Rich Americans Move Fast on a New Zealand Golden Visa: What the 2026 Surge Means and How to Use It
Wealthy Americans are rapidly pursuing a New Zealand “Golden Visa” strategy through the country’s revamped Active Investor Plus program, which has drawn 573 applications covering 1,833 people, with Americans accounting for 213 applications and 617 individuals—nearly 40% of the total. The program, updated in April 2025, offers residency options tied to investing NZ$5 million over three years or NZ$10 million over five years, and it has become a high-profile “plan B” for investors seeking stability, lifestyle upside, and jurisdictional diversification.
