Remote working now legal

The government recently changed the rules for visitors to New Zealand that now allows them to work remotely while on holiday in New Zealand. There has been quite a bit of coverage that New Zealand is looking to attract “digital nomads” - people working while on extended holidays. However, this rule change also includes anyone coming to New Zealand for a short holiday who opens their laptop to answer work emails - it’s now legal!

The Minister of Immigration intended to roll out a “digital nomad visa”. However, Minister Erica Stanford’s decision to amend the conditions of a visitor visa to facilitate remote working is a much more elegant solution that avoids complex visa applications, processing delays and expensive application fees.

The conditions that allow remote work are:

• The main purpose for visiting New Zealand must be holidaying, sightseeing or visiting family (in other words remote working is not the main reason for being in New Zealand, it is incidental to the holiday).

• Remote work cannot include working for a New Zealand employer, offering goods and services in New Zealand (for a gain or reward) or requires a person to be physically present at a place of work in New Zealand.

This new rule came into effect on 27 January 2025 and applies to all visitor visa applications received on or after that date, or someone who arrived visa free on or after that date. Anyone already in New Zealand before this date who wants to work remotely will need to apply for a new visitor visa. Our advisers can provide more insight into this process. We recommend anyone intending to work remotely gets tax advice. We have experts we can refer people to.

Under this rule change a person can holiday in New Zealand for up to 9 months, enjoy the country and keep earning money while working remotely.

If someone does not meet the remote work conditions they may need to apply for a work or business visa if they plan working for any type of gain or reward while in New Zealand. If in doubt get in touch here with our team of experts for advice.