New Zealand's 'Golden Visa' Applications Surge Following 2025 Rule Relaxations
New Zealand has experienced a significant increase in applications for its Active Investor Plus visa scheme, commonly referred to as a 'golden visa,' following substantial rule changes implemented in April 2025. The revised regulations lowered investment thresholds, removed English-language requirements, and reduced the residency establishment period from three years to just three weeks.
American Investors Dominate the Influx
Wealthy Americans now constitute nearly 40% of all applicants, making them the largest demographic group seeking residency through this investment pathway. Immigration New Zealand reports that the new scheme has attracted 573 applications representing 1,833 individuals since the changes took effect—a dramatic increase from the 116 applications received over the previous two-and-a-half-year period.
"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 also a really smart investment scheme," said Courtney Andelman, who along with her husband Jim and their twin daughters became the 100th family granted residency under the program.
Investment Categories and Requirements
The Active Investor Plus visa offers two primary pathways:
- Growth Category: Requires a minimum NZ$5 million (approximately $3 million USD) investment over three years
- Balanced Category: Demands a minimum $10 million investment over five years
These thresholds represent substantial reductions from the previous scheme's $15 million requirement. Successful applicants are permitted to purchase homes in New Zealand valued at over $5 million, though many choose to rent instead to avoid adding strain to the housing market.
Geographic Distribution and Motivations
Following the United States, China and Hong Kong represent the next largest applicant groups, with Chinese applications more than doubling from 45 to 95 since August 2025. Other significant source countries include Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and Great Britain.
Robbie Paul, CEO of Auckland-based Icehouse Ventures, has assisted more than 30 golden visa applicants with their investment requirements. "Many of the Americans I've worked with have said the visa provides an opportunity to escape Trump's administration," Paul noted. "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 toward Maga and Trump."
Historical Context and Economic Impact
This isn't the first time New Zealand has attracted wealthy foreigners seeking refuge from political uncertainty. Following Donald Trump's 2016 election victory, visits to New Zealand's immigration website increased nearly 2,500%. Interest surged again after the 2022 Supreme Court decision on abortion rights and Trump's 2024 election win.
The program has generated $3.39 billion in investment for New Zealand according to Immigration NZ. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized that "international investment is critical for lifting productivity, supporting jobs, and helping New Zealand businesses to expand."
Despite the influx of wealthy immigrants, New Zealand has simultaneously experienced record numbers of citizens departing due to economic challenges including high living costs and unemployment. Recent migration statistics show some improvement, with 66,300 citizens departing in 2025 compared to 67,200 in 2024.
The Andelman family, who run a California-based venture capital firm, exemplify the dual motivations driving many applicants. While drawn to New Zealand's natural beauty and entrepreneurial ecosystem discovered during Courtney's backpacking trip 30 years ago, they also recognize the business opportunities in what they describe as an "underserved" market with "incredible entrepreneurial habits, history and technologies."
