New Zealand amends visa rules to include digital nomad visa

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New Zealand has updated its Visitor Visa to permit remote work for foreign employees and self-employed people with international clients, allowing stays of up to 90 days.

With these new rules, tourists can stay in New Zealand as digital nomads, maintaining their work commitments abroad without violating their visa terms.

According to Condé Nast Traveller, there is no minimum income requirement for applicants.

This visa is an amendment to the tourist visa and aims to stimulate economic growth by encouraging longer visitor stays and increased spending within the country.

Immigration Minister, Erica Stanford emphasised that extending visitor stays would lead to more money being spent locally, strengthening businesses, and creating opportunities for residents.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

New Zealand’s updated Visitor Visa (for digital nomads)

Allows remote work for foreign employers or clients.
Valid for six or nine months, but remote work is permitted for only 90 days within the stay.
No minimum income requirement for applicants.
Cannot work for a New Zealand employer—only for companies or clients outside the country.

Standard Tourist Visa

Meant solely for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting family.
Does not permit any work, including remote work.
Typically allows stays of up to six or nine months, depending on eligibility.

The key difference is the updated Visitor Visa allows remote work for foreign businesses for up to 90 days, while a standard tourist visa does not permit any work at all.

It’s important to note that this update does not introduce a separate digital nomad visa but modifies the existing Visitor Visa.

NEW ZEALAND KEEPING UP WITH GLOBAL DIGITAL NOMAD TREND

New Zealand’s Tourism Minister, Louise Upston highlighted the global trend of digital nomad visas, noting that many countries offer such programs, and the list is growing.

She stressed the importance of keeping pace to ensure New Zealand remains an attractive destination for people seeking to work abroad.

International remote workers have the potential to spend more time and money in New Zealand, including during the off-season.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NOMAD VISA

Applicants can submit applications for the updated Visitor Visa online through New Zealand’s digital immigration portal.

The visa fee is NZD $341 (R3,570), and 80% of applications are processed within three to four weeks.

Applicants may also be required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This is a $100 (R1,047) fee that funds various infrastructure and conservation projects.