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Fox News
06-08-2025
- Business
- Fox News
America's wealthy are quietly buying their way out with 'golden' visas
America's elite are increasingly drawn to "golden" visa programs with new opportunities emerging in sunny and desirable locations. The latest countries to be included in the trend are some Caribbean Islands — namely, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. The islands offer citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, also dubbed "golden passports." The visa can be obtained by making one of two qualifying investments. The first is "a direct contribution to the Government (commonly known as the contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund route), starting at U.S. $200,000 for a single applicant," according to the Commonwealth of Dominica. The second is "the purchase of pre-approved real estate at a minimum value of U.S. $200,000." Many Caribbean Islands do not have wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income or capital gains taxes. The CBI program allows investors to retain their existing citizenship and grants visa-free entry to most countries around the world. Nadia Dyson, owner of Luxury Locations Real Estate in Antiqua, told the BBC there has been a surge in business. "Up to 70% of all buyers right now are wanting citizenship, and the vast majority are from the U.S.," Dyson said. "This time last year, it was all lifestyle buyers and a few CBI. Now they're all saying, 'I want a house with citizenship.' We've never sold so many before," she told the BBC. New Zealand recently saw a surge of Americans seeking its "Active Investor Plus" visa, Fox News Digital previously reported. In April, the government relaxed its visa rules to attract more high-net-worth individuals, with such changes as removing an English language requirement and reducing the amount of time required to spend in New Zealand. In under three months, 189 golden visa applications were received, while previous applications were at 116 submissions over the span of more than two-and-a-half years, Reuters reported. Nearly half the applications were submitted by U.S. citizens. Former New Zealand Minister for Economic Development Stuart Nash, co-founder of Nash Kelly Global, told Fox News Digital the visas are becoming more popular. "There's a lot of global uncertainty at the moment," he said last month. "You've got a war going on in Europe, you've got the tinderbox, which is the Middle East. You've got a change in the U.S. administration," said Nash, "which is causing more polarization than we've seen in a long, long time." He added, "In the past, people were looking for tax havens. Now they're looking for safe havens for them[selves] and their family."
NZ Herald
15-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Icehouse Ventures boss says venture capital market is hot again as new fund feeds on golden visas
Paul says things are heating up. 'I'll be the first one to call it – and maybe I'll be wrong – but it's hot right now. There's some really large raises happening. Rocket Lab is is surging. Funds are raising more money. Is it ′21? No, but it's a heck of a lot more vibrant than the last couple of years.' Paul says part of the renaissance is down to 'investor migrants flooding in' on the back of the new Active Investor Plus (AIP) or 'golden visa' programme introduced in April. Of the $16m raised for Seed Fund IV so far, $4m is from immigrant investors, Paul says. There have been 'dozens of queries' from the new arrivals, which Icehouse is working through. Paul says most are under the growth category, which requires total investments of $5m. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said in June that more than 100 applicants have been approved in principle. Late last week, she said a total of 215 applications have now been received, with total indicated investments topping $1 billion (or $1.3b, including a number of people who had applications under the old system converted to the golden visa programme – which promises to process 80% of applications within four months. The application fee: $27,470). WNT Ventures managing partner Carl Jones also told the Herald that the golden visa push had revved up interest, generating multiple approaches. There is no public list of AIP applicants, Jones said, but immigration agents often steer interested investors toward specific venture capital firms – and New Zealand is a small town. High-net-worth Kiwis returning to New Zealand have also helped, Paul says. The Government has just topped up the Crown-backed Elevate fund-of-fund, which co-invests with venture capital firms – but that's at the Series A level, one step up the food chain from the 'seed' level (usually about $3m investments) where Icehouse Ventures' new fund sits. Hits and heartbreaks Most start-ups fail. Venture capital firms work on the hope that a few big hits will outweigh the many misses. Paul says there have been 14 failures, including the likes of Upside Bio, which sought to cultivate lab-grown skin for burn victims (from a graft taken from a patient) and Chicken-free chicken maker Sunfed Meats. There were also the ones that got away, or the 'heartbreaks' as Paul calls them. Icehouse trailed and failed to access two of hot retail crime reporting firm Auror's early raises. Education startup Kami - sold to US private equity last year for $300m - also slipped through his grasp. But then there are the hits. Fund I invested in now unicorn Halter, Tradie software Tradify, which sold last year to a UK buyer at a 23x multiple on Icehouse's initial investment, Dawn Aerospace, which recently sold its first spaceplane in a US$17m deal, and Sharesies. Fund II followed in 2018 and invested in e-waste recycler Mint Innovation, electric boat maker Vessev, Partly, Basis and nuclear fusion moon-shot Open Star. 'Of the 360 companies we've funded, Tracksuit has been fastest to $1m, fastest to $10m, and fastest to $20m revenue," Icehouse Ventures' Robbie Paul says. Pictured: Tracksuit cofounder Connor Archbold. Photo / Dean Purcell Most recently, Seed Fund III was among the first investors in New Zealand's fastest growing start-up, Tracksuit (the brand-tracking firm that Paul says was the fastest investment to reach $20m in annual revenue), Sean Molloy and Sean Simpson's stealth energy start-up Ternary Kinetics, Watchful (smart security cams, started by ex-cop Josh Pasrsons), Ideally (AI-driven customer intelligence) Starboard (marine intelligence) and Zincovery. First Seed Fund IV investment Seed Fund IV's first investment has been named as Harth, an artificial intelligence-powered platform for collaborative building design, co-founded by Scott Barrington, founder of Modlar, a building design tool used by 95% of the world's top 100 architecture firms, and Tom Batterbury, co-founder of Auror and New Zealand EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022 (with Auror co-founders Phil Thomson and James Corbett). Coming out ahead The funds' performance is overlapping. Icehouse has made follow-up investments from its later-stage funds in Halter, for example, as the virtual fencing firm has grown. Icehouse now has more than $80m invested in the smart cow collar/virtual fencing firm at a $200m holding value. Seed Fund I raised $11m in 2016, Seed Fund II raised $26m in 2018 and Seed Fund III raised $45m in 2022. Paul says Seed Fund III had a $30m target, but was ultimately oversubscribed. Asked about performance, Paul says: 'At a high level, anybody who put $1 into Seed Fund I has had $2 back and the remaining is worth $5.50 so everybody is playing with house money.' Seed Fund III has appreciated to $37m and Seed Fund IV to $54m but positive returns still hang in the balance with their multi-year horizons. Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald's business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.
Business Wire
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
New Zealand Named One of the World's Most Peaceful and Prosperous Countries, Surging Past Global Powers in 2025 Rankings
AUCKLAND, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As global conflict and instability escalate, Greener Pastures New Zealand, a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in New Zealand's AIP residency, is spotlighting the nation's exceptional performance in the 2025 Global Peace Index, where New Zealand ranks as the third most peaceful country in the world and the most peaceful in the Asia-Pacific region. With a 3.1% improvement in its peacefulness score year-over-year, at a time when most countries are deteriorating, New Zealand continues to attract a surge of interest from high-net-worth families and global investors seeking long-term security and prosperity. In addition to its Peace Index performance, New Zealand also stood out in the newly released 2025 Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), with Auckland ranking #7 and Wellington ranking #20 among the most liveable cities in the world. The rankings reflect New Zealand's exceptional quality of life, infrastructure, education, and overall stability. Key drivers for individuals considering long-term relocation. The Global Peace Index, published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, measures 163 countries across 23 indicators. New Zealand received near-perfect scores in societal safety, political stability, and conflict avoidance, with only modest increases in military spending and weapons imports as part of ongoing modernization efforts. 'This ranking reinforces what our clients already know; New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to build a life,' said Dominic Jones, Managing Director of Greener Pastures New Zealand. 'From its safety and stability to its clean environment, strong institutions, and welcoming communities, New Zealand delivers an unmatched blend of opportunity and peace of mind.' The report's findings come at a time when New Zealand's reputation as a peaceful and prosperous nation is driving increased demand for its Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program, which Greener Pastures New Zealand facilitates. The program offers a streamlined path to residency for eligible investors, many of whom are now choosing New Zealand in response to growing geopolitical fragmentation abroad. The Global Peace and Liveability rankings also reinforce New Zealand's broader quality-of-life advantages. The country ranks above the OECD average in education, healthcare, and environmental quality, and outperforms dozens of nations that once dominated global rankings; including the U.S. (now ranked 128th) and the U.K. (30th). 'At Greener Pastures, we're seeing a significant increase in inquiries from individuals and families who want more than just an investment. They want a future,' Jones added. 'They're looking for a place with world-class healthcare, smart governance, a deep connection to nature, and an environment where their families can thrive. That's exactly what New Zealand offers.' For more information on Greener Pastures New Zealand, please visit About Greener Pastures New Zealand Greener Pastures New Zealand is a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in facilitating high-net-worth investor residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. As a subsidiary of Origin Capital Partners, the firm provides tailored investment products and lifestyle transition support, ensuring a smooth relocation process for high-net-worth investors. Its government-approved Diversified Fund meets AIP visa criteria, while its tailored lifestyle services ensure a smooth transition, from real estate and education to local expertise. Led by Managing Director Dominic Jones and Board Chairman Simon Botherway, Greener Pastures helps global investors build secure, sustainable futures in one of the world's most desirable destinations. Learn more at
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Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
New Zealand golden visa: 189 foreign investors apply in just 3 months
New Zealand has received nearly 200 golden visa applications in just over 10 weeks, following a revamp of its investor migration scheme on April 1, 2025. According to Immigration New Zealand, 189 applications have come in under the new Active Investor Plus visa rules, which were updated to attract experienced investors and global capital. The country's economic growth minister, Nicola Willis, said this was a sharp rise compared to the 116 applications received over more than two and a half years under the previous version of the scheme. '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,' said Willis. Stuart Nash, a former Labour immigration minister who now heads Nash Kelly Global, said global politics — particularly in the United States — had pushed demand higher. 'It's the main driver,' said Nash. 'Many of the people applying are of a different political persuasion to President Trump.' He said concerns around Donald Trump's foreign policy and security decisions were prompting wealthy Americans to look elsewhere. 'Putin is on the doorstep and no one is 100 per cent sure what Trump will do on Nato,' he said. 'That kind of uncertainty means people are looking to New Zealand.' Nash added that interest was also increasing because other countries had pulled back their golden visa schemes. Portugal and Ireland have both moved to limit their investor programmes, while in April the European Court of Justice ruled that Malta's citizenship-by-investment scheme was in breach of EU law. New investment categories and timelines Under the new rules introduced on April 1, 2025, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment created two simplified investor pathways: > Growth category: Minimum investment of NZD $5 million over 3 years > Balanced category: NZD $10 million over 5 years According to RNZ, 100 applications had been approved in principle as of June 23. Of those, seven investors had already transferred their funds and received visas. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the early uptake had exceeded her expectations. 'As of this week we're almost at 190 after 10 weeks, and I think that shows you the level of interest from overseas, in lots of different markets we haven't seen before,' said Stanford. She noted that most applications were from nationals of the United States, Hong Kong, China and Germany. Applicants have six months to transfer their funds into New Zealand and begin investing. 'Investment Boost delivers the confidence to put that capital to work, and to ensure that people are making investments that will pay off in the long run,' said Stanford.
The Star
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
New Zealand's 'golden visa' scheme lures US investors
SYDNEY: New Zealand said on Monday (June 23) there has been a rush in applications for its new foreign investor migrant visa as the centre-right government looks to lure more high net-worth individuals to the country to stimulate economic growth. The government in April relaxed rules for the visa, including lowering the minimum required funds for the category that focuses on higher-risk investments to NZ$5 million (US$3 million) from NZ$15 million, and removing the English language requirement. "(There has been) a flood of formal interest in the new 'golden' visa," Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said. "New applications under the scheme represent a potential NZ$845 million ($503 million) of new investment in New Zealand business." In a statement, Stanford said the government had received 189 applications in less than three months for the Active Investor Plus visa, compared with 116 submissions over more than two-and-a-half years under the previous settings. Eighty-five of those applications, or just under half of the total, were submitted by US citizens, followed by China with 26 and Hong Kong with 24. New Zealand's economy grew faster-than-expected in the first quarter, official data showed last week, providing some relief for policymakers keen to put the economy back on a solid footing after it sank into technical recession last year. The two-quarter GDP decline was the worst since the sharp downturn of 1991, excluding the pandemic. - Reuters
