Americans have emerged as the dominant applicants for New Zealand's upgraded golden visa programme, accounting for nearly half of all applications since the scheme's relaunch in April. Olivia Palamountain reports

New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa - an updated version of its golden visa programme that launched in April - is luring a large proportion of HNW Americans down under. For more on the trend for golden visas, subscribe to VOLT and download the dedicated issue.

The Active Investor Plus Visa requires applicants to demonstrate they are "fit and proper persons" who have lawfully earned or acquired substantial investment funds.

Candidates must commit to investing at least NZD $5 million (£2,178,427) under the Growth category or NZD $10 million (£4,356,854) under the Balanced category in acceptable New Zealand investments, with all funds transferred to the country upon approval.As reported by The Guardian in June, Immigration New Zealand says the scheme has attracted 189 applications, representing 609 people, under the new rules. Prior to the changes, the visa attracted 116 applications over 2.5 years.

Nearly half the investors who have applied hail from the US, representing 85 applications, followed by China, 26, and Hong Kong, 24. Residents from countries across Asia and Europe make up the rest of the applicants.

Key changes to the programme include removal of English language proficiency requirements and reduced time commitments for maintaining residency status. These modifications have made the visa more accessible to international applicants, particularly Americans who previously faced higher barriers to entry.

New Zealand's natural beauty, small population and slower pace of life are all considered attractive factors for long-term relocation, matched by the country's geographic isolation provides, which privacy and distance from global political tensions.

Economic stability represents another significant draw, with New Zealand offering predictable regulatory environments and transparent governance structures.

The visa provides comprehensive benefits for successful applicants and their families. Holders can live, work and study in New Zealand whilst including partners and dependent children aged 24 and younger in their applications. After maintaining investments for three years under the Growth category or five years under the Balanced category, applicants become eligible for permanent residence.The application process follows a staged approach designed to provide security for both investors and New Zealand authorities.

Initial approval in principle grants applicants six months to transfer and invest their committed funds. During this period, successful applicants can obtain work visas to facilitate the investment process, whilst partners may apply for visitor visas and dependent children can secure student visas to accompany the primary applicant during the transition period.

The April 2025 relaunch followed extensive consultation with immigration experts and economic development agencies seeking to balance revenue generation with genuine economic benefits. The programme's structure encourages longer-term commitment to New Zealand rather than "passport-shopping" behaviour.

American dominance in applications reflects broader wealth migration trends, where high-net-worth individuals increasingly seek multiple residency options for political and economic security. New Zealand's stable democracy and geographic isolation provide attractive hedging options for uncertain global conditions.