Nearly 200 people apply for 'golden visas' in 3 months
File photo: Nicola Willis and Erica Stanford.
Photo:
RNZ / Reece Baker
Nearly 200 applications have been received for the so-called 'golden visa' since changes were made to liberalise access.
The government
made changes in April to make it easier for wealthy foreigners
to gain New Zealand residency through investment.
Since then, Immigration New Zealand has received 189 applications for the visa.
Economic growth minister Nicola Willis said that was significantly more than the 116 appliciations received over more than two and a half years under the previous settings.
"Investor migrants are clearly attracted to New Zealand's growing reputation as a safe, pro-business, high-potential economy. In a world where countries compete for dollars and talent, it's great to see New Zealand's growth prospects being recognised," she said.
The changes introduced a two-pronged approach to the visa, and liberalised what could be invested in.
The Growth category requires a minimum investment of $5m over three years, into higher-risk investments including managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses.
The Balanced category requires a minimum investment of $10m over five years, with investors being allowed to choose lower-risk investments.
Under the previous settings, $15m was required for a visa, with bonds and property investments not allowed.
As at June 23rd, 100 applications have been approved in principal. Of those, seven have transferred and invested their funds in New Zealand and had been granted a visa.
Five of those were invested in the Growth category, and two in the Balanced. The government said that was a total minimum investment of $45m.
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