Kathrine Frich
Since Trump’s return to power last November, immigration experts report a surge in clients searching for “safe haven” options abroad.
Since Trump’s return to power last November, immigration experts report a surge in clients searching for “safe haven” options abroad.
Leaving The US Behind
A wave of affluent US citizens is leaving behind Donald Trump’s America in favour of a fresh start in New Zealand.
The driving force? A revamped “golden visa” scheme that offers residency in exchange for investment, minus many of the former hurdles.
New Zealand’s Visa Overhaul Sparks Investor Frenzy
In April, New Zealand dramatically relaxed the terms of its foreign investor visa, slashing residency requirements from three years to just three weeks, and dropping English-language testing.
The result? A rush of nearly 190 applications in under three months, almost half from the US.
Political Unrest Fuels American Exodus
The spike in interest comes amid growing dissatisfaction among some wealthy Americans with the political direction of the US.
Since Trump’s return to power last November, immigration experts report a surge in clients searching for “safe haven” options abroad.
‘Golden Visa’ Offers More Than Just Tax Perks
Unlike traditional tax-haven schemes, New Zealand’s appeal lies in its stability, natural beauty, and progressive values.
Former minister Stuart Nash, now an immigration consultant, says the trend is driven by “concerns about rollbacks of progressive policies.”
Investor Interest Soars by Over 1,500 Percent
One global law firm saw a staggering 1,514% rise in searches for emigration options since Trump’s re-election.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford confirmed 85 of the new visa applications came from US citizens, with the rest spread across China, Hong Kong, and other nations.
Visa Scheme Sees Dramatic Turnaround
Before the reforms, the program had drawn just 116 applicants in more than two years.
Now, the same number of expressions of interest are pouring in every month, potentially bringing in close to NZ$845 million (about £372 million) in investment.
‘Safe Haven’ Trumps Tax Breaks for New Migrants
Nash says this isn’t just about finances. “People are looking for a safe haven,” he told The Guardian. “And that’s what they’ve found in New Zealand.”
Political stability, a strong healthcare system, and low corruption levels make it an attractive new home.
Americans Top the List of New Applicants
Of all nationalities applying for the visa, US citizens lead the pack.
Experts believe this may be just the beginning, as further political division and legislative changes in the US continue to motivate elite relocations.
New Zealand’s Economy Sees Welcome Boost
The influx of high-net-worth individuals could be just what New Zealand needs.
After a rocky 2024, marked by low productivity and inflation-driven interest rate hikes, the country posted stronger-than-expected growth in early 2025.
A Paradise for Progressives, and Their Portfolios
Between lush landscapes, relative global isolation, and a liberal-leaning culture, New Zealand is quickly becoming a favourite for those seeking both peace of mind and portfolio performance.
The golden visa has turned paradise into policy, and it’s paying off.