Wealthy Americans are investing in New Zealand's "golden visas" as they look to relocate to the South Pacific nation. The Financial Times reported that over 700 wealthy foreigners have applied for New Zealand's golden visa in the last 14 months – an increase from 115 in the prior three years – after the government eased the criteria for approval. It also noted that Americans accounted for 277 of the applications, with many Californians expressing interest in the golden visa, which is formally known as the Active Investor Plus Visa. Under the balanced investment category, holders of the golden visa must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over five years. Investments made to reduce the time requirement would have to be proposed before the visa application is approved in principle.