Exploring Golden Visas: Including New Zealand’s Active Investor Visa

What is a Golden Visa?

The name sounds appealing, doesn’t it? A Golden Visa is an immigration program that allows investors and their families to become residents of a specific country in exchange for qualifying investments. Over time, these visas often provide a pathway to citizenship through naturalization, depending on the country’s requirements.

Several European countries, including Portugal, Spain, and Greece, offer Golden Visa options to non-EU citizens. Each program comes with its own set of investment opportunities and financial thresholds.

Recently, the New Zealand government introduced reforms to the investment visa scheme, known as the Active Investor Visa, aiming to attract more high-net-worth foreign investors.

Why Consider a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• The right to live, work, and study in a stable country
• Access to a high quality of life
• Flexible investment routes tailored to different interests
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area (for applicable countries)
• Family eligibility, allowing dependents to benefit from the same residency rights

Basic Requirements for a Golden Visa

While the criteria vary from country to country, most applicants typically need to:

• Make a qualifying investment and maintain it for the required duration
• Have a clean criminal record
• Spend a minimum number of days in the host country annually

Top Golden Visa Programs in Europe

1. Portugal Golden Visa
   One of the world’s most popular programs, the Portugal Golden Visa, grants investors and their families the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. Investment options include:

• Real estate purchases
• Capital transfers
• Investment funds

After maintaining your investment for five years, you can begin the process of applying for Portuguese citizenship. This program is especially attractive for securing your family’s future.

2. Spain Golden Visa
   Spain offers a Golden Visa with an array of perks:

• Access to delicious cuisine, a laid-back lifestyle, and welcoming communities
• Multiple investment opportunities, including real estate, government bonds, and business ventures

While both Spain and Portugal offer excellent programs, Portugal’s path to citizenship is faster, with eligibility starting after five years of investment.

Golden Visa Options Beyond Europe

Golden Visas aren’t limited to Europe. If island life is calling, the Caribbean offers attractive programs in countries like:

• Dominica
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• Grenada

These programs provide affordable investment options, with minimum requirements starting as low as $100,000 in Dominica and St. Lucia. However, the investment amount increases with additional family members.

New Zealand Active Investor Visa

New Zealand doesn’t have a visa called a “Golden Visa” but offers the Active Investor Visa, designed to attract investors and entrepreneurs.

Key Changes Effective from 1 April 2025:

• Lower Investment Barrier: Minimum investment reduced to NZD 5 million over three years.
• Expanded Investment Options: Now includes bonds and property.
• Simplified Compliance System: Easier monitoring and reporting of investments.
• No English Language Requirement: Making the program more inclusive.

Comparing Existing and Future Policies:

• Investment Thresholds:

• • • Current: Minimum NZD 15 million over four years.
    • New: Two categories:
      • Growth Category: NZD 5 million in higher-risk investments over three years.
      • Balanced Category: NZD 10 million over five years, including bonds and property.

• Acceptable Investment Types:

• • • Current: Private businesses, managed funds, listed equities.
    • New:
      • Growth Category: Direct investments with a lower entry threshold.
      • Balanced Category: Includes diversified options like bonds and property.

• Residency Requirements:

• • Current: At least 117 days over four years.
  • New:
    • Growth Category: Only 21 days over three years.
    • Balanced Category: 105 days over five years, with reductions for higher investments.

Additional Updates:

• Tax Reforms: Moving to a realization-based tax system, reducing double taxation.
• Overseas Investment Act Reforms: Easing restrictions for foreign investors in business and real estate sectors.

What’s Next?

This has been a brief introduction to Golden Visa programs. If you want to apply for a New Zealand Visa, connect with our Licensed Immigration Advisors.