Remote working while in New Zealand

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 wants to attract “digital nomads” who are people that keep 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 allow remote working is a much more elegant solution that doesn’t involve complex visa applications, processing delays and expensive application fees. A person can spend up to 9 months in New Zealand on holiday and working remotely at the same time.

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 a requirement that 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 from that date or someone who arrived in New Zealand visa free on or after that date. Anyone already in New Zealand before this date wanting to work remotely will need to apply for a new visitor visa. Our advisers can provide more insight into this process.

It pays to get tax advice if you plan to work remotely while in New Zealand to find out if you may become liable for New Zealand tax. We have tax experts who are experienced in cross border tax planning and advice - just ask one of our team for help.

It is important people don’t confuse “remote working” with “I have a job in NZ and are now working ”. To avoid confusion and visa dramas talk to our team. You can connect with an experienced Licensed Immigration Adviser here.