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A wave of applications for New Zealand’s “golden visa” is being led by wealthy Americans, fueled by a desire for political stability, a high quality of life, and opportunities for investment in a burgeoning tech sector. The influx comes after the New Zealand government loosened requirements for the Active Investor Plus visa in April 2025, making it more attractive to foreign investors.
The Active Investor Plus visa, designed to attract foreign capital, has seen a dramatic increase in interest. Before the rule changes, the visa received 116 applications over a two-and-a-half-year period. Since April 2025, 573 applications representing 1,833 people have been submitted, a significant jump spurred by the revised criteria. The changes include lowered investment thresholds, the removal of English-language requirements, and a reduced residency requirement – now just three weeks instead of three years.
US Investors Dominate Applications
Investors from the United States now comprise nearly 40% of all applicants, according to recent government data. China and Hong Kong follow as the next largest groups of applicants. Since August 2025, applications from China have more than doubled, rising from 45 to 95. Rounding out the top ten countries of origin are Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea (tied), and Great Britain.
The visa program offers two investment categories: “growth,” requiring a minimum NZ$5 million (approximately $3 million USD) investment over three years, and “balanced,” requiring NZ$10 million (approximately $6 million USD) over five years. The previous investment requirement was NZ$15 million.
A Family’s Perspective: Investing in New Zealand’s Future
Courtney and Jim Andelman, a California-based venture capital couple, were among the first families to be granted a visa under the new rules. They, along with their twin daughters, represent the 100th family to receive approval. Courtney Andelman, who first fell in love with New Zealand during a backpacking trip 30 years ago, described the visa as an opportunity to “provide back” to the community and produce strategic investments.
“This is not just about fun and games and having a chance to live in one of the most amazing countries on the planet – this is likewise a really smart investment scheme. It’s smart for us,” Andelman told The Guardian. The family is particularly interested in New Zealand’s “deep-tech” industry, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnologies, and has already begun investing in venture funds and exploring direct investment opportunities.
Despite being able to purchase property valued at over $5 million as part of the visa requirements, the Andelmans have decided against buying a home in New Zealand, citing the high price tag and a desire to avoid contributing to housing market pressures. They plan to split their time between New Zealand and their home in Santa Barbara.
Political Climate a Key Factor
The surge in American applicants isn’t solely about investment opportunities. Robbie Paul, CEO of the Auckland-based venture capital firm Icehouse Ventures, has worked with over 30 golden visa applicants and notes a clear trend. “I’ll set 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,” Paul said. He added that New Zealand’s political stability, combined with its natural beauty and global connectivity, makes it an appealing option for investors seeking a safe haven.
This isn’t the first time New Zealand has experienced an influx of interest from Americans during periods of political uncertainty in the United States. Following the 2016 election of Donald Trump, visits to New Zealand’s immigration website increased by nearly 2,500%. Similarly, visits quadrupled to 77,000 after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, and a surge of interest in New Zealand’s property market followed Trump’s 2024 election win.
Past Controversies and Current Trends
The granting of residency to wealthy individuals has not been without controversy in New Zealand. In 2017, the granting of citizenship to Peter Thiel, the billionaire co-founder of PayPal, despite his limited time spent in the country, prompted former Labour Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to tighten the rules on investment visas. Ardern also implemented a ban on foreign home ownership in 2018, a ban that remains largely in place, though golden visa holders are now permitted to purchase properties valued at over $5 million.
While attracting foreign investment, New Zealand has also seen a significant number of its own citizens emigrate in recent years, driven by economic challenges and high living costs. Yet, recent migration statistics released in February show signs of improvement, with 66,300 citizens departing in 2025 compared to 67,200 in 2024.
The Active Investor Plus visa scheme has already generated $3.39 billion in investment for New Zealand, according to Immigration New Zealand. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stated that the new visa settings are designed to encourage investment and support economic growth, noting that “International investment is critical for lifting productivity, supporting jobs, and helping New Zealand businesses to expand.”
The continued success of the Active Investor Plus visa and its impact on the New Zealand economy will be closely monitored in the coming months, particularly as the country navigates its economic challenges and seeks to balance attracting foreign investment with the needs of its citizens.
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