New Zealand

The Unofficial Digital Nomad Visa Guide

Dreaming of a remote office with a view of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, or pristine beaches? New Zealand (Aotearoa) is one of the world's most desired destinations for digital nomads, and while it may not have an official "Digital Nomad Visa" like some other countries, a recent and significant change to its visitor visa policy has effectively opened the doors for remote workers!

If you're a freelancer, remote employee, or online entrepreneur working for overseas clients, here is everything you need to know about legally working remotely while exploring the stunning Kiwi landscape.

Understanding the "Digital Nomad" Pathway in New Zealand

New Zealand does not offer a specific visa officially named "Digital Nomad Visa." Instead, the government updated the conditions of its Visitor Visas and the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to explicitly allow holders to work remotely for non-New Zealand employers or clients.

This policy shift, effective from January 27, 2025, transforms the standard visitor entry into a "workation" opportunity.

Who is this visa for?

This pathway is ideal for anyone whose source of income is entirely outside of New Zealand:

• Remote Employees: Working for a company based outside of New Zealand.

• Freelancers/Contractors: Working for clients outside of New Zealand.

• Online Business Owners: Running an online business that does not service New Zealand clients.

• Content Creators/Influencers: As long as you are not promoting an activity, event, or product for a New Zealand-based business.

The Crucial Restrictions

To remain compliant with your Visitor Visa/NZeTA conditions, your remote work must NOT involve:

Working for a New Zealand Employer: You cannot take a job with a Kiwi company.

Providing Goods or Services Locally: You cannot sell products or services to people or businesses within New Zealand.

Requiring Physical Presence in a Workplace: Your work must be entirely remote and not require you to be physically present at a New Zealand-based workplace.

The Application Procedure: Visitor Visa or NZeTA

Since you will be using a standard entry document with new work conditions, the application process follows the existing structure for tourists. The length of stay depends on your nationality.

Determine Your Entry Requirement

Depending on your passport, you will need either a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA.

• NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority): For passport holders from visa-waiver countries (e.g., US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Japan, etc.). This allows you to visit for up to 3 months at a time.

• Visitor Visa: For all other passport holders. These visas can typically allow a stay of up to 6 or 9 months (or longer for specific family/partner categories).

Gather Required Documents

While you are applying for a Visitor document, it is highly advisable to be prepared to demonstrate your genuine status as a remote worker.

CategoryRequired DocumentPurpose of DocumentIdentity & TravelValid PassportMust be valid for your entire stay.Financial SupportBank Statements, Credit Card Statements, Savings ProofProof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit. You should not rely on your remote income as the primary proof of ability to fund your stay, but rather as secondary support.Overseas Work ProofEmployment Contract, Freelance Contracts, or Business RegistrationTo demonstrate your work is for an entity outside New Zealand.Health & CharacterHealth Insurance Policy, Police Certificates (if requested)Visitors are not covered by New Zealand's public healthcare system. Police Certificates may be required depending on your country of residence and length of intended stay.ItineraryTravel/Accommodation bookings, Return/Onward TicketTo show you intend to depart New Zealand at the end of your authorised stay.

Apply Online

All applications should be made online through the official Immigration New Zealand website.

• Processing Time: Processing times can vary but typically range from a few days for an NZeTA to a few weeks for a Visitor Visa.

• Application Fee: Fees vary depending on your nationality and the type of document (NZeTA or Visitor Visa) you require.

Tax and Stay Duration: Know the Rules

This is arguably the most critical consideration for any digital nomad in New Zealand. Overstaying certain limits can make you a New Zealand tax resident.

Stay Duration in 12-Month PeriodTax Implications92 days or lessYou are generally exempt from New Zealand tax on your overseas income, provided your income is taxed elsewhere.Up to 183 daysIf you are a tax resident of a country that has a Double Tax Agreement (DTA) with New Zealand, you may be able to stay for up to 183 days before becoming liable for New Zealand income tax.More than 183 daysYou will likely become a New Zealand tax resident, and your worldwide income may be subject to New Zealand income tax from the first day of your presence in the country.

Disclaimer: Tax laws are complex and dependent on individual circumstances. You must consult with New Zealand's Inland Revenue Department (IRD) or a tax professional to confirm your specific obligations.

Official Government Links and Information

Always rely on the official government source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

DescriptionOfficial Government LinkImmigration New Zealand Homehttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/Working Remotely on a Visitor Visa/NZeTA (Official Policy)Search "Working remotely in New Zealand on a visitor visa" on the Immigration NZ website.Find and Choose a Visa Toolhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/find-a-visa-tool/Visitor Visa InformationSearch "Visitor Visa" on the Immigration NZ website.NZeTA InformationSearch "New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)" on the Immigration NZ website.Inland Revenue Department (IRD) - Tax Informationhttps://www.ird.govt.nz/

New Zealand's approach offers a flexible, low-bureaucracy solution for short-term digital nomads. While not a dedicated long-stay visa, it allows you to easily combine your remote work life with an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful countries on earth! Haere mai! (Welcome!)