Work, Travel, Repeat: New Zealand’s New Visa Rules

New Zealand Joins the Digital Nomad Trend

Dreaming of working with a view of stunning mountains, pristine beaches, or rolling green hills? Well, New Zealand just made that dream a reality! The country has rolled out new visa rules that allow visitor visa holders to work remotely while enjoying everything New Zealand has to offer.

Starting January 27, 2025, tourists, family visitors, and long-term guardians can legally work for overseas employers while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes. With this move, New Zealand joins the list of countries embracing digital nomads, including Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Spain, and Portugal.

A Hotspot for Indian Travelers

New Zealand has already been a popular destination for Indian travelers, and this new visa update is only going to add to the excitement. In 2023, the number of Indian visitors to New Zealand skyrocketed by 124% compared to 2019! According to tourism research, millions of Indians are actively considering a trip to this island nation.

With incredible landscapes, strong internet connectivity, and unique cultural gems like Hobbiton and the recently recognized Taranaki Maunga mountain (which now has the same legal rights as a person), New Zealand is the perfect mix of adventure and convenience for remote workers.

What You Can Do Under the New Rules

If you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or digital nomad, you can now send emails, attend virtual meetings, write reports, code, or create content—all while sipping coffee with a view of the Southern Alps. The updated visa regulations allow visitors to work remotely for an overseas employer or clients for up to 90 days without breaking any visa conditions.

However, if you're planning to extend your stay beyond 92 days in a 12-month period, be ready to look into some tax obligations. Even travelers entering with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) can take advantage of this rule.

What’s Off-Limits?

While this visa lets you work remotely, there are some restrictions. You can’t work for New Zealand-based companies or provide services to local businesses in exchange for payment or accommodation.

If you’re looking to work for a local employer, you’ll need to apply for a proper work visa. Planning a business trip? You’ll need a business visa for that.

Do You Need to Pay Taxes?

Taxes might be a concern, but here’s the deal—if you’re earning remotely from an overseas client, you may not have to pay taxes in New Zealand as long as you stay under 92 days in a year. If your home country has a tax treaty with New Zealand, you might even get an extension of up to 183 days (and no, those days don’t have to be consecutive).

So, unless you’re planning a long stay, taxes shouldn’t be a major worry.

How to Apply

Getting started is simple! You can apply for the visa online through New Zealand’s digital immigration portal. So, if working from a beachside café or a mountain lodge in New Zealand sounds like your kind of office setup, this is your chance!