Latest news with #wealthyimmigrants
Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Times
Golden visas can be a force for good if they create jobs
Golden visas have long been viewed with a mix of admiration and suspicion. Admiration for how they invite capital and talent into countries eager for investment; suspicion for how they've sometimes allowed bad actors to gain residency with minimal scrutiny. Donald Trump's proposed 'Trump Card' is proving to be polarising. If it goes ahead as planned, it would offer a fast track to legal status for wealthy immigrants investing $5 million and exempt card holders from federal income tax on foreign earnings. Colloquially known as a golden visa, these programs are more correctly referred to as 'residency by investment' visas. In simple terms, if one invests enough in an economy, they are offered a residency visa. The theory is that the investment will lead to greater economic output and more jobs — and the impact on the economy and standard of living in that country will be positive. • The end of Spain's golden visa: winners, losers and how to move now Golden visas can deliver meaningful benefits to countries, economies and citizens if administered correctly. I advise people on how to get a visa in New Zealand through my company Greener Pastures New Zealand, and the visa program there requires applicants to directly invest in New Zealand-managed funds or operating businesses. This is not a buy-a-passport scheme; it's an invitation to help to build a country that prizes innovation, transparency and long-term growth. • Read more expert advice on property, interiors and home improvement We work directly with high-net-worth individuals and families navigating this new landscape. We've seen growing demand from British and American citizens seeking not only lifestyle and economic opportunity, but geopolitical stability and alignment with their values. In today's world, people are looking for lifestyle, safety, political and economic stability. Much like diversifying one's investment portfolio, obtaining dual residency is a valid way to manage risk. Demand for these visas is increasing worldwide. It is estimated that more than 120,000 golden visas are issued annually globally and that number is rising. Theory does not always match reality, however. Around the world we have seen examples of governments that have administered the visa in a way that seeks to maximise the total investment balances raised, with little benefit. Examples of this include allowing the visa applicant to place funds in fixed-term deposits, or government bonds. Is the investment valid? Yes. Has the investment helped improve the economy and create jobs? No. • Spain doesn't want you? Here are the overseas places to buy a home in 2025 Any world leader looking at drawing up a golden visa programme should be asking themselves whether it aligns with national priorities. It shouldn't be about selling access, but encouraging investments that create jobs and drive innovation. The best programmes ask what the investor can do and whether the country fits them long term, rather than simply 'selling' a visa. Governments must design programmes built for permanence, not loopholes. Doing so allows the visa to be mutually beneficial for both the applicant and the offering country. The result is a visa that serves the nation. Dominic Jones is managing director of Greener Pastures New Zealand, a residency through investment adviser
Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Times
I created a golden visa for New Zealand — this is how to get them right
Golden visas have long been viewed with a mix of admiration and suspicion. Admiration for how they invite capital and talent into countries eager for investment; suspicion for how they've sometimes allowed bad actors to gain residency with minimal scrutiny. Donald Trump's proposed 'Trump Card' is proving to be polarising. If it goes ahead as planned, it would offer a fast track to legal status for wealthy immigrants investing $5 million and exempt card holders from federal income tax on foreign earnings. Colloquially known as a golden visa, these programs are more correctly referred to as 'residency by investment' visas. In simple terms, if one invests enough in an economy, they are offered a residency visa. The theory is that the investment will lead to greater economic output and more jobs — and the impact on the economy and standard of living in that country will be positive. • The end of Spain's golden visa: winners, losers and how to move now Golden visas can deliver meaningful benefits to countries, economies and citizens if administered correctly. I designed and launched one for New Zealand, called Greener Pastures New Zealand, which requires applicants to directly invest in New Zealand-managed funds or operating businesses. This is not a buy-a-passport scheme; it's an invitation to help to build a country that prizes innovation, transparency and long-term growth. • Read more expert advice on property, interiors and home improvement We work directly with high-net-worth individuals and families navigating this new landscape. We've seen growing demand from British and American citizens seeking not only lifestyle and economic opportunity, but geopolitical stability and alignment with their values. In today's world, people are looking for lifestyle, safety, political and economic stability. Much like diversifying one's investment portfolio, obtaining dual residency is a valid way to manage risk. Demand for these visas is increasing worldwide. It is estimated that more than 120,000 golden visas are issued annually globally and that number is rising. Theory does not always match reality, however. Around the world we have seen examples of governments that have administered the visa in a way that seeks to maximise the total investment balances raised, with little benefit. Examples of this include allowing the visa applicant to place funds in fixed-term deposits, or government bonds. Is the investment valid? Yes. Has the investment helped improve the economy and create jobs? No. • Spain doesn't want you? Here are the overseas places to buy a home in 2025 Any world leader looking at drawing up a golden visa programme should be asking themselves whether it aligns with national priorities. It shouldn't be about selling access, but encouraging investments that create jobs and drive innovation. The best programmes ask what the investor can do and whether the country fits them long term, rather than simply 'selling' a visa. Governments must design programmes built for permanence, not loopholes. Doing so allows the visa to be mutually beneficial for both the applicant and the offering country. The result is a visa that serves the nation. Dominic Jones is managing director of Greener Pastures New Zealand, a residency through investment adviser
