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Visitors to New Zealand can work remotely for overseas employers while staying in the country, under updated visa conditions. The rules apply to visitor visas issued on or after January 27, 2025, allowing travellers, including digital nomads, to continue working for non-New Zealand clients without restrictions on the amount of remote work.
Who can work remotely and what it includes
Remote work is defined as any activity done for gain or reward for an employer, business or client based outside New Zealand. This includes paid work or benefits such as accommodation, food or services.
Visitors can carry out tasks such as responding to emails, attending online meetings, coding, writing reports and creating content as social media influencers. However, such content must not promote products, services or events for businesses based in New Zealand.
Self-employed individuals and digital nomads are also allowed to work remotely, provided their clients are located outside the country.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
What is not allowed under visitor visa rules
The rules clearly restrict visitors from engaging in any work linked to New Zealand employers or businesses. This includes paid roles, collaborations or exchanges such as receiving free accommodation in return for services or reviews.
Any work that requires a person to be physically present in New Zealand for a local employer is not permitted under a visitor visa. Those intending to work with a New Zealand-based organisation must apply for a visa that allows employment in the country.
Tax rules for remote workers
Visitors working remotely may still have tax obligations. If income is already taxed in another country, travellers staying in New Zealand for less than 92 days in a 12-month period may not need to pay local tax.
For individuals from countries that have a tax treaty with New Zealand, this threshold can extend up to 183 days. These days do not need to be continuous and can include multiple visits within a year.
Authorities advise visitors to check their individual tax situation with Inland Revenue to determine whether they are required to pay tax during their stay.
Who can work remotely and what it includes
Remote work is defined as any activity done for gain or reward for an employer, business or client based outside New Zealand. This includes paid work or benefits such as accommodation, food or services.Visitors can carry out tasks such as responding to emails, attending online meetings, coding, writing reports and creating content as social media influencers. However, such content must not promote products, services or events for businesses based in New Zealand.
Self-employed individuals and digital nomads are also allowed to work remotely, provided their clients are located outside the country.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
What is not allowed under visitor visa rules
The rules clearly restrict visitors from engaging in any work linked to New Zealand employers or businesses. This includes paid roles, collaborations or exchanges such as receiving free accommodation in return for services or reviews.Any work that requires a person to be physically present in New Zealand for a local employer is not permitted under a visitor visa. Those intending to work with a New Zealand-based organisation must apply for a visa that allows employment in the country.
Tax rules for remote workers
Visitors working remotely may still have tax obligations. If income is already taxed in another country, travellers staying in New Zealand for less than 92 days in a 12-month period may not need to pay local tax.For individuals from countries that have a tax treaty with New Zealand, this threshold can extend up to 183 days. These days do not need to be continuous and can include multiple visits within a year.
Authorities advise visitors to check their individual tax situation with Inland Revenue to determine whether they are required to pay tax during their stay.
