Wealthy investors from the US, China, and Hong Kong have emerged as the primary applicants for New Zealand’s “golden visas” since the government eased the scheme’s requirements in an effort to support the country’s struggling economy. The updated rules for the Active Investor Plus visa, which took effect in April, have seen a decrease in investment thresholds, the elimination of English-language requirements, and a reduction in the time applicants must spend in New Zealand to establish residency from three years to three weeks.
A total of 308 applications have been received for the residency scheme for wealthy foreigners under the new rules, representing 1,000 individuals. Prior to the changes, the visa scheme garnered only 116 applications in two-and-a-half years.
The majority of the applications came from the US, with 129 submitted, followed by China, which had 45 applications, and Hong Kong, with 38 applications. The top 10 countries also include Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and Great Britain. Immigration lawyer and Queen City Law managing director Marcus Beveridge suggested that these Asian markets may be attracted to lower tax thresholds and less bureaucracy, while lifestyle changes and the natural environment appeal to investors across the board.
The government is considering additional changes to investment visas, including allowing holders of “golden visas” to now purchase homes valued over $5m. The new rules could encourage more investments in the economic sectors of NZ, with Beveridge estimating around $5 billion annually from business immigration along with an additional $5 billion from investors who can now purchase homes.
While the country continues to ease visa rules to encourage foreign investment, New Zealand’s citizens are leaving the country in record numbers, pursuing better job opportunities and higher wages, according to Statistics New Zealand. During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, 73,400 New Zealanders departed, compared with 25,800 returning to live.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/25/new-zealand-golden-visa-scheme-active-investor-plus-applications-usa-china-hong-kong
