New Zealand Sees Surge in 'Golden Visa' Applications After Easing Requirements
"Uncertainty Under Trump Administration Drives Wealthy Immigration"
After the New Zealand government eased requirements for investor immigration, there has been a significant increase in the number of Americans applying for so-called 'golden visas.'
According to The Guardian Australia on June 23 (local time), New Zealand's coalition government relaxed the requirements for the 'Active Investor Plus' visa in February to stimulate the economy. This visa, also known as a 'golden visa,' grants New Zealand residency to wealthy foreigners.
The new, more lenient regulations, which took effect in April, include a lower investment threshold, the removal of English language requirements, and a drastic reduction in the residency requirement from three years to just three weeks.
According to the New Zealand Immigration Service, a total of 189 applications have been received since the new regulations came into effect. Including applicants and their accompanying family members, the total reaches 609 people. This is a significant increase compared to the 116 applications received in the previous two and a half years. Among these, 85 applicants were American citizens, accounting for about half, followed by 26 from China and 24 from Hong Kong. The remaining applications came from various countries in Asia and Europe.
The Guardian reported, "Under the new regulations, 149 people applied for the 'growth' visa, which requires a minimum investment of 5 million New Zealand dollars (4.11 billion won) over three years, while 40 people applied for the 'balanced' visa, which requires a minimum investment of 10 million New Zealand dollars (8.2185 billion won) over five years." The Immigration Service has so far granted in-principle approval to 100 applications, and in 7 cases, actual funds have already been transferred, resulting in an inflow of about 45 million New Zealand dollars (3.698235 billion won).
Stewart Nash, former New Zealand Minister for Economic Development and operator of the immigration and settlement consulting firm Nash Kelly Global, stated, "Almost all applicants cite the changes occurring under the Donald Trump administration in the United States as their reason."
Benny Goodman, head of investment at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, said, "Political stability and innovation in sustainable technology are attracting investors," adding, "This is highly appealing to investors who are looking for a 'legacy' that goes beyond simple returns."
Former Minister Nash emphasized, "Currently, many people are looking for a 'safe haven,' not a 'tax haven,'" and added, "New Zealand is attractive to Americans as a country with a stable democracy, an independent judiciary, and a secure financial system."
This is not the first time wealthy foreigners, including Americans, have flocked to New Zealand. Immediately after Donald Trump was elected president in 2016, visits to the New Zealand Immigration Service website surged by 2,500%, and after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned abortion rights, the number of visitors increased fourfold to 77,000. After Trump's re-election in 2024, American interest in the New Zealand real estate market also grew.
The immigration of billionaires has also become a political controversy. This is because the New Zealand government is seen as selling citizenship in exchange for money. In 2017, it was revealed that Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, obtained New Zealand citizenship after staying for only 12 days, sparking controversy. In response, former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tightened requirements for investor immigration and foreign real estate purchases in 2018.
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