New Zealand Introduces Golden Visa Scheme for Mid-Level Global Investors, Including Pakistanis

New Zealand has launched a new Golden Visa scheme targeting mid-level global investors, including Pakistani nationals, aiming to attract foreign capital and entrepreneurial talent to the country. Under the program, applicants must have a minimum of NZD 500,000 in personal assets to support themselves and their families.

Eligible investors are also required to demonstrate relevant business experience, such as managing a company with at least five full-time employees or achieving an annual business turnover of NZD 1 million. The visa allows applicants to include their spouse and dependent children in the application, making it a family-friendly investment pathway.

To align foreign investment with national priorities, authorities have restricted investments in certain sectors, including gambling businesses, fast-food chains, and tobacco-related industries. This ensures that capital contributes to sustainable economic growth and social development.

The Golden Visa scheme operates alongside the existing Active Investor Plus Visa, which requires substantially higher investments ranging from NZD 5 million to NZD 10 million depending on the category. Officials have described the new Business Investor Work Visa as a more accessible option for mid-tier investors seeking a pathway to residence in New Zealand, providing a structured route for skilled entrepreneurs and investors to settle and contribute to the local economy.