Date: 27 January 2025
The New Zealand Government has announced significant changes to visitor visa conditions, allowing visitors to work remotely for overseas employers while enjoying their stay in the country. This update applies to all visitor visa and NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) holders, effective for applications received from 27 January 2025.
Supporting Digital Nomads
The shift in policy aims to attract digital nomads—individuals who work remotely while traveling—by enabling them to maintain their work for foreign employers without breaching New Zealand’s visa conditions. This flexibility applies to tourists, individuals visiting family, as well as partners and guardians on long-term visitor visas.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis highlighted the strategic intent behind this change:
“The change is part of the Government’s plan to unlock New Zealand’s potential by shifting the country onto a faster growth track. Tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, generating nearly $11 billion and creating almost 200,000 jobs. Making the country more attractive to ‘digital nomads’ will boost New Zealand’s appeal as a destination.”
What’s Allowed and What’s Not
Under the new rules, visitors can engage in remote work for overseas employers, but with specific limitations:
- Prohibited Activities:
- Working for a New Zealand employer.
- Providing goods or services to individuals or businesses within New Zealand.
- Engaging in work that requires physical presence at a New Zealand workplace.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized how the update reflects the evolving nature of modern work environments:
“This is a brand-new market for tourists in New Zealand to tap into. We want people to see our country as the ideal place to visit and work. From today, visitor visas will allow people to work remotely for a foreign employer while holidaying here. Anyone intending to work remotely for more than 90 days should consider potential tax implications.”
Tax Considerations for Remote Workers
Visitors working remotely from New Zealand must navigate tax obligations based on their personal circumstances. Generally, if their income is taxed elsewhere, New Zealand exempts it from local taxes if the visitor stays no more than 92 days in a 12-month period. For residents of over 40 countries with which New Zealand has tax treaties (like Australia, the US, the UK, and much of Europe and Asia), this exemption period can extend to 183 days. More details are available on the Inland Revenue website.
If a visitor exceeds the exemption period, their income from services provided while in New Zealand is taxed from day one of their presence at rates applicable to New Zealand residents.
A Global Trend
Tourism Minister Louise Upston noted that digital nomad visas are becoming increasingly common as global work patterns become more flexible and digitized:
“Many countries offer digital nomad visas, and the list is growing. We need to keep pace to ensure New Zealand remains an attractive destination for those who wish to ‘workcation’ abroad. Compared to other visitors, international remote workers often spend more time and money in New Zealand, especially during the shoulder season.”
This new policy does not apply to visitors whose work requires them to be physically present in New Zealand, such as sales representatives of overseas companies, performers, or those working for New Zealand employers—they must still obtain relevant work visas.
Government Commitment to Growth
“This Government is committed to supporting a smarter, efficient, and predictable immigration system to grow our economy,” Erica Stanford added. “Delivering economic growth is critical to improving our quality of life, strengthening local businesses, lifting incomes, and creating opportunities for Kiwis.”
About ICL Immigration
ICL Immigration, based in Auckland, is an established licensed immigration adviser with over 20 years of experience and a remarkable 97% approval rate. We’ve helped over 1,000 immigrants realise their New Zealand settlement dreams.
We specialise in various visa services, including student, residency, work visas and business-related services like employer accreditation. We ensure personalised solutions for individuals and businesses aiming to navigate New Zealand’s immigration landscape successfully.
