Prosperous US Americans Seek Refuge in New Zealand, Escaping Trump's Presidency - Prosperous Americans are being lured to New Zealand by some, seeking escape from the Trump administration.
(Approx. 2 min read)
Ready for a long flight? Here's a fun fact: It's 17 hours from New York to Auckland. But for some wealthy Americans, it's a trip they're champing at the bit to make - one-way, that is. They're diving headfirst into the New Zealand immigration process, hoping to score a long-term residency permit in this faraway, idyllic island nation.
You bet your last buck New Zealand is rolling out the red carpet for the big spenders. With a loosened leash on immigration and visa regulations, the island nation is sweetening the deal for high-net-worth foreigners. Enter the "Active Investor Plus" visa, colloquially known as the "golden visa." This enticing offer aims to lure deep-pocketed investors to our land known for its ironclad immigration policies.
Kiwi Welcome Mat: Open for Business
So, what's the catch? To join us in paradise, you'll need a cool $3 million U.S. in your pocket and be willing to park it in New Zealand for at least three years. You'll also be expected to knock around here for at least 21 days annually, down from the previous requirement of three whole months. That pesky English language proficiency test? Gone with the wind, mate.
The Kiwis greenlit these changes in February 2025, and they took effect in April. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's government is on a mission to grow the economy, and foreign capital is a key component of that strategy. As Luxon perceptively noted, "For too long, New Zealand has blocked Investments. We've been slow to recognize the benefits of foreign investment, despite there being billions of dollars of capital that investors are seeking a home for."
The Trump Factor
Given the current political climate in the U.S., it's no surprise that four out of every ten applications are coming from across the Pacific.According to former Minister Stuart Nash, who now counsels wealthy Americans looking to migrate, almost all applicants are motivated by the big changes they've experienced under the Trump administration.
But it's not just Americans getting in on the action. With visa requirements dialed back, New Zealand has enjoyed a booming influx of potential capital from overseas. Since the April overhaul, 189 applications have rolled in, compared to the measly 115 that trickled in during the previous two-and-a-half years. Go figure, most of these applications hail from the U.S., while 16 hail from Germany.
Sources: ["The Guardian"], ["RNZ"], New Zealand Immigration Department (1), New Zealand Immigration Department (2)
- New Zealand
- Visa
- USA
- Christopher Luxon
- Donald Trump
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the relaxation of New Zealand's visa policies for high-net-worth foreigners, given the increasing political uncertainties and changes in the USA under President Donald Trump. This move in New Zealand's politics is part of a broader general-news trend, as the country seeks to attract foreign capital and boost its economy.
