New Zealand: Investor Visa for Wealthy Foreigners Reopens
New Zealand Housing Market for Wealthy Foreigners Reopens Under Fresh Investment Rules
In a move designed to spark fresh investment and revitalize a sluggish economy, New Zealand has announced that wealthy foreigners will once again be allowed to purchase high-value homes, provided they also commit funds to local businesses.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed on Monday that the New Zealand housing market for wealthy foreigners will partially reopen, reversing a previous ban imposed in 2018. Under the new rules, investors who qualify for the foreign investor migrant visa may buy or build a single property priced at a minimum of NZ$5 million (US$2.94 million).
“This change navigates a path between those who do not want foreign ownership opened up, and the desire to attract high net worth investors by deepening their connection to our country to help grow the economy,” Luxon said in a statement.
New Zealand: Balancing Growth and Housing Concerns
The decision marks a significant policy shift from the earlier Labour-led government, which had banned most foreign buyers from the residential property market to cool surging house prices. Luxon stressed that fewer than 1% of homes in New Zealand exceed the NZ$5 million threshold, ensuring that everyday buyers will not be priced out by this targeted measure.
Economists believe the move could help strengthen investor confidence at a time when New Zealand’s economy is still recovering from a recession in late 2024. The government has also been keen to signal that the country is open for business and eager to attract long-term foreign capital.
Golden Visa Reforms and Investor Interest
The reopening of the housing market follows April’s reintroduction of the Active Investor Plus visa, a “golden” residency pathway for investors. The government had already reduced the minimum investment for higher-risk categories from NZ$15 million to NZ$5 million and dropped the English language requirement, making the scheme more accessible.
So far, 301 applications have been lodged under the new framework, which if fully approved could inject NZ$1.8 billion into New Zealand’s economy.
Migration consultant Mischa Mannix-Opie from Greener Pastures, which specializes in investor visas, welcomed the changes: “Not everyone wants to buy a house, but having the option really enhances the proposition. For many clients, lifestyle is as important as investment returns, and the ability to own a home here makes that dream achievable.”
New Zealand: Lifestyle Appeal for Global Investors
Beyond financial incentives, New Zealand continues to be a magnet for those seeking lifestyle and stability. Ranked ninth overall in the 2024 US News & World Report Best Countries list, and second for comfortable retirement, the country is increasingly seen as a haven for retirees, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.
Visa categories tailored to these groups include a retirement visa for those over 66 with a NZ$750,000 investment, and a Parent Resident Visa that allows indefinite stay with a NZ$1 million investment. From September, the government will also launch a Parent Boost Visitor Visa, enabling parents of New Zealand citizens to stay up to five years with renewals possible.
Digital workers, too, are setting their sights on New Zealand. Since Starlink revolutionized internet access in 2021, the country has risen on the Savills Executive Nomad Index, with Auckland ranked ninth globally in 2025, ahead of the Algarve and just behind Barcelona. Earlier this year, new rules on long-term visitor visas also allowed remote employees to stay and work in the country for up to nine months.
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