New Zealand Opens Doors to Digital Nomads

The rise of remote work has transformed how and where people do their jobs.

While some companies are calling employees back to the office, others are fully embracing flexible work arrangements. Now, New Zealand is opening its doors to remote workers, allowing tourists to work while they explore the country.

As of January 27, 2025, visitors to New Zealand can legally work remotely for a foreign employer while on a tourist visa, thanks to a new rule change aimed at attracting digital nomads and boosting the economy.

What Do the New Visa Rules Mean?

New Zealand’s government sees digital nomads as a key opportunity for economic growth. Growth Minister Nicola Willis explains, “Making the country more attractive to remote workers will enhance its appeal as a destination.”

Under the new policy, visitors to New Zealand can now work remotely for overseas employers while staying in the country for up to nine months—a restriction that was previously in place. However, the visitor visa still does not permit employment with New Zealand-based companies.

By allowing tourists to work while they visit, officials hope that longer stays and higher spending will help revitalise the economy. New Zealand has faced economic struggles in recent years. With inflation and interest rates putting pressure on households, the government is eager to tap into a new wave of high-spending travellers.

New Zealand has long maintained strict immigration controls. While it is now welcoming affluent remote workers for short-term stays, the country took steps last year to tighten work visa requirements for low-skilled migrants, including the introduction of an English language requirement.

Who Can Work Remotely in New Zealand?

Unlike traditional digital nomad visas offered by Spain, Greece, and Indonesia, New Zealand is not introducing a new visa category.

Instead, it’s relaxing existing visitor visa rules to permit remote work.

Tourists on a visitor visa can now work remotely for a foreign employer while travelling in New Zealand for up to 90 days.
The rule also applies to family visitors and those on longer-term visas.
This does not cover jobs requiring a physical presence in New Zealand, such as sales or performance work—those roles still require a proper work visa.

Tourist visas typically allow stays of three to six months, but visitors can request an extension of up to nine months if they wish to stay longer.

Digital nomads can apply for the updated Visitor Visa online through New Zealand’s digital immigration portal. The visa costs NZD 341, and 80% of applications are processed within 3.5 weeks.

A New Era for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

For remote workers looking to swap their home office for New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, this change offers a simple way to live and work legally in the country.

With a streamlined process and no need for special work permits, this move could position New Zealand as a top destination for digital nomads—bringing in a fresh wave of visitors ready to explore and contribute to the economy.

If you need assistance with your visa application, contact IaM.

Do you plan to work and visit New Zealand? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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