New Zealand Investor Visa vs Malta Golden Visa – Comparison of Two Permanent Residency by Investment Programs
In present times, the Residency by investment programs such as Malta golden visa are largely gaining the attention of global investors, and the reason is the increasing political and economic uncertainty. Securing a second home in a safe and stable country by investing in its RBI program is the best option to protect yourself and your family from conflicts such as wars or crimes. A 2025 Report claimed remarkable growth of residency by investment programs in the first quarter of 2025, showing a 64% surge in golden visa applications compared to the same time in 2024.
Many statistics demonstrate the strong confidence of investors in the golden visa programs. Due to the increasing demand of RBI programs, it has become crucial for global investors to understand the factors such as the significant benefits the program offers, transparency, and the cost of golden via programs to better decide which will be suitable for them and align with their needs. Let’s discuss two popular residency by investment programs, such as the New Zealand Investor Visa and the Malta golden visa. Both programs provide permanent residency to global investors but have their own significant benefits to offer.
New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa
In September 2022, the New Zealand government announced the New Zealand Investor Visa, replacing its old visas, visa 1 & visa 2. It is designed mainly for the high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), including millionaires and billionaires, to provide these foreign nationals with permanent residency permits. These permits allow the affluent individuals to live and work in New Zealand for a long term, which means ultimately providing them with long term stability that is crucial specially for businesses and work abroad. In exchange for PR by investments, the program boosts the economy of the country.
New Zealand Investor Visa Investment Cost
The program provides two investment categories to global investors. These investment options are sustainable and for the long term. The categories include:
Balanced Option
This investment option requires the affluent individuals to invest a minimum NZD 10 million in equities, bonds, funds, or direct business investments, property, or others.
Growth Option
This investment option requires investors a minimum investment of NZD 5 million in managed funds or direct business investments approved by the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
Malta Residency by Investment Program
Malta, a small but beautiful Southern European island country around the Mediterranean sea is a popular tourist destination and an attractive country due to its popular residency by investment program. The government of Malta launched its Malta residency by investment program, which is also recognized as Malta Golden Visa or Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) globally. The program grants residency permits to investors, allowing them to live and work in Malta permanently and providing them with access to the best healthcare and educational systems in the country.
Malta Golden Visa Investment Cost
The program requires renting a property in Malta for at least €14,000 a year or buying a property in Malta for a minimum €375,000.
Visa-free Schengen Access
The residents of Malta can travel visa-free to the EU Schengen area including 29 member states, providing them with global mobility or travel freedom.
Malta Golden Visa Requirements 2025
To qualify for the Malta Permanent Residency Program, it requires the following eligibility criteria:
- The main applicant must be an adult, aged 18 or above.
- Must have a clean criminal record.
- Must fulfill the investment requirements.
- Must be in good health condition.
- Do not belong to the banned countries.
New Zealand vs Malta PR Program: Comparison Table
| Residency by Investment Program | Stay Requirement | Family Inclusion |
| Malta Residency Program | No minimum stay required | Yes |
| New Zealand Investor Visa | Up to 9 months in 18 month period | Yes |
Conclusion
The New Zealand Investor Visa is a better option for individuals considering long-term and sustainable investments. On the other hand, the Malta golden visa due to the strong mobility it offers to global investors including EU Schengen access, has become a popular choice for a large number of investors. Moreover, the Malta residency by investment program is beneficial for businessmen and entrepreneurs seeking EU business markets access to explore and understand them to expand their business globally.
