If New Zealand is on your radar to work remotely while visiting – well you are in luck. New Zealand doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa but it has recently changed its visitor visa to allow people to work online while visiting. Great news for digital nomads and remote workers working for non-New Zealand companies.
The changes announced from January 27 2025 make the allowance of remote work for those who apply for a visitor entry visa. But you must originate from certain countries. Those being the UK, USA, EU member countries, Japan, South Korea, Argentina or Israel. And the validity of the updated visitor visa will be either six months for a multiple-entry visa or nine months for a single-entry visa. Great news for those wanting to live and work online in New Zealand while travelling.
While not an official digital nomad visa, like other countries have introduced, it is a step in the right direction. For those who want to explore New Zealand and continue to work online remotely for their overseas organisation it is great news. And, the best part, you will not breach any visa conditions being on a tourist visa and working online. Though there are some restrictions:
Visitor visa holders must not:
- Work for a New Zealand employer.
- Provide goods or services to people or business in New Zealand.
- Do work that requires them to be physically present at a workplace in New Zealand.
It should be noted that you should be aware of tax implications. In general, New Zealand will exempt you from tax if you do not spend more than 92 days in New Zealand in a 12-month period. However, you may be liable to pay tax if you are a resident of some of the 40 plus countries which New Zealand has a tax treaty with if you stay in New Zealand beyond the 92 days.
Get more details on this visa and tax implication at New Zealand Immigration.
New Zealand and Australia have a unique arrangement known as the “Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement”. This allows citizens from either country to freely live and work in the other without needing a visa beforehand. So, essentially enabling them to move between the two countries with ease to reside and work as they please. Good news for Australian digital nomads and remote workers who want to come and spend time in New Zealand.
More on New Zealand
New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
1 Month New Zealand Itinerary
Work and Ski New Zealand
How to Become a Digital Nomad
I was surprised by the tax requirements, that you can’t spend more than 92 days in New Zealand without being taxed. In most countries we’ve spent significant time in, the cut off has been around 183 days.
Each country makes their own rules, but the longer amount of days would be very helpful.
One reason I haven’t made it to new Zealand yet is because of the time off I’d need to take to justify the trip. I’m glad to know that there’s a digital nomad visa now though!
Yes, at least a month in New Zealand would be a good start but anything longer would be ideal.
I didn’t know about this visa, thanks for the info 🙂
It is a new DN visa so I’m getting the word out!
That’s pretty interesting. I’ve never considered being a digital nomad, but this is some great info!
Yes, you don’t consider NZ to be a digital nomad destination – but we will have to change our thinking after the launch of the visa.
Definitely a good step that New Zealand has a digital nomad visa now. I like that more countries are getting one.
Most countries are getting one. I hope Australia does too soon.
Ohh that’s super good news! New Zealand is still on my list of must-visit destinations, hope I can make it there soon.
Good to hear. Now you can stay longer to live and work if you so wish.