New Zealand eases visitor visa rules to attract digital nomads. Find out what's changing for remote workers in New Zealand in 2025

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New Zealand has simplified visa rules for tourists since January 27. As part of the new changes, visitors have the right to work in New Zealand while staying in the country. The decision is aimed at boosting the country's economy.

About the main changes in migration policy for digital nomads in New Zealand in 2025 further in this article.

New rules for New Zealand's visitor visa in 2025

According to the updated migration policy, visitors, including tourists and those entering under NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), can legally work in New Zealand remotely for an overseas employer.

The easing of legislation will affect digital nomads who want to maintain their work commitments and enjoy the beauty and tourist attractions of New Zealand.

Which foreigners are eligible for an extension of a visitor visa for remote work in New Zealand?

The new rules apply to people from any country in the world, including citizens of Cameroon, Senegal, Algeria and Tunisia, who are tourists or family visitors in New Zealand, or partners and carers on long-term visitor visas or those entering with an NZeTA.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

How long can a digital nomad stay in New Zealand?

Visitor visas will now allow people to work remotely for an overseas employer while in New Zealand for up to 90 days.

The visa can be extended for up to nine months, but visitors may be required to pay tax during this time.

What are visitor visa holders prohibited from doing in New Zealand?

In a statement, the New Zealand government stressed that visitor visa holders must not do any of the following:

- Work for a local employer in New Zealand.

- Provide goods or services to people or businesses in New Zealand.

- Engage in work that requires them to be physically present at a workplace in New Zealand.

Tax implications of extended stay in New Zealand

Visitors who intend to work remotely for more than 92 days in a 12-month period should be aware of potential tax liabilities.

To avoid complications, we recommend that you consult a tax advisor or review New Zealand’s tax rules.

Is it possible to introduce a separate visa for digital nomads in New Zealand?

The regulation that simplifies the New Zealand visitor visa rules for digital nomads is slightly different from the introduction of digital nomad visas. For example, countries such as Spain, Greece, Iceland, Japan and Malaysia have separate digital nomad visa schemes that require separate visa applications and compliance.

For New Zealand, it’s a much easier process. Visitors simply apply for a regular tourist visa as usual, but with the knowledge that they’re allowed to work while they’re in the country.

There’s hope among the nomadic community that a full visa is in the works, although this relaxation of the rules could take some of the urgency out of it.

Why should digital nomads choose New Zealand to work in?

There are many reasons why digital nomads choose New Zealand as a remote work destination:

1. Stunning scenery

With the cities surrounded by New Zealand’s stunning natural wonders, it also means you’re just a stone’s throw from your next outdoor adventure.

2. Safe environment

3. Great outdoor lifestyle

An interesting town worth mentioning is Mount Maunganui on the east coast of the North Island. Just a short drive from Tauranga and Auckland, it’s home to a thriving digital nomad community and even has a well-equipped coworking space for meeting up with like-minded people.

4. Well-developed infrastructure

The country has excellent Wi-Fi coverage in the cities. Large cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton offer all the amenities a digital nomad could want, as well as fast and widely available connectivity.

Smaller cities like Queenstown, Tauranga, Dunedin and Nelson have strong communities that support them, and Queenstown in particular is a popular destination for digital nomads. Choosing a smaller city has its advantages, including a lower cost of living. Rent, groceries and eating out are all much cheaper.

5. Friendly locals

Friendly locals who will help you as you travel around New Zealand.

New Zealand is an ideal destination for remote workers thanks to its vibrant tourism industry, welcoming culture and breathtaking landscapes, and the simplification of migration laws will encourage even more foreigners to move to the country.

Reminder! New Zealand is actively fighting the problem of labor shortage and simplifying visa legislation. In 2025, key changes came into effect in the country, which concern the abolition of the salary threshold, as well as the reduction of a number of requirements for employees. We have already told you how the new rules have simplified the employment procedure in New Zealand.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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