New Zealand Eases Golden Visa Investment Criteria to Include Philanthropy
New Zealand has announced changes to its golden visa program, allowing wealthy migrants to count philanthropic donations towards the investment requirement. This adjustment applies to the Growth category, which requires a NZ$5 million investment in higher-risk assets. From June 1, applicants can include donations to registered charities and conservation initiatives, up to 20% of their total investment. The program, revamped in April 2025, has seen strong demand, with 730 applications covering 2,390 people and a potential minimum investment of NZ$4.3 billion. About a third of these applicants are from the U.S.