There’s no doubt consistent income helps when you’re travelling, and the availability of remote roles makes this more achievable than ever before. If you want to visit New Zealand and work remotely, there’s a new opportunity on the horizon: the Digital Nomad Visa. But until this visa is implemented into policy, it’s important to understand your entry alternatives so you don’t find yourself in a tricky place.

Remote work in New Zealand

Remote work has opened a world of opportunities for those who travel. Whether you need to go overseas to visit family, or don’t want to fritter away hours commuting to the office in traffic, working online often seems like a good solution. But if you are travelling to a country where you’re not a citizen or legally entitled to work, it can quickly get complicated.

That’s because remote work is still considered ‘work’ by many immigration authorities, including here in New Zealand. But what if you’re diving into your business emails while doing a fun roadtrip from Picton? Or you’re a freelancer with calendar full of zooms? Do those activities mean you are still doing ‘work’?

There’s not really a clear answer, and the definition of work in policy isn’t crystal clear. As a result, many countries (recently Japan, Italy, and Turkey) have brought in Digital Nomad Visas specifically for those who want to visit whilst working online for their overseas employer.

The New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa

When the current National Government was elected in 2023, one of their talking points was that they’d introduce a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) to New Zealand, capped at 250 visas for the first year. 250… barely a plane full! The DNV would allow you to stay in New Zealand for up to a year. Assuming it follows similar requirements of other countries with DNVs, you’d likely need:

• Minimum income
• Health insurance
• No criminal record
  

But lately there’s been… silence. We can only hope we hear an update soon from the immigration minister, although the government has acknowledged that implementing DNVs are not an immediate priority.

Alternatives to the New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa

Although New Zealand does not currently have a specific Digital Nomad Visa, there are several options that might be suitable depending on your circumstances. For example:

1. Working Holiday Visa: If you’re between 18-30 years old, the Working Holiday Visa can be a great option. This allows you to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months (23 months for Canadian citizens, 36 for the UK). While it’s not designed specifically for digital nomads, it can be a good option if you want to live and work remotely while exploring the country. If you’re staying for more than six months, check your tax obligations.

1. Accredited Employer Visa: If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, this visa allows you to live and work (or study) in New Zealand for a specified period. This is more suited for traditional employment rather than remote work, although you may be able to find a remote role from a NZ employer.

1. Investor or Entrepreneur Visas: If you are planning to invest in or start a business in New Zealand, these visas might be suitable. While they’re more focused on science and ICT sectors, they could be suitable if your work involves setting up or managing a business.

Conclusion

Although there is uncertainty as to when Digital Nomad Visa will become implemented in New Zealand, it’s probably a matter of when – not if – New Zealand catches up with a growing list of countries which have. However, when there are other visa alternatives to the DNV, you wonder how useful it will be … especially if only 250 DNVs are offered in the first year.

Plan to visit New Zealand? Immigration policies are subject to change (*especially after elections or so we are told), so it’s a good idea to check the official Immigration New Zealand website or consult with an immigration advisor for the most current information.