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New Zealand has long appealed to remote professionals thanks to its lifestyle, safety and legal stability. Interest increased further in 2025 after immigration rules were adjusted to make it easier for visitors to work remotely while staying in the country. Crucially, however, New Zealand still does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa.
Does New Zealand have a digital nomad visa
Unlike many countries that have introduced specific digital nomad schemes, New Zealand has not created a standalone Digital Nomad Visa. Instead, in 2025 the government relaxed the conditions of the standard Visitor Visa, allowing holders to work remotely for overseas employers or clients.
This framework permits legal remote work while residing in New Zealand, provided the individual does not engage with the local labour market or establish a business in the country.
Length of stay and visa structure
Remote workers entering New Zealand on a Visitor Visa may stay for up to nine months, depending on whether the visa is single-entry or multiple-entry. Single-entry visas typically allow longer continuous stays, while multiple-entry visas offer flexibility at the cost of a shorter permitted duration.
The visa remains strictly temporary and does not create a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship.
Financial and personal requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay, meet health and character standards and show genuine visitor intent. Immigration authorities also expect evidence that income is generated exclusively from outside New Zealand.
Family members can be included in the application, making the Visitor Visa a practical option for remote workers travelling with partners or dependent children.
Tax considerations
There is no separate tax regime for digital nomads in New Zealand. Tax liability depends on physical presence. Individuals who spend fewer than 183 days in the country within a 12-month period are generally not taxed locally on their foreign income. Exceeding this threshold may trigger New Zealand tax residency.
A double taxation agreement between the UK and New Zealand helps prevent the same income from being taxed twice, though professional advice is strongly recommended.
As International Investment experts report, New Zealand has effectively accommodated digital nomads in 2025 without introducing a formal digital nomad visa. The Visitor Visa offers a flexible short-term solution for remote work, but it remains a temporary arrangement rather than a long-term migration pathway.