New Zealand’s “golden visa” program, designed to attract foreign investment, has seen a significant increase in applications and committed capital since changes were implemented last year, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced.
Golden Visa Program Sees Boost in Investment
Changes to the Active Investor Plus visa, which took effect in April of last year, introduced two investment categories: riskier ‘growth’ investments of $5 million or more over three years, and lower-risk ‘balanced’ investments of $10 million or more over five years. The changes also reduced requirements related to time spent in New Zealand and English language proficiency. The previous minimum investment amount was $15 million.
To date, 573 applications have been received, representing approximately $3.39 billion in investment, with $1.05 billion already committed. This compares to 116 applications and $70 million in investment over the previous two-and-a-half years under the prior visa settings.
“I am delighted that our new visa settings are helping to open up possibility and opportunity for investment,” Stanford said. “These investors bring not just capital, but global experience, expertise, and networks.”
Stanford made the announcement at Hectre, an AI startup focused on orchard management and fruit quality. Hectre, founded in 2017, recently secured three investors and now exports to 22 countries.
Minor changes to the visa program, including adjustments related to infrastructure investment, have led to the approval of three new funds by Invest NZ.
Stanford stated that New Zealand is well-positioned as a stable investment destination, attracting capital from the US, Germany, Southeast Asia, and China, particularly given global uncertainties like tariffs proposed by Donald Trump.
The ability for investors to purchase property through the scheme has not resulted in “massive peaks” in growth, and the government currently has no plans to lower the investment thresholds.
Net migration to New Zealand is currently at its lowest level since 2013, a trend Stanford described as a stabilization. She expressed confidence that migration figures will improve as the economy strengthens, returning to the 20-year average.
She attributed migration patterns largely to economic conditions, anticipating an increase as the economy grows.
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