Monday, January 27, 2025 New Zealand announced significant changes to its visitor visa policies, allowing tourists and other visitors to work remotely while exploring the country. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford explained that the updated rules aim to attract digital nomads and encourage longer stays, providing a boost to the tourism sector and the economy. The government hopes that the flexibility will position New Zealand as a premier destination for combining work and travel.
Stanford stated that the visitor visa changes are effective immediately, enabling visitors to work remotely for overseas employers or clients. However, she clarified that these rules do not permit employment for local businesses or activities requiring a physical presence in New Zealand. The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to revive tourism and attract skilled individuals during a challenging economic period.
Remote Work Allowed Under New Visa Conditions The updated visitor visa rules apply to applications received from January 27, 2025, onward. Visitors can now work remotely while in New Zealand, provided their employment is based overseas. Key details include: These provisions also extend to individuals traveling with an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
Economic Benefits for New Zealand The government’s decision to relax visitor visa rules comes at a crucial time for the economy. New Zealand faced a technical recession in late 2024, and international v.