Updated 18:59 IST, January 29th 2025
Digital Nomad Visa: One Document For The Free Spirited Travellers! See Requirements, Rules, Country
New Zealand joins a list of countries offering digital nomad-friendly visas, including Japan, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, and Brazil.

While countries like the U.S., Canada, and several EU nations are tightening immigration rules, New Zealand is taking a different approach. The country has joined the digital nomad movement by allowing visitor visa holders to work remotely for an overseas employer or client.
“The change will enable many visitors to extend their stays, which will lead to more money being spent in the country,” New Zealand’s Immigration Minister Erica Stanford reported to BBC.
Who Can Benefit?
Under the new rules, tourists, family visitors, and long-term visitor visa holders can work remotely without breaching their visa conditions. This also applies to those entering on a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
“We welcome visitors of all types to New Zealand and in this particular announcement, those who are able to work as digital nomads here on our shores.” Minister Stanford added.
Visa: Eligibility Criteria
- No Local Employment – Visitors cannot work for a New Zealand employer or provide goods/services to local businesses.
- Remote Work Only – They cannot take jobs that require physical presence at a New Zealand workplace.
- Special Cases Require Work Visas – Roles like sales representatives, performers, or those working for NZ employers still need the appropriate work visa.
- Tax Considerations – Those working remotely from New Zealand for over 90 days in a year should check potential tax obligations.
The new rule applies to all visa applications submitted from January 27, 2025.
Boosting Tourism & Economy
To attract remote workers, New Zealand has eased visa requirements, letting tourists stay and work for up to 90 days while enjoying their trip. However, after 90 days, they may be subject to resident taxes.
New Zealand’s tourism industry suffered during the COVID-19 border closures, and the country is currently in a recession. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford believes this move will extend visitor stays and boost spending, helping the economy recover.
A Growing Trend
With this new regulation, New Zealand joins a list of countries offering digital nomad-friendly visas, including Japan, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, and Brazil. Before the pandemic, tourism contributed over NZ$40 billion ($22 billion) to New Zealand’s economy, making it a crucial sector for growth.
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Published 18:59 IST, January 29th 2025