New Zealand has relaxed its visa rules to attract more tourists while allowing them to work remotely.
According to BBC News, under the new rules, visitors can work remotely for a foreign employer while on vacation in New Zealand for up to 90 days. However, after that, they may be liable for tax. The government has implemented this policy to make New Zealand “more attractive to digital nomads,” referring to people who travel while working remotely.
Who is eligible for New Zealand’s remote work allowance?
This initiative does not introduce a dedicated digital nomad visa but rather relaxes existing visa rules. Starting from 27 January, anyone holding a visitor visa can work for a foreign employer while holidaying in New Zealand for up to 90 days. This policy also applies to individuals visiting family members or those on longer-term visas.
Visitor visas usually allow three to six months stay. The government, however, allows the extension of up to nine months for those wishing to prolong their stay.
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Is this a step toward a dedicated digital nomad visa?
New Zealand is different from other countries like Spain, Greece, Indonesia, and Malaysia which have introduced formal digital nomad visa schemes that involve separate and specific conditions. It is comparatively less strenuous because one can simply go to New Zealand as a tourist for the purpose of visiting, but also work remotely while there.
Interested applicants can begin the process by applying for a tourist visa here.
