New Zealand has announced a relaxation of its visitor visa regulations to attract digital nomads and bolster its economy. Starting January 27, tourists will be permitted to work remotely for foreign employers while traveling in the country.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said, “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.” She emphasized that digital nomad visas have been “extraordinarily popular” overseas and that New Zealand aims to attract individuals who would appreciate the opportunity to work and travel there.
The initiative seeks to revitalize New Zealand’s tourism sector, which has not fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, with international visitors currently at approximately 86% of 2019 levels. Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis expressed optimism, saying, “The government’s ambition is that new visa rules will put New Zealand boldly on the map as a welcoming haven for the world’s talent.”
Authorities advise digital nomads planning to work in New Zealand for more than 92 days within a 12-month period to be aware of potential tax implications.
This move aligns New Zealand with other countries, such as Spain, Portugal, and Malta, which have introduced similar measures to attract remote workers.