An early morning view of the CBD of Auckland, New Zealand across the water of Waitemata Harbor.
More American investors are immigrating to New Zealand this year than ever before. While it’s not yet a stampede, it is on the rise.
Since New Zealand introduced its revamped Active Investor Plus visa in April 2025, there’s been a notable rise in interest from high-net-worth Americans—not for tourism, work, or study, but for long-term residency through investment. According to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, nearly half of all new applications under the updated program have come from U.S. citizens. In total, 189 applications representing over 600 individuals have been submitted since the changes took effect, with 85 of those applications from the United States.
These are not tourists. They’re investors looking for security, privacy, and long-term options.
What’s fueling this quiet migration of wealth and talent to the South Pacific? And how does New Zealand compare to other “golden visa” destinations worldwide?
Let’s unpack what’s going on—and what Americans are getting for their money.
Why Are Americans Exploring Second Residency Options?
It’s not because they’ve lost faith in the U.S. Rather, it’s that many Americans, particularly high net worth investors, executives and professionals, increasingly recognize the value of global flexibility. There are several reasons why this trend is accelerating in 2025:
1. Political Volatility and Polarization
The United States is facing some of the most intense political division in its modern history. Issues like election integrity, judicial independence, and democratic norms are fiercely debated. While most Americans remain loyal to their country, some are considering contingency plans in case domestic conditions worsen. The perception of instability—whether caused by partisanship, misinformation, or civil unrest—has led people to ask, “What if things get worse?” This is not a new phenomenon. Following the 2016 election and the 2022 Dobbs decision on abortion, increases in inquiries about emigration were widely reported, especially in Canada for example.
2. Global Risk Distribution
Some Americans are seeking geopolitical diversification. In a world facing escalating tensions between the U.S. and Russia, the U.S. and China, cyber threats, and renewed fears about nuclear conflict, people are recognizing that most of the planet’s major risk zones are located in the Northern Hemisphere. Countries like New Zealand, located in the Southern Hemisphere, often feel “out of reach” from these geopolitical flashpoints. Investor migrants aren’t predicting catastrophe—but they are hedging against it.
3. Tax, Regulatory, and Economic Considerations
While the U.S. remains a major financial hub, its tax and regulatory burdens—especially in high-income states like California and New York—have prompted some investors to look at alternative jurisdictions for wealth preservation and planning. Although New Zealand is not a tax haven, its transparent regulations, strong banking system, and low corruption levels make it an attractive destination for those seeking stable and ethical governance. Others are looking to diversify their business exposure to countries that are advancing in climate, tech, agritech, and digital services.
4. Lifestyle and Quality of Life
Many Americans are simply looking for a better quality of life—cleaner air, less traffic, safer streets, and a closer connection to nature. New Zealand provides this, along with excellent healthcare, education, and environmental protections. For families with kids, retirees, and digital nomads, these aren’t luxuries—they’re life choices.
5. Contingency Planning and Peace of Mind
At its core, motivation often boils down to peace of mind. Having a legal right to reside in a second country provides a sense of control in a world where many feel increasingly uncertain. A second residency is a form of geopolitical insurance. It’s not about abandoning the U.S.—it’s about having an option if circumstances change dramatically.
As New Zealand investment advisor Stuart Nash put it, “More people are looking for a safe haven than a tax haven. That’s what New Zealand offers.”
Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Peter Thiel (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Why New Zealand?
Back in 2017, Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and early Facebook investor, quietly purchased a residence in New Zealand after only 12 days in the country. The move sparked political controversy at the time, but it also sent a message to the ultra-wealthy: New Zealand is a worthwhile investment. In Thiel’s own words, it was a “future-proof” country—a remote, resilient, and democratic place to build a life if things went south elsewhere.
How Does New Zealand Compare to Other Options?
Wealthy Americans exploring investor migration have many options. But not all programs are equal. Let’s quickly compare some of the most popular programs:
Portugal Golden Visa
- Minimum investment: €500,000+ (typically in funds or select real estate)
- Residency requires 7 days/year
- Recent reforms have narrowed investment options, especially in real estate
United Arab Emirates Golden Visa
- No income tax and 10-year renewable visas
- Fast processing, but a very different cultural and political environment
Greece Golden Visa
- Entry at EUR €250,000 through real estate
- Residency is passive with no requirement to live in-country
- Low cost, but limited investment diversity and longer path to citizenship
Canada Start-Up Visa (No national golden visa)
- Focused on entrepreneurs launching Canadian businesses
- Requires active management and significant physical presence
- Higher tax exposure and slower processing times
New Zealand’s offer isn’t the cheapest, but it balances flexibility, credibility, and long-term prospects. There’s a transparent process and no English language test. You’re not just buying a visa—you’re joining an economy that shares your values.
What Do You Get for Your Money?
The Active Investor Plus visa has two main tracks:
Growth Category
- NZD 5 million investment (approx. USD 3 million)
- Invested in approved higher-growth businesses
- Requires only 21 days over 3 years in-country
Balanced Category
- NZD 10 million investment (just under USD 6 million)
- Allows broader, lower-risk investment portfolio
- Requires 105 days over 5 years in-country
Both tracks lead to residency for the investor and family with a pathway to permanent residency.
What Are the Drawbacks?
New Zealand’s system is straightforward, but not for everyone:
- You can’t just park funds in real estate or donate to the government. You must make a real, active investment.
- Returns aren’t guaranteed. These are real businesses—not shell companies.
- It doesn’t come with a passport. You’ll need to complete your residency and meet additional conditions before becoming a naturalized citizen.
Who Should Consider It?
This visa is best suited to:
- Entrepreneurs and investors interested in global diversification
- Families seeking long-term options in a Western democracy
- Professionals or retirees who want a legal backup plan without giving up their American life
- Strategic thinkers, like Thiel, who see value in distance, democracy, and discipline
Roys Peak, Wanaka view looking out over the Diamond Lake conservation area of Mt Aspiring National … More
The Bottom Line
New Zealand isn’t offering escapism. It’s offering a sensible, well-governed place to live, invest, and build—if and when you choose to do so.
What Peter Thiel spotted years ago—an island of stability in an uncertain world—is now something more Americans are quietly considering. With the new Active Investor Plus visa, New Zealand has made it easier to open that door.
American investor immigration to New Zealand is increasing and may be the most enduring. It may not be the cheapest program or the most flashy, but it could be the best overall.
