Wealthy Americans Flock to New Zealand’s “Golden Visa” Program
New Zealand is seeing a surge in interest from affluent Americans looking for a haven. Relaxed visa rules have made the country a prime destination for those seeking stability and investment opportunities, particularly in the face of global uncertainties.
Simplified Requirements Spur Applications
The New Zealand government, as of February, adjusted the requirements for its Active Investor Plus visa, often called the “golden visa.” These modifications aim to revitalize the nation’s economy by attracting wealthy foreigners to the country.
Changes introduced in April included reduced investment thresholds, the elimination of English-language requirements, and a cut in the required residency period from three years to merely three weeks.
US Investors Lead the Charge
Data from Immigration New Zealand reveals that the modified scheme has garnered 189 applications, representing 609 individuals. Prior to these adjustments, the visa received 116 applications over a 2.5-year period.
Nearly half of the applications originate from the United States, with 85 applications filed. China follows with 26 applications, and Hong Kong with 24. The remaining applications are spread across various countries in Asia and Europe.
“Nearly everyone who is applying is applying because of the changes they’re seeing under the Trump administration,”
—Stuart Nash, Former Labour Party Minister
Visa Categories and Investment
The new regulations feature a “growth” category requiring a minimum $5 million investment over three years, which 149 applicants pursued. Additionally, 40 applicants opted for the “balanced” category, necessitating a minimum $10 million investment over five years.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
Immigration authorities have approved 100 applications in principle, with seven applicants having already transferred their funds, netting New Zealand $45 million. The country’s appeal as a secure destination is further enhanced by its stable democracy and independent judiciary.
The increasing interest in the visa reflects investors’ attraction to New Zealand’s stability and innovation in sustainable business and technology, according to Benny Goodman, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s general manager for investment.
Global instability makes New Zealand an attractive destination, especially for Americans, as Stuart Nash explains.
The recent surge in applications follows similar trends observed after the 2016 and 2024 US elections, with New Zealand’s immigration website and property market experiencing significant interest from US citizens. For example, in 2024, searches for New Zealand property surged by 200% following a US election (Source: Example Link).
Historical Context
The granting of residency to high-profile figures like Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal, has drawn attention. His citizenship, granted after only a brief stay in the country, led to tighter regulations on investment visas and foreign home ownership in 2018, enacted by former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The loosening of visa rules is part of a broader effort by the right-wing coalition to boost the economy. Earlier this year, the government relaxed other visa rules to attract digital nomads to New Zealand.
New Zealand’s economy experienced a significant contraction in GDP in 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high-interest rates, and rising unemployment. Economic growth minister Nicola Willis stated that the visa could represent “a potential $845 million of new investment in New Zealand business.”
“New investors don’t just bring their dollars to our shores, they also bring skills, knowledge and experience that will drive future economic development,” Willis said. “It’s a win-win.”
