Wealthy Americans are driving a dramatic spike in applications for New Zealand’s revamped Active Investor Plus “golden visa”, with many citing political unease in the United States alongside the country’s natural beauty and business potential.

New rules introduced in April 2025 slashed investment thresholds, removed English-language requirements and cut the in-country residency requirement. 

Since these changes, Immigration New Zealand has received 573 applications covering 1,833 people — compared with just 116 applications over the previous two-and-a-half years.

Nearly 40% of applicants are from the United States, followed by China and Hong Kong. Applications from China have more than doubled since August 2025. 

Other top source countries include Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea and Great Britain.

The visa offers two investment Categories:

 • Growth category: Minimum NZ$5 million investment over three years

 • Balanced category: Minimum NZ$10 million investment over five years

(Previously, the threshold was set at $15 million.)

Eligibility and qualification requirements

More detail is required to be definitive, but below is an overview:

• Eligible visas: Active Investor Plus, Investor 1, and Investor 2 resident visa holders (including Permanent Resident Visa holders who previously held one of these visas).
• Investment threshold (excluding home): Generally, a minimum of NZD 5 million invested in New Zealand.
• Investment type: Investments must be in productive arms-length asset classes, outside personal property ownership.
• Minimum holding period: Investments held for at least three years (as per Growth—Active Investor visa rules). 
• No permanent residency required: No need to live in NZ permanently, but must meet the onshore presence requirements of the resident visa concerned (where applicable).

Successful applicants can only purchase homes valued above $5 million and meet Overseas Investment Office requirements                     

Among the new investor visa residents are California venture capitalists Courtney and Jim Andelman, who described the scheme as both a lifestyle opportunity and a smart business move. Auckland-based Icehouse Ventures chief executive Robbie Paul said many American applicants openly cite growing political divisions in the US as a reason for their interest in New Zealand. The scheme has already secured at least $3.39 billion in committed investment, according to Immigration NZ.

This international capital is vital to boosting productivity, jobs and business growth within New Zealand. 

Should you want advice on this route or other residency pathway options, please contact Steve to discuss your options in confidence and on an obligation free basis.