Introduction

New Zealand has taken some important steps, pertaining to its immigration policy. These changes are aimed at attracting High Networth Individuals (HNIs) as well as skilled immigrants. The first has been the amendment of rules pertaining to the New Zealand ‘Golden Visa’ -- referred to as the Active ‘Investor Visa Plus’ visa. The rules pertaining to the Investor Visa Plus have been in force since April 1, 2025. The second is a Parent Boost Visa -- which permits parents of residents and citizens to stay for up to 10 years in New Zealand.

While commenting on the changes made to New Zealand’s Golden Visa program, New Zealand’s immigration Minister, Erica Stanford, in February 2025 said:

‘We are now making our investor visa simpler and more flexible to incentivise investors to choose New Zealand as a destination’.

First, the English language requirements required for the New Zealand Golden Visa have been removed. Second, New Zealand has two categories to the ‘Active Investor Visa’ – Growth and Balanced. The minimum investment requirement for the Growth category has been reduced to $3 million. For the Balanced route, the minimum investment is $6 million. One of the other important changes made by New Zealand to the Growth category of the ‘Investor Plus Visa’ is that applicants need to spend only 21 days in New Zealand (this is a very important change).

These changes have resulted in growing demand for New Zealand’s Golden Visa. The country is receiving applications from not just the US, but also China and Hong Kong. It would be important to flag the point that New Zealand has made these changes at a time when European countries have either significantly tightened their Golden Visa schemes or closed them altogether. Spain for instance has ended its Golden Visa Program, while several others have made the requirements for a Golden Visa more stringent.

The Parent Boost Visa

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that skilled migrants play an important role in the country’s economic progress and it is important to “incentivise” them so that they chose New Zealand.

In this context, the Parent Boost Visa, applications for which will begin in September 2025 is important. The Parent Boost Visa offers a multi-entry visa for five years and the option to apply for a second visa for five years.

New Zealand immigration while commenting on this announcement said:

“This visa supports family connections without putting extra pressure on public services,” . “It is not a pathway to residence, but it does offer a meaningful way for families to spend time together over the long term.”

New Zealand has also been a popular destination for Indian immigrants. The total number of Indians in New Zealand is estimated at over 2,90,000 as of the country’s 2023 census. The overwhelming majority of Indians in New Zealand is concentrated in Auckland. While HNI’s from India will look at New Zealand’s ‘Golden Visa’ with interest, professionals already settled in New Zealand are likely to benefit significantly from the Parent Boost visa.

Conclusion

By making changes to its Golden Visa Program as well as introducing the ‘Parent Visa program, New Zealand has sent out an important message that it seeks to not just attract long term investors, but also encourage talented immigrants. In recent years, New Zealand has become a favoured destination for professionals from several countries including India, with the changes made to its Golden Visa Program it is bound to attract HNI’s from several parts of the world. The timing of these announcements, when countries like UK, USA and Australia are becoming more insular is especially important. Another important takeaway is that countries while giving precedence to their economic interests need to be pragmatic and need to strike a fine balance – immigration can not be viewed from simplistic binaries.