new zealand I introduced it Changes to visitor visa rules, allowing tourists to work remotely for their overseas employers or clients while they are in the country.
The changes took effect on January 27, 2025 aim to promote tourism and economic growth while addressing global trends in remote work. Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance, Minister of Economic Growth, Minister of Social Investment, I said.
Unlike most countries that have introduced special visas for digital nomads and remote workers, New Zealand has instead chosen to integrate the scheme into its existing visitor visa system.
The new rules allow foreigners to visit New Zealand on a regular tourist visa and continue to work for their foreign employers without violating the visa conditions. Visitors from Visa-exempt countries such as the US, the European Union (EU), Japan, South Korea, Argentina and Israel are also eligible.
Rules: Digital Nomad Visa New Zealand
The rules apply to all visitors, including tourists and family visitors, as well as partners and parents with long-term visitor visas.
However, to benefit from the changes, the visitor visa holder must meet certain conditions. These include working in jobs that require that you do not work for your New Zealand employer, you do not provide products or services to New Zealanders and businesses, and that you have physical presence in your workplace in the country. This includes not being done. Visitors who meet any of these criteria must apply for the relevant visa.
To attract more remote workers, Willis said the acceptable stay for tourists has been extended. Initially, visitors were able to extend their stay from three months to six months. This has been expanded to a maximum of 9 months. She said tourists could benefit the economy.
New Zealand tourist numbers show that tourist arrivals were 86.3% of pre-pandemic levels in late 2024. In particular, arrivals from China were only 53.3% of the 2019 level, while arrivals from Japan were only 68.7% of the pre-Covid figures.
Addressing workforce challenges with digital nomadic New Zealand visas
Responding to digital nomads can help New Zealand attract highly skilled people to countries where they may want to live there beyond their visa period.
According to Recruitment company Robert Walters’ New Zealand faces major challenges in the labour market due to shifting immigration, skills shortages and labor dynamics.
Many New Zealanders have travelled abroad due to limited employment opportunities and low pay, bringing the potential for long-term losses for highly skilled workers, particularly in the high-tech sector. A survey of the top 200 high-tech sector companies by Technology Investment Network (TIN) found that around 47% of all workers are based overseas, with HealthTech workers making up the largest group, IT support workers, and Software solution, FinTech, continues.
The report also highlights the growing demand for entry-level and junior management talent, with many industries struggling to find qualified intermediate-level managers and executives. They also note the lack of soft skills, such as communication, collaboration and negotiation, especially among younger workers.
Finally, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) drives the demand for new skills, particularly when integrating AI with IT, finance, and engineering.
The rise of the digital nomad visa scheme
The move to welcome remote workers in New Zealand is in line with global trends. According to In a 2023 analysis by the World Tourism Organization covering 54 destinations, 47% of these locations offer visas for up to one year.
In Southeast Asia, several countries have implemented visa schemes that are attractive to remote workers. Thailand announcement In May 2024, Destination Tie Visa (DTV), a five-year multiple entry visa program. The scheme allows visa holders to live remotely and legally work while in Thailand without having to pay taxes on income obtained from foreign sources.
Currently, there is no designated minimum income for DTV. However, applicants must prove they can support themselves financially in Thailand for six months and hold at least 500,000 (USD 13,665) in their bank account.
Indonesia provides a one-year temporary residence permit to remote workers. Remote Worker Visa (E33G) Program launched in April 2024 I’ll allow it Qualified foreigners may be eligible foreigners residing in Indonesia to work remotely on behalf of employers who are located outside the country for up to one year, and be renewed in additional years. .
To qualify for this visa, applicants must hold a valid passport for at least six months and a bank statement with a balance of at least 2,000 USD for three months. Annual income of at least USD 60,000.
Featured Image Credits: Edit Freepik
