New Zealand’s ‘Golden Visa’ Surge: A Magnet for the Wealthy and a Sign of Shifting Global Priorities
New Zealand’s “golden visa” program, officially known as the Active Investor Plus visa, is experiencing a dramatic surge in applications, particularly from wealthy Americans. Driven by a combination of New Zealand’s appeal and global uncertainties, the scheme is attracting significant foreign investment – and sparking debate about its long-term effects.
Relaxed Rules Fuel the Boom
Changes implemented in April 2025 have significantly boosted the program’s popularity. Investment thresholds were lowered, English-language requirements were removed and the residency requirement was slashed from three years to just three weeks. Applicants seeking residency through investment must now purchase homes in New Zealand worth more than $5m.
The impact has been remarkable. Before the changes, the visa attracted 116 applications over two-and-a-half years. Since then, 573 applications representing 1,833 people have been received.
American Investors Lead the Charge
The most recent data reveals that investors from the United States now comprise nearly 40% of applicants. China and Hong Kong follow, with applications from China more than doubling between August 2025 and the present, rising from 45 to 95. Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea as well feature prominently among the top 10 source countries.
Many Americans are reportedly motivated by a desire to find a stable and beautiful haven, and, as Robbie Paul, CEO of Icehouse Ventures, notes, a desire to distance themselves from the political climate in the US. “I’ll put it this way, never in my time in New Zealand, did I have an applicant reference Biden or Obama … and then, absolutely, a lot of references to people’s feelings towards Maga and Trump,” he said.
Investment Categories and Amounts
There are two primary investment pathways. The “growth” category requires a minimum NZ$5m ($3m) investment over three years, while the “balanced” category demands a minimum of $10m over five years. Previously, the investment requirement was $15m.
A Family’s Perspective: The Andelmans’ Story
Courtney and Jim Andelman, a Californian venture capital couple, exemplify the new wave of investors. Alongside their twin daughters, they were the 100th family to be granted a visa. Courtney, who first fell in love with New Zealand during a backpacking trip 30 years ago, sees the visa as both a lifestyle choice and a smart investment. “This is not just about fun and games… this is also a really smart investment scheme,” she told the Guardian.
The Andelmans are focusing on New Zealand’s “deep-tech” sector, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology, and have opted not to purchase a property due to the $5m price tag and a desire to avoid exacerbating the housing market.
Past Controversies and Policy Adjustments
New Zealand’s willingness to accept wealthy foreign investors hasn’t been without controversy. The granting of citizenship to PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel in 2017, after he spent only 12 days in the country, prompted former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to tighten investment visa rules and ban foreign home ownership in 2018.
The recent policy shift allowing “golden visa” holders to purchase properties exceeding $5m represents a reversal of that earlier stance.
A Two-Way Flow: Emigration Alongside Investment
Interestingly, while New Zealand is attracting wealthy immigrants, it has also seen a record number of its own citizens leaving the country in recent years, citing economic challenges and high living costs. However, recent migration statistics indicate a potential improvement, with 66,300 citizens departing in 2025 compared to 67,200 in 2024.
Economic Impact and Government Response
The Active Investor Plus visa scheme has already generated $3.39bn in investment for New Zealand. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasizes the importance of international investment for boosting productivity, creating jobs, and supporting business expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is New Zealand’s ‘golden visa’? It’s a visa program allowing foreign investors to gain residency in New Zealand by making significant investments in the country.
- How much investment is required? A minimum of NZ$5m ($3m) over three years under the “growth” category, or $10m over five years under the “balanced” category.
- Who is applying for the visa? Currently, the majority of applicants are from the United States, followed by China and Hong Kong.
- What are the residency requirements? Applicants now only necessitate to spend three weeks in New Zealand to establish residency.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering applying for New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa, consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure you meet all the requirements and understand the latest regulations.
Want to learn more about New Zealand’s immigration policies? Visit the official Immigration New Zealand website.
