New Zealand Sees Surge in Golden Visa Applications from US, China, Hong Kong

New Zealand has seen a significant surge in applications for its revamped Active Investor Plus visa, also known as the "golden visa," following rule changes implemented in April that lowered investment thresholds, removed English language requirements, and shortened residency establishment from three years to three weeks. Since the update, Immigration New Zealand has received 189 applications, almost half of which come from wealthy American investors, with China and Hong Kong following. The visa offers two investment categories: a $5 million "growth" option over three years and a $10 million "balanced" option over five years. Approved applications represent a potential NZ$845 million (US$503 million) in new investment, with seven applicants having already transferred $45 million. Many applicants cite political changes under the Trump administration as a key motivation for seeking New Zealand's stability and safe haven status. This influx of investment interest coincides with New Zealand's recent economic recovery after last year's technical recession, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country's economic outlook and policy direction.