (ज़्यादा पॉइंट्स, ज़्यादा चांस ऑफ अप्रूवल).
2. **Due Diligence**: INZ conducts a background check to verify *dhan ka srot* (धन का स्रोत) and eligibility.
3. **Approval in Principle**: If approved, applicants receive six months to transfer funds to a New Zealand bank and invest. A one-time six-month *vistar* (विस्तार) may be requested.
4. **Investment and Residency**: After investment, provide proof from a chartered accountant or solicitor. Maintain the investment for three (Growth) or five (Balanced) years, meeting *minimum stay* requirements.
5. **Permanent Residency**: After fulfilling investment and residency conditions, apply for permanent residency. *Yeh ek surakshit future ki guarantee hai* (यह एक सुरक्षित फ्यूचर की गारंटी है).
Timing
The *Sone ka Visa* process is efficient:
– **EOI and Approval in Principle**: 80% of applications receive approval in principle within 7–9 months.
– **Fund Transfer and Investment**: Must be completed within six months of approval, extendable by six months.
– **Residency Compliance**: Growth Category requires 21 days over three years; Balanced Category requires 105 days over five years.
– **Citizenship**: After five years of continuous residency, including 1,350 days in New Zealand, applicants can apply for *nagrikta*. The citizenship process takes 8–9 months, including interviews and a ceremony.
*Yeh timeline investors ke liye predictable aur manageable hai* (यह टाइमलाइन निवेशकों के लिए प्रेडिक्टेबल और मैनेजेबल है).
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a comprehensive set of *dastavez* (दस्तावेज़):
– Valid passport and passport photos for all applicants.
– Proof of lawfully earned funds (e.g., tax returns, payslips, property sale receipts, or inheritance documents).
– Health certificates from approved medical practitioners.
– Police clearance certificates for *charitra praman* (चरित्र प्रमाण).
– Investment plan outlining *nivesh* (निवेश) in approved categories.
– For family applications, proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).
– Optional: IELTS scores or proof of English-medium education for family members.
*Sabhi dastavez clear aur authentic hone chahiye* (सभी दस्तावेज़ क्लियर और ऑथेंटिक होने चाहिए).
Benefits of the *Sone ka Visa*
The *Active Investor Plus Visa* offers numerous *labh* (लाभ):
– Live, work, and study in New Zealand with access to world-class education and healthcare.
– Include spouse and children under 24, who gain the same rights.
– No *capital gains tax* or *inheritance tax*, making New Zealand financially attractive.
– Path to *nagrikta* after five years, with visa-free access to 190 countries.
– Flexible residency requirements, ideal for *videshi niveshak* balancing global commitments.
– Safe, stable, and multicultural environment with a high quality of life.
*Yeh visa lifestyle aur investment ke liye perfect hai* (यह वीजा लाइफस्टाइल और निवेश के लिए परफेक्ट है).
Challenges and Considerations
While the *Sone ka Visa* is attractive, challenges include:
– High investment thresholds (NZ$5–10 million).
– Need to maintain investments for 3–5 years.
– Ongoing compliance with residency and reporting requirements at 24, 36, or 60 months.
– No direct *nagrikta* through investment; permanent residency is a prerequisite.
*In chunautiyon ke bawajood, yeh visa long-term benefits deta hai* (इन चुनौतियों के बावजूद, यह वीजा लॉन्ग-टर्म बेनिफिट्स देता है).
Conclusion
The New Zealand *Sone ka Visa* is a premier residency program for *amीर niveshak* (अमीर निवेशक) seeking a stable, safe, and scenic country. With no age limit, no mandatory English requirement, and flexible investment options, it’s accessible to a wide range of applicants. The process is streamlined, with clear *dastavez* requirements and a predictable timeline. By investing in New Zealand’s economy, applicants gain access to a high-quality lifestyle and a path to *nagrikta*. *Yeh visa ek surakshit aur samriddh bhavishya ka dwar kholta hai* (यह वीजा एक सुरक्षित और समृद्ध भविष्य का द्वार खोलता है).
New Zealand *Sone ka Visa*: Guide to Process, Requirements, and Benefits
## Overview
The *Active Investor Plus Visa* (सोने का वीजा) allows *videshi niveshak* to live, work, and study in New Zealand by investing NZ$5–10 million. Launched in 2022, updated in April 2025, it offers permanent residency and a path to *nagrikta*.
## Eligibility
– **Age**: Minimum 18, *koi maximum umra seema nahi* (कोई अधिकतम उम्र सीमा नहीं).
– **Investment**:
– *Growth Category*: NZ$5 million (₹25 crore) over 3 years, 21 days in NZ.
– *Balanced Category*: NZ$10 million (₹50 crore) over 5 years, 105 days in NZ.
– **Income**: No specific *aay* requirement; funds must be *vidhi-sammat*.
– **Health & Character**: Clean criminal record, medical clearance.
– **English**: Not mandatory since April 2025.
## Process
1. Submit *Expression of Interest* online via INZ website.
2. Pass due diligence for fund sources.
3. Receive approval in principle within 7–9 months.
4. Transfer and invest funds within 6 months (extendable by 6 months).
5. Maintain investment for 3–5 years, meet residency requirements.
6. Apply for permanent residency, then *nagrikta* after 5 years (1,350 days in NZ).
## Documents
– Valid passport, photos.
– Proof of lawful funds (tax returns, payslips, etc.).
– Health and police clearance certificates.
– Investment plan.
– Relationship proof for family.
## Timing
– Approval: 7–9 months for 80% of applications.
– Investment: 6 months post-approval.
– Residency: 21 days (Growth) or 105 days (Balanced).
– Citizenship: 8–9 months post 5-year residency.
## Benefits
– Live, work, study in NZ.
– Include spouse, children under 24.
– No *capital gains tax*.
– Path to *nagrikta* with access to 190 countries.
– Safe, stable lifestyle.
*Yeh visa NZ ke vibrant economy aur lifestyle ka ticket hai* (यह वीजा एनजेड के वाइब्रेंट इकोनॉमी और लाइफस्टाइल का टिकट है).
New Zealand Golden Visa Process New Zealand Golden Visa Process