The UK is on the brink of an unprecedented outflow of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), with Henley & Partners’ 2025 Wealth Migration Report forecasting that more than 16,500 millionaires will leave the country this year—double the number expected to leave China, the next largest source of departing millionaires. While the United Arab Emirates, United States, and Italy are projected to attract the lion’s share of these wealthy migrants, New Zealand is strategically positioned to secure its fair share of this global wealth migration, thanks to recent reforms to its investor visa programs.
The Global Wealth Migration Surge
A record-breaking 142,000 millionaires are projected to relocate internationally in 2025, with the UK experiencing the largest net outflow ever recorded since tracking began. This exodus is driven by significant policy changes in the UK, including the closure of the Tier 1 Investor Visa and sweeping reforms to the non-domicile tax regime and inheritance tax rules. As a result, British millionaires are seeking new destinations that offer stability, opportunity, and attractive investment climates.
New Zealand’s Golden Visa: A New Magnet for Millionaire Migrants
In response to global competition for mobile wealth, New Zealand has overhauled its investor visa framework, making it more accessible and appealing to high-net-worth individuals. The new system called the Active Investor Plus visa, introduced in April 2025, features two main pathways:
- Growth Visa: Requires a NZ$5 million (approx. US$3 million) investment over three years in managed funds or direct businesses, with a minimal residency requirement of just 21 days.
- Balanced Visa: Demands a NZ$10 million investment over five years, allowing investments in bonds, equities, or property development, with a flexible residency requirement that can be reduced for larger investments.
These changes have dramatically lowered barriers to entry, removed the English language requirement, and accelerated application processing, making New Zealand an increasingly attractive destination for wealthy migrants.
Surging Interest and Investment
The impact of these reforms has been immediate and significant. In less than three months since the new visa rules were introduced, New Zealand received 189 applications for the Active Investor Plus visa—compared to just 116 under the previous regime over two-and-a-half years. This surge represents a potential NZ$845 million in new investment for New Zealand businesses.
While the majority of recent applicants have been from the United States, the global context of millionaire migration suggests that New Zealand is well-placed to attract British HNWIs seeking alternative residency options. The UK is now the sixth-largest source market globally for investment migration, and the sharp increase in outbound applications by UK nationals demonstrates a growing appetite for destinations like New Zealand that combine lifestyle appeal with economic opportunity.
Broader Economic Benefits
The arrival of millionaire migrants brings more than just capital. According to Henley & Partners, migrating millionaires contribute to forex revenue, job creation, business formation, and the overall growth of the middle class in their new countries. Their investments can stimulate local economies, boost property markets, and enhance the vibrancy of sectors such as technology, hospitality, and wealth management.
Parent Visas: Attracting Family Wealth
In addition to the Golden Visa, New Zealand’s Parent Retirement Resident Visa also offers a pathway for family reunification, making the country even more attractive to HNWIs who wish to relocate with their families and secure a stable future for the next generation.
Conclusion
As the UK faces a historic hemorrhage of wealth, New Zealand’s proactive visa reforms and welcoming investment environment position it as a prime beneficiary of the global millionaire migration wave. With streamlined pathways for investors and families alike, New Zealand stands ready to capture a significant share of the world’s mobile wealth—fueling economic growth and reinforcing its reputation as a destination of choice for the world’s elite.
Get Expert Guidance from QROPS New Zealand
If you are considering relocating to New Zealand or want to explore how the new Golden Visa and Parent Visa options could work for your circumstances, the team at QROPS New Zealand is here to help. Our experts specialise in UK-to-NZ pension transfers and wealth migration, offering clear, practical advice tailored to high-net-worth individuals and families. We help transfer UK pensions to QROPS in New Zealand and build portfolios that then meet Immigration NZ’s visa requirements.
Arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists to discuss your options and get a comprehensive report on your UK pension transfer or investment migration pathway. We pride ourselves on transparency, expert knowledge, and a five-star service for all our clients.
Contact us today by calling 0800 102 599 (NZ), +64 4 212 4970 (Wellington), or +64 9 378 1666 (Auckland), or simply fill out the contact form on our website. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours to go over your situation and help you make the most of your move to New Zealand.
QROPS New Zealand – Your trusted partner in UK pension transfers and wealth migration.
