New Zealand - 189 GV Applications in 3 months!

New Zealand has experienced a remarkable surge in interest regarding its golden visa program, having received nearly 200 applications in a span of just over 10 weeks. This influx follows a significant revamp of its investor migration scheme, which took effect on April 1, 2025. The changes were designed to make the program more appealing to seasoned investors and to attract substantial global capital, thereby enhancing the country's economic landscape.

 According to data released by Immigration New Zealand, a total of 189 applications have been submitted under the newly established Active Investor Plus visa rules. This figure marks a striking increase when compared to the previous iteration of the scheme, which managed to garner only 116 applications over a lengthy period of more than two and a half years. The country’s economic growth minister, Nicola Willis, commented on this trend, emphasizing that investor migrants are evidently drawn to New Zealand’s burgeoning reputation as a safe haven that promotes business and offers a high-potential economy. “Investor migrants are clearly attracted to New Zealand’s growing reputation as a safe, pro-business, high-potential economy. In a world where countries compete for dollars and talent, it’s great to see New Zealand’s growth prospects being recognised,” said Willis, highlighting the competitive nature of global investment.

 Stuart Nash, a former Labour immigration minister who now leads Nash Kelly Global, provided insights into the factors driving this increased demand for New Zealand's golden visas. He noted that global political dynamics, particularly those emanating from the United States, have significantly influenced the rising interest. “It’s the main driver,” stated Nash. “Many of the people applying are of a different political persuasion to President Trump.” His observations reflect a broader trend where geopolitical instability often leads affluent individuals to reconsider their investment and residency options.

 Nash elaborated on the specific concerns that wealthy Americans have regarding Donald Trump’s foreign policy and security decisions, which have been prompting them to seek alternative locations for investment and residence. “Putin is on the doorstep and no one is 100 per cent sure what Trump will do on NATO,” he explained. “That kind of uncertainty means people are looking to New Zealand.” This sentiment underscores the notion that perceived instability in one’s home country can lead to a proactive search for more stable and secure environments.

 Additionally, Nash pointed out that the attractiveness of New Zealand's golden visa program is further enhanced by the fact that other countries have begun to retract their golden visa schemes. For instance, both Portugal and Ireland have implemented restrictions on their investor programs, while in April, the European Court of Justice ruled that Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme was in violation of EU law. Such developments have made New Zealand's offerings even more appealing to international investors seeking viable alternatives.

 Under the new rules introduced on April 1, 2025, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has created two distinct and simplified investor pathways that cater to different levels of investment:

• Growth category: Requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million over a duration of 3 years, aimed at fostering economic growth through substantial financial input.

• Balanced category: Involves a higher investment threshold of NZD $10 million over a period of 5 years, designed for investors looking to make a significant impact on the economy.

As reported by RNZ, by June 23, a total of 100 applications had been approved in principle under the new scheme. Out of these, seven investors had already taken the crucial step of transferring their funds and successfully received their visas, indicating a swift transition from application to active investment.

 Immigration Minister Erica Stanford expressed her enthusiasm regarding the early uptake of the program, stating that it had surpassed her initial expectations. “As of this week we’re almost at 190 after 10 weeks, and I think that shows you the level of interest from overseas, in lots of different markets we haven’t seen before,” Stanford remarked, indicating a diverse range of applicants.

 She further noted that the majority of applications have been submitted by nationals from the United States, Hong Kong, China, and Germany, reflecting a broad international appeal. Applicants are given a six-month window to transfer their funds into New Zealand and commence their investment activities, which is a critical step in the process.

 “Investment Boost delivers the confidence to put that capital to work, and to ensure that people are making investments that will pay off in the long run,” Stanford concluded, emphasizing the program's role in fostering a robust economic environment that benefits both investors and the New Zealand economy as a whole.