Which Active Investor Plus visa option is better?

It will depend on your specific appetite for financial risk versus your availability for physical residency. The Growth Category ($5M) is the more capital-efficient path but carries higher investment risk, as it requires investing $5 million in active assets, such as private equity or managed funds, over a three-year term. This option is ideal if you prefer a lower entry price and a minimal time commitment, as it requires only 21 days of physical presence in New Zealand over the investment period. Conversely, the Balanced Category ($10M) focuses on wealth preservation by allowing lower-risk investments such as government bonds and listed equities. While this provides a more stable financial outlook, it requires twice the capital—$10 million—over a longer five-year term. This path also carries a higher 'time risk,' requiring 105 days of physical presence in the country, making it the better choice only ifprotecting the principal investment is your absolute priority