Land Of The Free…To Leave
There is this great phrase that we use in NZ quite a bit - “tyre kickers” and its not exclusive to New Zealand. You might hear this phrase being used in the US, the UK and even Australia. It refers to someone who will investigate something to death, but never actually do anything about that particular thing they are investigating. More literally it means someone who will check a car over from top to bottom (and kick the tyres in the process) but never actually has any intention of buying that car.
For many years, American’s could have been accused of looking at the option of migrating to New Zealand in the same way. Whenever there was a major event in the US, particularly around election time, or even global events that might have crossed over in to the US, we would see a significant spike in interest in a move over here. INZ would be pretty quick to show many website hits they had received from American candidates and the news media would always have a few stories to share about Americans considering a new life abroad.
However, all of that interest very rarely turned into action and the numbers of Americans, heading across to New Zealand remained relatively small. That smaller number was often represented by those looking to secure a longer-term option, through an investment pathway or those considering retirement here. The volume of skilled applicants was far lower.
However since late 2024 and some might say for obvious reasons, those numbers are increasing. The interest in NZ has increased steadily and seems to continue to hold strong, but also more Americans are looking at opportunities outside of their own borders. In fact nearly half of polled Americans (44%) have seriously considered retirement abroad with 14% actively planning such a move.
We see it daily, with a very steady flow of inquiries from Americans, and not purely in the investment/retirement space. While a lot of noise has been made about the increasing number of US investors in to New Zealand, there are also an increasing number of skilled, employable applicants with young families, heading to our shores.
This week, we take a look at the drivers for this change and how that same thought process is slowly feeding in to other countries as well.
What Has Changed?
Whenever I discuss the US market with my industry colleagues and what is pushing more Americans to take action and make the move, one of the more obvious reasons tends to be political. The 2024 Election in the US was a key trigger point for my inbox blowing up with inquiries from people looking to dodge the next political administration. While the calibre (or otherwise) of the leader of the free world, has a very definitive impact, I believe that the motivations for Americans have extended well beyond that one thing, although perhaps as a consequence of Trump’s return to power.
Globally, things feel more complex and more interconnected than they have in decades. International conflict, geopolitical tensions and the role of the United States on the world stage are no longer abstract concepts for Americans. They are affecting markets, security, travel, and long-term planning in very real ways. When you live in a country that holds the balance of power globally, you feel potentially safer, however when that same country begins to orchestrate a lot of that instability, you might not feel quite so safe or comfortable anymore.
Americans On The Move
The number of Americans, who are looking to head abroad permanently is clearly on the rise, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Many Americans are reassessing what they want their daily lives to look like, given their daily lives are filled with news stories where the US is in the spotlight but perhaps not for all the right reasons.
That has a flow on effect to the domestic situation and questions around work-life balance, personal safety, healthcare, education and community are driving deeper reflection for many US nationals, who have the potential resources to choose somewhere else to live. For some, this has led to the conclusion that the quality of life they are seeking may be easier to achieve outside the US. Crucially, people are also more prepared. Remote and hybrid work are now normal and international mobility is better understood. There is greater awareness of visa pathways, tax implications and how to plan a move strategically rather than impulsively.
The mainstream media here in New Zealand has tended to spotlight the number of Americans coming in under our Active Investor Visa (or “Golden Visa” as it is often incorrectly labelled), however we are also seeing doctors, IT professionals, engineers, teachers and other highly skilled applicants pushing the go button. What once was an idea for many Americans, has become a plan and they are putting those plans in to action.
Without wanting to wade too deep in to the motivations, I have asked many of these clients what their driver was or what pushed them to make the commitment and the answers are more varied than you might think. There isn’t always a clear political affiliation with these applicants and often politics is secondary to those bigger issues (that ultimately stem from the US political system). A lot of people have simply reached that tipping point (years in the making) and are now looking at how they can secure a less complicated, more balanced and less connected life. Given it isn’t just about the election results, the trend seems set to continue for some time and we are certainly seeing that interest continue.
Where New Zealand Fits
New Zealand consistently appears on the shortlist for Americans exploring relocation, and for good reason. It offers political stability (something many are keen to find), a strong rule of law, without that becoming draconian, a well-regarded education system and a lifestyle that prioritises wellbeing alongside professional opportunity.
For skilled migrants, New Zealand often provides pathways that allow people to continue meaningful careers while enjoying a different rhythm of life. For families, the combination of safety, education and outdoor access is pretty attractive and for others, particularly those able to work remotely or invest in businesses, New Zealand represents a chance to redesign life without losing connection to the global economy.
The NZ Option
New Zealand might not be the most commonly discussed destination, but it is increasing in popularity - and for good reason.
What stands out is that many people are no longer daydreaming about this option or kicking the tyres, instead they are actively asking what it would take to make it work.
Of course from our perspective, America’s loss is our gain and given the calibre of some of the people we are working with, that gain is pretty significant.
We are just one consultancy but we have assisted a specialist medical professional who will be one of only three in their field in New Zealand, a highly qualified and regarded surgeon, aiming to work here in the public system, countless senior IT professionals and very experienced and specialised engineers. We have also assisted a steady flow of very prominent US business professionals who have pursued the investment visa option, brining capital and skills in to the country. Long may it continue.
While we have always had strong interest from the US, which has traditionally never really resulted in much traction, this particular wave feels very different. The people we are talking to are more committed, have done more homework and are itching to get started. There is a very real shift in that intention, which is clearly a result of how significant the landscape has changed in the US.
However, it isn’t only the US where that demand has increased. We are also seeing strong interest out of the UK from both British nationals and also expatriates living in the UK. Globally, immigration has become a more volatile topic and obviously for those living in these countries, reliant on a visa pathway, that uncertainty leads them to consider new options.
The year ahead looks set to deliver some really good quality applicants to New Zealand and with our SMC changes coming in August, there could be even more opportunities for those in the US and elsewhere to consider New Zealand as their new “forever home”.
Looking To Leave?
Despite the increased momentum, the most successful relocations remain those that are well planned. Immigration settings, visa eligibility, timelines and long-term pathways all matter. Acting out of fear or frustration, rarely leads to good outcomes for the prospective migrant. I have spoken to many Americans recently who would, if they could, pack their bags today and be in New Zealand tomorrow - unfortunately the process just doesn’t work that way.
What we encourage for all of our clients is clarity. Understanding what visas may be available, what skills are in demand, how family members might be affected, and what realistic timeframes look like, allows people to move forward confidently rather than reactively.
For many Americans, relocating abroad has been a “one day” idea for years. What feels different now is that global conditions, personal priorities and practical readiness are changing that level of priority. If New Zealand is part of that conversation, the next step is not a leap, but a plan.
At Turner Hopkins Immigration, we work with US citizens who are exploring this decision carefully and thoughtfully. Our role is to provide clear, strategic advice so that people can understand their options, weigh them properly and move forward when the time is right.
For those who have been thinking about this move for a long time, the question may no longer be why, but when.
Until next week!
