Steve Wozniak is keen to live in New Zealand, so much so, the Apple cofounder is applying for Australian citizenship to make living in and traveling to and from the country easier. He and Mrs. Woz have fallen in love with New Zealand, and Aussie passports will allow them to travel to and from and live in New Zealand with ease.
Steve Wozniak
The Woz isn't planning on dropping his U.S. citizenship, and will instead maintain dual citizenship if granted citizenship Down Under. According to NBC's Bay Area website, this path offers the tech icon the most flexibility while increasing his tax burden, rather than serving as a tax shelter.
New Zealand and Australia allow great travel freedom for each other's citizens. According to a New Zealand government website, Aussies, "will usually be allowed to live, work or study in New Zealand and won't need to apply for any type of visa before travelling."
Mr. Wozniak was met at the airport by reporters when returning from Australia, where he confirmed his plans and his desire to live in New Zealand. He also confirmed that he had applied for a residency visa in Australia.
"Listen, I would never pay that kind of money for that kind of visa if I weren't serious (about Australian citizenship)," he told NBC.
Mr. Wozniak is a beloved figure in the Bay Area. He not only grew up there, he founded Apple with Steve Jobs, he was instrumental in mainstreaming the personal computer by designing and building the Apple I and Apple II computer.
He has lived in Los Gatos for many years (a prior residence of his in the town is currently on the market for US$4.5 million), and has been involved in many charities and a few other tech companies, too. He is currently the chief scientist at Fusion-io.