Summarised by Centrist
Applications for New Zealand’s investor visas – often dubbed “golden visas” – have surged since the government loosened rules in April, with 65 new applications in just six weeks, mostly from wealthy Americans.
Former immigration minister Stuart Nash says many applicants are seeking stability amid fears of Donald Trump’s re-election and rising global uncertainty.
“It’s the main driver,” Nash told the Financial Times.
“Many of the people applying are of a different political persuasion to President Trump.” He pointed to concerns over NATO, Putin, and a broader shift toward viewing New Zealand as a safe haven rather than a tax haven.
The changes introduced by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s government reduced the residency requirement to just 21 days and cut the “growth visa” investment threshold to NZ$5 million (about US$3 million).
A higher NZ$10 million “balanced” option allows wider investment in equities, bonds, and property development.
In total, the programme has received 104 applications under the new regime and previous rollovers – compared to just 115 between 2022 and 2025. US citizens made up the bulk (55), followed by Hong Kong (15) and China (12).
Critics have previously accused the visa scheme of enabling wealthy foreigners to buy up rural land and homes as remote bolt-holes. In 2018, Jacinda Ardern’s government restricted foreign home ownership after a public outcry, and her administration also tightened investor visa criteria.
