New Zealand has seen a significant increase in applications for its "Active Investor Plus" visa, often referred to as a "golden visa," following relaxed rules introduced in April. The new regulations reduced investment thresholds, eliminated English language requirements, and shortened the required in-country stay for residency from three years to three weeks. Previously, the visa attracted 116 applications over two and a half years, but under the new rules, 189 applications have been received in less than three months, representing 609 individuals. This surge is projected to bring a potential $845 million in new investments into New Zealand businesses.
The relaxed visa offers two main investment categories: a "growth" category requiring a minimum $5 million investment over three years, and a "balanced" category requiring a minimum $10 million investment over five years. A significant portion of these new applicants are from the United States, with 85 applications, or nearly half of the total, coming from U.S. citizens. China follows with 26 applications and Hong Kong with 24. Wealthy Americans are reportedly seeking these visas due to concerns over U.S. politics, the cost of education, and tax implications, with some viewing it as an escape from current social and political climates.
The scheme has already approved 100 applications in principle, with seven applicants having transferred funds, injecting $45 million into New Zealand's economy. The economic growth minister, Nicola Willis, highlighted the potential for substantial new investment. Immigration New Zealand data further indicates that as of August 8, 2025, 267 golden visa applications have been received since the April rule changes, compared to 115 in the preceding seven months, with 44% of new applications from Americans. Companies assisting with these visas report that a large percentage of their website traffic and clients are from the U.S., particularly California.
