Thousands of wealthy Chinese buying their way into New Zealand

Immigration into New Zealand is at an all-time high, driven by wealthy Chinese buying their way into the country via investor residence visas.

In 2013, the number of migrants arriving in New Zealand spiked to an all-time high, helped along by 6,200 Chinese immigrants, half of whom bought their visas and residency permits under the country’s Investor Plus and Investor schemes. The influx catapulted New Zealand into the same category as Canada as regards Chinese investor migration.

New Zealand’s two admittedly expensive options charge either NZ$10 million or NZ$5 million for residency, with no specific requirements as regards business experience or skills in the English language, although those on the less expensive visa are expected to have a little English. The recent cancellation of Canada’s Immigration Investor Visa is expected to draw even more economic-migrant Chinese to Kiwi land, although it’s due to be reintroduced at a later date with tougher regulations.

The visas are the latest in various countries’ efforts to attract more money as well as more migrants, although it’s difficult to understand how non-English speaking Chinese can benefit New Zealand in the long-term. A recent attempt by Malta to initiate a similar scheme was roundly condemned by the European Union as a backdoor for criminals, terrorists and swindlers, and the island now insists on a year’s residence in the country before application.