- Last Updated: March 16, 2025
Ever wished to work remotely as a digital nomad from New Zealand without any unnecessary hassle? With the newly updated New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa regulations, this dream is now a reality for remote workers and freelancers!
Earlier, it was not possible to work for a foreign employer as a visitor. But things have changed recently. You can now live and work remotely from New Zealand with this specialized visa.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the New Zealand Nomad Visa, including eligibility, benefits, the application process, and tips for digital nomads planning to work remotely in New Zealand. Now let’s dive into the guide without any further ado.
What is the New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa?
The New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa is actually a modification to the standard visitor visa. Through this visa, digital nomads or remote workers can take advantage of working remotely. Unlike a traditional New Zealand visa, which is often issued for tourism or local employment, this visa now allows digital nomads to legally work remotely for foreign employers while residing in the country.
As of January 27, 2025, New Zealand has updated its regulations to attract remote workers, making it easier to work remotely in New Zealand for an extended period. This visa initiative positions the country as a premier destination for digital nomads, offering plenty of benefits.
Benefits of the New Zealand Nomad Visa
There are so many benefits that come with this visa. Here are the top benefits:
➤ Legal Remote Work: You can now legally work remotely for a foreign employer while residing in New Zealand. It was banned previously.
➤ No Minimum Income Requirement: Unlike some digital nomad visas, there’s no minimum income requirement to qualify for this visa.
➤ Extended Stay: The visa initially allows stays of up to 90 days. But it can be potentially extended up to 9 months. Great perk to stay for a longer period without worrying about the staying period!
➤ Safe & Stable Country: New Zealand is known for its safety, friendly people, and great quality of life. Political stability is great too!
➤ No Restrictions on Remote Work: There’s no limit to the amount of remote work you can do while holding this visitor visa.
New Zealand is a wonderful country. In fact, it is one of the most scenic countries in the world. It got great nature, beaches, and amazing activities that you can do. With this nomad visa, you get the chance to work and explore this amazing country.
Requirements & Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the New Zealand Remote Work Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
➤ Valid Passport: You need a valid passport to apply. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
➤ Apply Under the Visitor Visa Category: As of 2025, digital nomads must apply under the standard Visitor Visa while working remotely.
➤ Proof of Stable Income: You need to show proof of income to support your stay. The amount is typically around NZD 65,000 per year, coming from remote work or freelance activities.
➤ Proof of Remote Work: You must work for a foreign employer, freelance clients, or own an online business. After applying on or after January 27, 2025, you are allowed to work remotely in New Zealand.
➤ Health & Travel Insurance: Health & travel insurance coverage is required for your stay in New Zealand.
➤ Clean Criminal Record: A police clearance certificate is a must to have.
➤ Application Fee: There’s a visa application fee that needs to be paid.
How to Apply for the New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for this visa, you need to apply through the Immigration New Zealand website. But before applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
However, applying for the New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa is quite straightforward. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the visa requirements. Otherwise, you can’t proceed to apply.
2. Gather Required Documents: Make sure to have all necessary documents ready. It includes proof of income, a passport, and health insurance.
3. Submit Online Application: Submit your application online through the official New Zealand immigration website.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the visa application fee (NZD $341).
5. International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): There’s a fee that may need to pay the IVL, which costs around $100. This fee funds the infrastructure and conservation projects of New Zealand.
6. Wait for Approval: Processing usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. However, it is seen that almost 80% of applications are processed within 3.5 weeks.
7. Plan Afterwards: Once your visa is approved, you can book flights and accommodation without any further tension.
Cost & Processing Time
Though we mentioned the costs and processing time in different areas, let’s have a look at a glance:
Visa Fee: currently NZD $341 (Always better to check the updated fee)
Processing Time: Typically 4 to 8 weeks
Additional Costs: There are additional expenses including the IVL fee, insurance fee, accommodation pre-booking, and other living costs.
New Zealand for Digital Nomads
Best Places to Live in New Zealand for Digital Nomads
Now you know the details of New Zealand nomad visa, let’s see which are the best places for digital nomads to work remotely in New Zealand:
Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It has also a high expat population. So, you will find a large number of well-established coworking spaces and cafes.
This city also has well-established infrastructure and high-speed internet. It is obviously, a massive perk for remote workers. Besides, Auckland has higher average salaries than many other parts of the country.
Wellington
The capital of the country, Wellington, is another best place to work remotely in New Zealand. It’s a midsized city that has great facilities for digital nomads. It includes a moderate cost of living, a vibrant creative scene, and a welcoming remote work community.
Apart from that, Wellington is a cultural hub too. So, this can be a great place to work and travel for you.
Queenstown
Queentown is popular for adventure activities, stunning alpine nature, and a outdoor-focused lifestyle. If you are a nature lover and adventure seeker, you are definitely going to love this place.
Christchurch
Christchurch is known as the “happiest city” in New Zealand. It is a great destination with an affordable cost of living. The cost of living is lower than that of Auckland and Wellington.
Besides the living cost, there has been a rise of the digital nomad scene and community. So, you may also consider living and working from here.
Tips for Digital Nomads Moving to New Zealand
If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand, here are some essential tips that can help you as a digital nomad:
• Find Budget-Friendly Accommodation: One of the biggest expenses of moving to a place is the accommodation cost. So, cutting expenses is a way to go to for longer stays.
Try rental sites like Airbnb, Selina, or Hostelworld to get cheap accommodation. Also, there are co-living spaces where you can live to save money on accommodation.
• Get a Local SIM Card & Internet: As a digital nomad, you need better internet speed and communication infrastructure. So, get a local SIM card for convenient mobile banking and communication. Companies like Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees offer good mobile data plans.
Besides, invest in portable wifi hotspots to stay secured with a reliable internet connection.
• Join Digital Nomad Communities: Staying connected with like-minded people is necessary to remove boredom and improve social life. Join digital nomad communities through Facebook groups and Meetup events. This will also help you in networking and career growth.
• Explore Visa-Friendly Banking: Open a New Zealand bank account online before arriving. It will make your life a lot easier by providing easy fund transfers and mobile banking. Besides, check with your bank about international transaction fees.
Check out these 12 Tips for Mastering Digital Nomad Lifestyle in 2025
Wrap Up
The New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa is an incredible opportunity to live, work, and explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With its amazing landscapes, strong internet, and digital nomad-friendly environment, New Zealand is gradually becoming a popular destination for remote workers.
If you’re ready to live the digital nomad lifestyle and work remotely in New Zealand, start your application now!
If you need any further assistance regarding the application of New Zealand travel visa, feel free to contact us and keep an eye on the Immigration New Zealand Portal.
FAQs
Anyone working remotely for a foreign employer, including freelancers and online entrepreneurs, can qualify for this visa as long as they do not engage in local employment or business activities within New Zealand.
New Zealand doesn’t have a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, but remote workers can use the Visitor Visa to stay and work for foreign employers. To apply, submit an online application via the New Zealand Immigration website with proof of remote work, sufficient funds, and a valid passport. The visa typically allows stays of up to 90 days, with possible extensions.
The New Zealand Remote Work Visa or the Visitor Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days, with potential extensions of up to 9 months.
No, This visa is for remote work only. If you find a local job in New Zealand while on a visitor visa, you cannot continue working for a New Zealand employer. You’ll need to apply for a work visa to work for local employers.
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