In a move designed to boost tourism and economic growth, the New Zealand government has announced relaxed visitor visa requirements, allowing tourists to work remotely while visiting the country. The change, announced by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, and Tourism Minister Louise Upston, is part of a broader strategy to position New Zealand as a top destination for digital nomads—remote workers who combine work and travel.
The updated visitor visa rules reflect the realities of the modern, flexible working environment. As Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis explains, “The change is part of the Government’s plan to unlock New Zealand’s potential by shifting the country onto a faster growth track.”
Tourism is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy, generating nearly $11 billion in revenue and supporting almost 200,000 jobs. By making the country more attractive to digital nomads, the government aims to tap into a growing market of remote workers who can contribute to the economy while enjoying New Zealand’s world-renowned landscapes and culture.
“Making the country more attractive to ‘digital nomads’—people who work remotely while travelling—will boost New Zealand’s attractiveness as a destination,” says Nicola Willis.
Under the new rules, visitor visas will allow individuals to work remotely for a foreign employer while holidaying in New Zealand. This means tourists, family visitors, and partners or guardians on longer-term visas can now legally work remotely during their stay.
However, the policy applies only to remote work based overseas. Visitors whose employment requires them to be physically present in New Zealand—such as sales representatives, performers, or those working for local employers—must still obtain the appropriate visas.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford highlights the benefits of the change: “This is a brand-new market of tourist New Zealand can tap into. We want people to see our country as the ideal place to visit and work while they do it.”
The new rules also encourage longer stays, which can lead to increased spending in local communities. “The change will enable many visitors to extend their stays, which will lead to more money being spent in the country,” says Stanford.
The rise of digital nomadism is a global trend, driven by the increasing digitization and flexibility of work. Many countries have already introduced digital nomad visas to attract this growing demographic, and New Zealand is now joining the list.
Tourism Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the importance of keeping pace with this trend: “Many countries offer digital nomad visas, and the list is growing, so we need to keep pace to ensure New Zealand is an attractive destination for people who want to ‘workcation’ abroad.”
Compared to traditional tourists, digital nomads often spend more time and money in their host countries, including during off-peak seasons. This can provide a significant boost to local businesses and help stabilize tourism revenue throughout the year.
The government’s decision to relax visitor visa requirements is part of a broader commitment to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for New Zealanders. As Immigration Minister Erica Stanford notes, “This Government is committed to supporting a smarter, efficient, and predictable immigration system to grow our economy. Delivering economic growth is critical to improving our quality of life, strengthening local businesses, lifting incomes, and creating opportunities for Kiwis.”
By attracting digital nomads, New Zealand can diversify its tourism sector and create new opportunities for local businesses, particularly in regions that rely heavily on tourism. The increased spending from longer stays and remote workers can support everything from hospitality and retail to transportation and cultural experiences.
For those planning to take advantage of the new rules, it’s important to be aware of the guidelines. Remote work must be for a foreign employer, and anyone intending to work remotely for more than 90 days should consider potential tax implications. Visitors are encouraged to check the latest visa requirements and ensure they comply with all regulations.
The relaxed visitor visa rules represent a win-win for both New Zealand and digital nomads. For remote workers, New Zealand offers a unique opportunity to combine work with exploration of its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. For New Zealand, the changes provide a chance to boost tourism revenue, support local communities, and position the country as a forward-thinking destination in the global digital nomad movement.
As the world of work continues to evolve, New Zealand is embracing the future with open arms—and inviting digital nomads to do the same.
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