New Zealand’s revamped Active Investor Plus visa is attracting a wave of applications from wealthy Americans, drawn by the country’s natural beauty, entrepreneurial opportunities, and a desire to distance themselves from the political climate under former US President Donald Trump.
New Rules Spark Surge in Applications
The updated visa rules, which came into effect in April 2025, lowered the investment threshold, removed English-language requirements, and reduced the residency requirement from three years to just three weeks. Successful applicants can also now purchase homes worth over NZ$5 million.
Immigration New Zealand reported that the new scheme has received 573 applications representing 1,833 people—a significant jump from 116 applications over the previous two-and-a-half years.
The majority of applicants come from the United States, making up nearly 40% of the total, followed by China and Hong Kong. Since August 2025, Chinese applications more than doubled from 45 to 95. Other top countries include Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and Great Britain.
| Nationality | Applications | People |
|---|---|---|
| US | 213 | 617 |
| China | 95 | 309 |
| Hong Kong | 76 | 249 |
| Germany | 40 | 154 |
| Taiwan | 29 | 96 |
| Singapore | 26 | 97 |
| Vietnam | 16 | 66 |
| Japan | 14 | 46 |
| South Korea | 14 | 41 |
| Great Britain | 8 | 18 |
Visa Categories
Applicants mainly apply under the “growth” category, which requires a minimum NZ$5 million ($3 million) investment over three years. A smaller number opt for the “balanced” category, requiring NZ$10 million over five years. The previous scheme required a $15 million investment.
Personal Stories
Courtney and Jim Andelman, a California-based venture capital couple, were the 100th family to be granted the visa, alongside their twin daughters. Courtney, who fell in love with New Zealand during a backpacking trip decades ago, said the visa allows the family to spend more time in the country while also contributing to its business ecosystem.
“This is not just about living in one of the most amazing countries on the planet – this is also a really smart investment scheme,” she said. The couple have invested in venture funds and are exploring opportunities in New Zealand’s deep-tech sector, including AI, robotics, and biotechnology. They have opted not to buy a home, partly due to the NZ$5 million threshold and to avoid impacting the local housing market.
Appeal to Trump-Weary Americans
Robbie Paul, CEO of Auckland-based Icehouse Ventures, has worked with more than 30 golden visa applicants, noting many Americans view it as a way to escape Trump-era politics. “Never in my time in New Zealand did I have an applicant reference Biden or Obama … but many referenced MAGA and Trump,” he said. He added that New Zealand appeals because it is English-speaking, politically stable, scenic, and globally connected.
Interest from wealthy Americans is not new: after Trump’s 2016 election, visits to New Zealand’s immigration website rose almost 2,500%. The US Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade also triggered a fourfold increase in website visits, and Trump’s 2024 election further boosted interest in New Zealand property.
Controversy and Investment Impact
New Zealand has previously faced criticism for granting residency or citizenship to billionaires, including Peter Thiel in 2017. Subsequent rule changes limited foreign homeownership, though the golden visa now permits purchases above NZ$5 million.
The Active Investor Plus scheme has generated NZ$3.39 billion in investment, according to Immigration New Zealand. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the program is helping attract critical international investment, supporting jobs, and expanding business opportunities.
Despite the influx of wealthy investors, New Zealand citizens continue to emigrate in record numbers, although the departure rate showed slight improvement in 2025.
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