NEW ZEALAND – Remote work is introduced for visitor visa holders.

January 28, 2025


Patricia Clarino

By: Patricia Clarino, Senior Manager, Newland Chase Advisory.

New Zealand has introduced updated conditions for visitor visa holders, permitting them to work remotely for an overseas employer or client. Previously this practice was not allowed under New Zealand visa rules. From January 27, 2025, the change applies to all visitors, including tourists, those visiting family, and individuals on longer-term visitor visas.

Visitors in New Zealand can now work remotely for their overseas employer without breaching their visa conditions. This change applies to both visitor visa holders and those traveling with an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

Travelers on visitor visas are restricted from working for a New Zealand-based employer. They are also not permitted to provide services or goods to local businesses or individuals. Furthermore, they are not allowed to take up work that requires them to be physically present at a New Zealand workplace.

Although remote work is now permitted on a visitor visa, working in New Zealand for more than 92 days within a 12-month period may trigger tax obligations, which should be carefully reviewed.

Newland Chase insights.

New Zealand has made a much-anticipated change to its visitor visa conditions, now allowing digital nomads to work remotely while in the country. Rather than introducing a separate visa for this purpose, the authorities have updated the existing visa framework to better serve the increasing number of digital nomads, following the approach of other countries.

Please reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.