New Zealand’s revised Active Investor Plus visa has ignited renewed global interest, with affluent individuals from the United States, China, and Hong Kong now leading applications. The scheme, often referred to as a form of “golden visa,” was restructured earlier this year to attract international capital and stimulate a slowing economy.
Sharp Rise in Applications
Since the updated rules came into effect in April, application numbers have nearly tripled. Immigration New Zealand reports 308 applications representing around 1,000 people under the new framework, compared to just 116 applications over the previous two-and-a-half years.
The majority of interest is driven by investors from the US (129 applications), followed by China (45) and Hong Kong (38). Other top sources include Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and the UK.
Why the Interest?
The government lowered investment thresholds, removed English-language requirements, and cut residency obligations from three years to only three weeks. For many HNWIs, these changes position the program as the best path to New Zealand citizenship, appealing to those seeking tax efficiency, lighter bureaucracy, and lifestyle benefits. At the same time, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the US and Europe continue to drive relocation interest.
As one immigration lawyer noted, “geopolitical issues for those in North America and Europe will be material,” suggesting policy shifts abroad may be pushing investors to seek stability in New Zealand.
Controversies and Policy Shifts
Investor visas in New Zealand are not without debate.
High-profile cases, such as the 2017 citizenship approval for PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel after limited time in the country, prompted calls for greater scrutiny. Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern subsequently tightened visa rules and introduced a ban on most foreign property purchases in 2018.
However, the current government has rolled back some restrictions. Holders of the new visa can now purchase homes valued over NZ$5 million, a move designed to encourage wealthy families to anchor themselves in the local economy.
Citizenship Investment Impact
The visa offers two pathways:
- Growth category – minimum NZ$5 million investment over three years
- Balanced category – minimum NZ$10 million investment over five years
As always, policies may change. For the latest information and tailored consultancy, please get in touch with us.
To date, 39 applications have been approved, with a further 197 granted approval in principle, representing NZ$248.8 million in committed investment. Projections suggest inflows could eventually reach several billion dollars annually once secondary investments, such as luxury property purchases, are accounted for.
The Bigger Picture
While inbound interest is strong, New Zealand faces a simultaneous challenge: record numbers of its citizens are emigrating. Between July 2024 and July 2025, 73,400 New Zealanders left the country, compared with 25,800 returning, highlighting a growing domestic skills and wage gap even as international capital flows in.
Marlow Bray Perspective
At Marlow Bray, we view New Zealand’s updated Active Investor Plus visa as a strategic opportunity for HNW families who value stability, lifestyle, and efficient residency pathways.
With reduced physical presence requirements and a transparent investment framework, the scheme offers a credible solution for those seeking long-term mobility and security outside of traditional hubs.
Our role is to help families navigate these opportunities with clarity, compliance, and discretion — ensuring investments are structured correctly, due diligence is robust, and outcomes align with each client’s global mobility and legacy goals.
