The exemption is expected to accelerate record Golden Visa demand, positioning New Zealand as a more compelling long-term home for global investors.

The New Zealand government has announced it will introduce a targeted exemption to the country’s long-standing foreign buyer ban, enabling eligible holders of the Active Investor Plus Visa (New Zealand’s ‘golden visa’) to purchase high-value residential property. The reform is designed to strengthen New Zealand’s competitiveness in the global market for investor migration and is the culmination of months of quiet but determined advocacy led by Stuart Nash, former Cabinet Minister and Founder of Golden Visa strategy and relocation consultancy Nash Kelly Global.

Since 2018, New Zealand has prohibited most overseas buyers from purchasing residential property, with only citizens, tax residents, and nationals of Australia and Singapore exempt under trade agreements. While the policy was introduced to address housing affordability, it created an unintended barrier for high-net-worth families seeking to relocate and invest in New Zealand under its Golden Visa program. Over the past eight months, Nash has worked discreetly with government leaders to resolve this issue. The result is today’s announcement: a forthcoming exemption to the Overseas Investment Act that will permit Golden Visa holders to purchase one residential property, valued at NZ $5 million (US $3 million) or more.

“Wealthy families don’t just want a visa—they want a safe haven where they can build a life. Without the ability to purchase a home, we risk losing exactly the kind of long-term investors New Zealand should be attracting,” said Stuart Nash. “Over the past eight months, I’ve been working closely with senior government ministers to develop a solution, and I welcome the government’s move toward an exemption. This reform aligns us with competitor programs and strengthens New Zealand’s appeal to ultra-high-net-worth families considering residency.”

As senior Cabinet Minister, Stuart Nash led the development of, and then launched, the Active Investor Plus Visa in September 2022. The program was designed to attract high-net-worth individuals willing to invest significantly in the economy. This past April 2025, the government streamlined the visa application, removing language requirements, lowering investment thresholds, and permitting investment in commercial property and development projects. These changes have already attracted record demand—particularly from the United States, which now accounts for roughly 40% of applications—and generated more than US $1 billion in prospective investment. The new property exemption is expected to accelerate this momentum by making New Zealand an even more compelling long-term home for global investors.

Stuart Nash founded Nash Kelly Global to bridge the gap between government policy and the needs of ultra-high-net-worth families seeking a permanent foothold in New Zealand through the Golden Visa program. Drawing on his experience as a seasoned policymaker and architect of the country’s Golden Visa, Nash established the firm to provide unmatched advice, expertise, access, and discretion in guiding investors through every stage of their Golden Visa journey; whether seeking to relocate permanently, or simply accessing permanent residency without immigrating.

“Knowing you can secure a family home makes New Zealand a far more attractive place to settle,” Nash added. “Lifestyle is already our strongest draw—this reform ensures families can truly commit to building their future here.”

To learn more about relocating to New Zealand and how the exemption to the foreign buyer ban could impact you, visit www.nashkellyglobal.com

About Nash Kelly Global

Nash Kelly Global is a New Zealand-based relocation consultancy specializing in the country’s Active Investor Plus Visa program. Led by former cabinet minister Stuart Nash, the firm guides HNWI’s through the immigration process, covering everything from visa applications, tax, and real estate support, to offering exclusive access to a network of business, philanthropic, and investment opportunities. Through strategic partnerships with the country’s top professionals and over 30 years of expertise, Nash Kelly Global ensures clients successfully integrate into all aspects of New Zealand life right from the start. For more information, visit www.nashkellyglobal.com

About Stuart Nash

Hon Stuart Nash was a senior Cabinet Minister in the Jacinda Ardern Government. Over 5.5 years he held the portfolios of Economic Development, Tourism, Police, Revenue, Small Business, Forestry, and Fisheries. As Minister of Economic Development, he oversaw the design of, and then launched, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa (Golden Visa) in September 2022.

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