Investment Migration in the News: New Zealand’s “Golden Visas,” Demand from Wealthy Americans and Asians, and Debates Over Taxes and Programs for the Affluent

This week’s investment-migration headlines span multiple fronts: New Zealand’s “golden visas,” rising interest from affluent overseas buyers, and ongoing debates over taxes for the ultra-wealthy—along with immigration program updates in the United States. The coverage also features experts and lawyers from different fields.

Who was mentioned in the news:

• Robbie Paul, Icehouse Ventures
• Caleb Paterson, Paterson Luxury
• Mark Harris, Sotheby’s International Realty
• Henley & Partners
• Sarah Liu, Bayleys Real Estate
• Sarah Wood, Realestate.co.nz
• David Lesperance, Lesperance & Associates
• Ron Klasko, Klasko Immigration Law Partners
• Reaz Jafri, Withers
• George Ganey, Ganey Law Group
• David Kim, Colombo & Hurd

In The Guardian: New Zealand’s “golden visas” are growing—more applications from the U.S., and demand from China doubles

Robbie Paul, head of the venture firm Icehouse Ventures (Auckland), said that over the course of his work he has helped more than 30 applicants file for a golden visa. He explained that the core goal is to guide applicants in meeting the program’s requirements correctly through investment into New Zealand’s economy.

The article also points to a shift in the framing of applications: according to Paul, references to U.S. political figures—such as Biden or Obama—were rarely mentioned before, but now there are more references to how people view the administration’s agenda and political leadership.

In The Business Times: New Zealand is reopening the luxury property market—wealthy foreigners are looking for “safe harbors”

Caleb Paterson, owner of Paterson Luxury (Auckland), noted a surge in interest from the United States. He said that within a short window he received six real inquiries from America in just four days, adding that—amid U.S. political decisions—New Zealand is becoming more attractive as an option for relocation.

The reporting also highlights a knock-on effect on auctions: a property that has lingered on the listings of several agencies begins to move into a multi-offer format. At the same time, market participants say some local buyers are also acting quickly, driven by the return of international buyers to the market.

In addition, Mark Harris, managing director and founder of Sotheby’s International Realty New Zealand, said that interest in Queenstown remains strong. He attributes this to the fact that international applications are coming in actively from people who already hold AIP status or are in the process of applying.

His read on the numbers supports the trend: U.S. users increased activity by 61% year over year, while activity from Australia rose by 24% year over year.

In Forbes: New indices point to the “best golden visas”—more Americans are searching for a Plan B

Henley & Partners reported a sharp rise in enquiries: requests increased by 183% between the first three months of 2024 and 2025, and the same trend showed up in the number of applications submitted. While 2024 was already a record year, momentum continued into late September 2025, with applications rising another 67%.

Among applicants, Americans became the largest group, accounting for roughly 30% of the firm’s applicants.

The piece also notes the U.S. ranking in the Henley Passport Index 2026: the American passport sits at 10th place for passport strength, behind 38 other countries. It also highlights a decline versus the previous period—previously the U.S. remained in the top 10 for longer, but the score is now trending downward.

In The Post: New Zealand is facing an ultra-luxury shortage—“golden visa buyers” are hunting homes from $20 million

Sarah Liu, a premium real-estate specialist at Bayleys Real Estate, said that a portion of the wealthiest buyers operates almost exclusively in the $20 million+ segment. She added that if the pool of suitable properties remains too small, some investors may decide to pause the visa process and shift to other jurisdictions.

Sarah Wood, from Realestate.co.nz, said that over the past year, international search activity in the premium segment accounted for 40% of all activity in that category.

The reporting also underscores that the Active Investor Plus program creates a “positive demand shock” for the top end, while supply is not naturally expanding at the same pace.

Mark Harris, CEO of NZ Sotheby’s International Realty, also pointed to faster activity in the $8–10 million+ range. He said that enquiries from holders of Active Visa Plus are indeed affecting the market. Not every program participant necessarily wants to buy property, but the arrival of new buyers increases competition and puts pressure on those planning deals in the same price band.

In Barron’s: “Tax the rich”—why the idea is sounding louder than before

The article discusses a local-fee problem: ultra-wealthy individuals can change their place of residence relatively quickly. As tax adviser David Lesperance noted, family offices can effectively time a move—shifting assets into more tax-favorable jurisdictions.

An example is provided: among wealthy residents in California, some—according to reports—are cutting ties with the state. Among the figures mentioned is David Sacks, who, according to a venture firm release, moved to Texas.

Separately, the reporting discusses a 5% tax initiative: if the measure makes it onto the ballot and is approved, it is expected to apply retroactively—starting January 1, 2026. As Lesperance puts it, that could mean California losing tax revenue from people who relocate. He argues that trying to “take the golden egg” may backfire—“killing the golden goose.”

Independent Voter News: How a “tax on the rich” works in practice in California

In a piece citing the Marin Independent Journal, David Lesperance’s view is quoted: ahead of an upcoming vote, many clients, he says, are taking steps as quickly as possible to end their California residency status and move assets out of the state.

In Barron’s: Trump’s “gold card” is selling with difficulty—$1 million isn’t the only reason

Immigration lawyer Ron Klasko, chairman of Klasko Immigration Law Partners, compared the price and logic of “gold cards” with alternatives like EB-5. He explained that for a family of four to qualify for “Trump Gold Cards,” they would need to pay $4 million, while EB-5 requires an investment of $800,000 into an economic development project. If the project succeeds, the investment, he said, is returned along with the potential for yield.

In Klasko’s view, when people compare options, EB-5 often ends up looking more rational in many cases.

Reaz Jafri, an immigration attorney at Withers, called the “Gold Card” a significant change in legislation. He also noted that the decision was made without full participation from relevant stakeholders, and that the potential harm is “very real.”

George Ganey, founder of Ganey Law Group, said he has had clients preparing Gold Card filings, but they have not yet received feedback from the government. He added that many applicants support Trump’s political agenda and see him as a businessman.

Finally, David Kim from Colombo & Hurd (also representing plaintiffs) emphasized that the program does not appear to be a one-off. According to him, the administration intends to turn it into a sustainable, long-term mechanism.

Investment migration news is more than headlines: when demand for golden visas rises and program requirements evolve, accuracy in documents and strategy becomes crucial. At Digital Nomad, we help high-net-worth applicants navigate the process with up-to-date legal and practical guidance—so your investment pathway is prepared correctly. Learn more about available routes and next steps here: https://digital-nomad.gr/en/goldenvisa.

Our Telegram channel about various types of Greek residence permits, digital nomad programs, and the Greek Golden Visa: @digitalnomadgr