New Zealand now allows remote work under its existing visitor visa, as long as you’re working for a foreign employer or client.
While there is no official digital nomad visa, the updated rules effectively allow digital nomads to live temporarily in New Zealand while continuing their overseas work.
New Zealand Opens Doors to Digital Nomads Through Existing Visitor Visa
This change is ideal for freelancers, tech workers, consultants, and creators who earn from sources outside New Zealand.
However, you cannot work for a New Zealand-based employer or provide goods/services to New Zealand clients or businesses.
Your main reason for visiting must still be tourism, visiting friends/family, or short-term personal travel.
Remote work is only permitted as a secondary activity, not the primary reason for the visit.
The length of stay allowed depends on visa type:
- Up to 6 months with a multiple-entry visa
- Up to 9 months with a single-entry visa
- You can also study for up to 3 months
Citizens of visa-waiver countries may not need a full visa and can instead apply for the NZeTA, which is cheaper and faster.
How To Apply For New Zealand Visa?
To apply for a New Zealand visitor visa, you need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of onward travel, such as return tickets or itinerary
- Proof of funds: At least NZD 1,000/month (~Rs 51,400), or NZD 400/month (~Rs 20,560) if accommodation is prepaid
- A completed online application
- Health and character checks (medical certificates if staying over six months)
- Payment of visa fee and tourism levy
The cost of the visitor visa (as of July 2025):
- Application fee: Rs 22,655
- International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZD 100 (Rs 5,140)
- Total: Approximately Rs 27,795
For visa-waiver countries:
- NZeTA app fee: Rs 874
- NZeTA website fee: Rs 1,182
- IVL (included): Rs 5,140
- Total cost: Between Rs 6,014 and Rs 6,322
Documents are submitted online, and most applications are processed within 2 to 3.5 weeks.
Indian passport holders must apply for the full visitor visa, not the NZeTA.
Travelers from countries like the U.S., U.K., Singapore, and Germany may be eligible for the NZeTA route instead.
Once in New Zealand:
- Remote work is allowed but must remain secondary
- No local employment or New Zealand clients
- Multiple-entry visa holders may travel in and out freely
- Visitors must maintain sufficient funds for the entire stay
- Short courses up to 3 months are allowed
New Zealand is now targeting high-value, skilled tourists, such as digital nomads, who tend to spend more and stay longer.
By allowing controlled remote work, New Zealand is inviting global talent to explore the country without competing in the local job market.
The key takeaway is that you don’t need a special visa to work remotely from New Zealand — just a visitor visa, the right documents, and Rs 22,000–27,000.
This allows you to enjoy the landscapes and keep up with remote work deadlines, all in a single trip.
