The easing of New Zealand's 鈥淕olden Visa鈥� program, enacted in February and effective since April 1, is already delivering results. Authorities have received 82 applications鈥�55 from US nationals鈥攂ringing in more than NZ$600 million in investment. It's a welcome boost for a country that slipped into a -1.1% GDP recession in 2024. While signs of recovery are emerging, the outlook remains cautious. The streamlined visa is designed to attract wealthy foreign investors as part of a broader strategy to jump-start the economy.
Recent reforms have significantly simplified New Zealand's Golden Visa program. The minimum stay requirement for residency has been slashed from three years to just 21 days. The investment threshold for the new 鈥淕rowth鈥� visa now stands at NZ$5 million, half the amount required under the previous 鈥淏alanced鈥� visa. English language proficiency is no longer a prerequisite, and visa applications are now processed in as little as 10 days, according to the Ministry of Immigration.
Former Immigration Minister Stuart Nash points to rising uncertainty under Trump-era economic policies as a key driver behind the surge in interest from US investors. As business leaders seek more predictable environments, New Zealand is emerging as an attractive alternative. The country has also benefited from tighter restrictions on golden visas in other markets, including Spain and Portugal. More broadly, it reflects a global shift: as jurisdictions crack down on tax avoidance鈥攅xemplified by the EU's push to phase out golden visas鈥攚ealthy individuals are increasingly prioritizing stability and security over low-tax jurisdictions.
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