New Zealand

Want to move to Middle-earth? New Zealand just made it easier for rich Americans to stayKathleen Wong April 11, 2025

AI-assisted summary

• New Zealand eased requirements for its Active Investor Plus Visa Program, making it simpler for wealthy individuals to gain residency.

• The updated program removes the English-language requirement and reduces the minimum required stay.

• While the visa contributes towards citizenship, it requires additional time spent in New Zealand.

While some countries may be scaling back their golden visa opportunities,New Zealand just made it easier for wealthy Americans to earn residency.

New Zealand relaxed several of the requirements for its Active Investor Plus Visa Program on April 1. The program launched in September 2022 as part of abroader scheme to attract "global citizens who can bring ideas and financial capital into the country," according to Dominic Jones, managing director of Origin Capital Partners and Greener Pastures New Zealand, a firm that helps people achieve these visas.

At first, the program brought in an average of $1 billion NZD a year, but then tightened its rules. Since then, only 43 applications have been approved.

The newmodifications include removing the English-language requirement, requiring investments in full and shortening the time people need to spend in the country to as little as 21 days, according to the New Zealand government website. "These changeshelp attract high value investment, simplify settings, andincentivize people to invest in ‘active’ investment classes," it states.

"The theory behind that is by putting money into the local business, there's a direct benefit on jobs. And from that, either a benefit in terms of economic outpour or for New Zealand in particular – we're an export-led nation – so they're very much trying to encourage dollars in equaling tangible benefit out on the other side for New Zealand," Jones said.

On a recent visit to the island nation, Dr. Travis Taylor and his partner Chris fell in love with its mountainscapes and welcoming culture. They find New Zealand's South Island, known for its glaciers, to be their ideal destination to live part-time for about five months out of the year once they retire and are just starting their visa process.

"I love it, it was absolutely gorgeous," Taylor said. "It's just an amazing to drive around." He added that New Zealand's small population compared to its land mass, offers the quiet retreat they've been looking for.

Here's what to know about New Zealand's golden visa.

What are the requirements for New Zealand's golden visa?

Interested expats can pursue two newly introduced routes, but in both cases, investments need to be made within six months, according to the official website. The Growth Category, or a minimum 5 million NZD (about $2.87 million) investment over a three-year period in managed funds and direct business investments, plus a 21-day stay.

The Balanced Category, or a minimum investment of 10 million NZD (about $5.74 million) over five years in a diverse range of investments, like philanthropy and bonds, as well as spending 105 days in the country. Additional investments for the latter will also shorten the required time in New Zealand.

What are the benefits of a New Zealand residency?

Besides abundant coastal and mountain landscapes – the latter of which are so stunning that they're nicknamed the Southern Alps – New Zealand boasts a stable democracy and relaxed way of living, according to Jones. It's often ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, according to the World Population Review.

It's also one of the few English-speaking countries that offer a golden visa, added Jones. Australia and the United Kingdom don't, although the U.S. recently launched one.

How long does it take to get citizenship to New Zealand?

The visa is not the same as citizenship, but it counts towards the five years needed to earn citizenship.You'd also need to be present in the country for 240 days each year.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/04/10/new-zealand-golden-visa/83015173007/

Exclusive

State tells employees to report on one another for ‘anti-Christian bias’

“It’s very ‘Handmaid’s Tale’-esque,” one official said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is implementing an executive order that tries to eradicate 'anti-Christian bias' in the federal government. By Robbie Gramer and Nahal Toosi 04/11/2025 12:24 PM EDT

The Trump administration has ordered State Department employees to report on any instances of coworkers displaying “anti-Christian bias” as part of its effort to implement a sweeping new executive order on supporting employees of Christian faith working in the federal government.

The department, according to a copy of an internal cable obtained by POLITICO, will work with an administration-wide task force to collect information “involving anti-religious bias during the last presidential administration” and will collect examples of anti-Christian bias through anonymous employee report forms.

The cable was sent out to embassies around the world under Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s name. The instructions also were released in a department-wide notice. (Almost every grant and operation in foreign countries were specifically anti Christian, it was clearly their goal.)

The document says the task force, which was established by the executive order, will meet around April 22 to discuss its initial findings.

The cable encourages State Department employees to report on one another through a tip form that can be anonymous. “Reports should be as detailed as possible, including names, dates, locations (e.g. post or domestic office where the incident occurred,” the cable reads.

Some State Department officials reacted to the cable with shock and alarm, saying that even if well-intentioned, it is based on the flawed premise that the department harbors anti-Christian bias to begin with, and warning it could create a culture of fear as the administration pushes employees to report on one another.

“It’s very ‘Handmaid’s Tale'-esque,” said one State Department official, who was granted anonymity because the individual was not allowed to speak openly about internal department affairs. (Just the fact that they compared it “Handmaid…” proves they have Anti Christian bias, hell 75% that work there are Progressives.)

The department instructions say that examples of anti-Christian bias will be collected to meet the requirements of the executive order but that the department also will collect examples of anti-religious bias of all forms for its internal purposes.“Although the E.O. focuses on anti-Christian bias, targeting anyone for their religious beliefs is discriminatory and is contrary to the Constitution”and various federal laws, the notice states.

A State Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The executive order Trump issued in February tasks all federal agencies to root out “anti-Christian bias” from the government.

The Interfaith Alliance, a left-leaning NGO on religious freedom, condemned the executive order at the time, arguing that “this effort may appear to address certain forms of stigma against Christians, particularly against Catholics. In reality, it will weaponize a narrow understanding of religious freedom to legitimize discrimination against marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community.” (WTF the LGBTQ community is not a religion you idiots.)

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/11/state-report-anti-christian-bias-033535