How to Work Remotely in New Zealand? Visa Rules, Eligibility, and Key Updates

New Zealand is set to become a haven for digital nomads, announcing a new visa policy that allows visitors to work remotely for overseas employers while enjoying the country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

This exciting development, effective from January 27, 2025, positions New Zealand as a prime destination for remote workers seeking a change of scenery and a boost in inspiration.

New Zealand’s Digital Nomad-Friendly Visa Policy

Under the new regulations, tourists, family visitors, and long-term visitor visa holders can engage in remote work while staying in New Zealand. This also applies to travellers entering with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Key Conditions for Digital Nomads

While remote work is permitted, visitor visa holders must adhere to these conditions:

• They cannot work for a New Zealand-based employer.
• They cannot offer goods or services to individuals or businesses within New Zealand.
• They cannot perform work that requires physical presence at a New Zealand workplace.
• Those planning to work remotely from New Zealand for more than 90 days in a 12-month period should consider possible tax implications.

Individuals whose work requires them to be physically present in New Zealand—such as sales representatives, performers, or employees of local businesses—must apply for a different visa category.

Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth

The new policy aligns with New Zealand’s strategy to attract high-value visitors and stimulate economic growth. According to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, the move aims to position New Zealand as a prime destination for digital nomads, combining work and travel.

“This is a brand-new market of tourists New Zealand can tap into. We want people to see our country as the ideal place to visit and work while they do it,” said Stanford in a government statement.

Tourism is a significant contributor to New Zealand’s economy, generating nearly $11 billion annually and supporting around 200,000 jobs.

Rising Popularity Among Tourists

New Zealand has witnessed a surge in Indian visitors, with arrivals in 2023 increasing by 124% compared to 2019. Indian tourists also rank among the highest spenders per visit, averaging NZ$5,324—third only to travellers from the UK and Germany.

Tourism New Zealand research indicates that approximately 16.4 million Indians are actively considering a trip to the country, making India a key target market for tourism growth.

New Zealand’s Visitor Visa Rules

Navigating visa rules is crucial for any traveller. Here’s a quick overview of New Zealand’s Visitor Visa regulations:

• Multiple Entry Visa: Allows unlimited entries for tourist purposes, with a maximum stay of 6 months within a 12-month period.
• Single Entry Visa: Permits one entry and a stay of up to 9 months within an 18-month period. Leaving the country will invalidate a single-entry visa.

Immigration Milestones in 2024

New Zealand has had a transformative year in immigration policy, with key highlights including:

• Processing over 1.1 million visa applications.
• Approving 97,000 student visas, with an 85% approval rate.
• Processing nearly 538,000 visitor visa applications, with 88% approvals.
• Approving more than 1.6 million NZeTA requests.
• Accrediting over 27,000 employers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
• Granting nearly 50,000 working holiday visas, with a 97% approval rate.
• Approving over 14,300 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) applications.

Other Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas

New Zealand joins a growing list of nations catering to digital nomads. Currently, 66 countries provide digital nomad visas or special permits for remote workers. Basic eligibility criteria generally include:

• Being over 18 years old.
• Meeting a minimum monthly income requirement (varies by country).
• Having a remote job that can be performed from anywhere.

According to the Digital Nomad Visa Index, the top destinations for remote workers include:

1. Spain – Ranked the best digital nomad destination with a six-month tax-free period.
2. Argentina – Offers full tax exemption for the duration of stay.
3. Romania – Provides an attractive visa scheme with no local tax burdens.
4. United Arab Emirates – Features long-term digital nomad visas with tax-free incentives.
5. Croatia – Popular for its scenic coastline and remote work benefits.
6. Portugal, Uruguay, Malta, Norway, and Andorra are ranked in the top 10 digital nomad-friendly nations.

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s move to welcome digital nomads boosts its appeal for remote workers. With stunning landscapes, strong infrastructure, and a supportive work environment, the country offers the ideal balance between work and travel.

For those planning to work remotely from New Zealand, staying informed about visa rules, tax implications, and travel requirements is essential to ensure a seamless experience.