Work Remotely from New Zealand with Digital Nomad Visa
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on a rugged coastline, sipping your morning coffee with a view of snow-capped mountains, and then logging into work, all from one of the most stunning countries on Earth. Sounds like a dream? Thanks to New Zealand’s newly updated digital nomad visa rules, it’s now a reality and visitors can now work remotely from New Zealand! If you’re a remote worker looking for adventure, world-class scenery, and a work-life balance like no other, here’s everything you need to know about the new digital nomad visitor visa.
No Separate Visa – And Why That’s Great!
Unlike other countries that require lengthy applications for a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, New Zealand makes it incredibly easy. There is no separate visa for digital nomads—instead, you can work remotely on a Visitor Visa or NZeTA as long as your employer is based overseas. This is a huge advantage over digital nomad visas in other countries which often require high income thresholds, extensive paperwork, or tax commitments. New Zealand’s simple entry process means less hassle and more time for you to explore, work, and enjoy the adventure.
Since tourists can work remotely on a Visitor Visa, it makes New Zealand one of the best places to experience the digital nomad lifestyle without the bureaucracy of applying for a special visa. Whether you want to test out remote work for the first time or live the full digital nomad experience, New Zealand makes it effortless to combine work, travel, and adventure!
Compare New Zealand to Other Digital Nomad Visas
So how does New Zealand stack up against other popular remote work destinations?
| Country | Visa Process | Min. Income Req. | Cost of Living | Visa Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Easy (Visitor Visa/NZeTA) | None | $$ (NZD 3,000-4,000/mo) | Up to 9 months |
| Portugal | Moderate (D8 Visa) | €3,280/month | $$ (€1,500–€1,800/mo) | 1 year (renewable) |
| Thailand | Easy (New) | $13,600 savings | $ (~$1,000/mo) | 6 months (renewable) |
| Mexico | Moderate (Temp. Resident Visa) | $3,275/month or $54K USD savings | $ (~$1,500/mo) | 1-4 years |
| Croatia | Easy (Digital Nomad Residence Permit) | €2,300/month | $$ (€1,200–€1,500/mo) | 1 year (non-renewable) |
New Zealand offers one of the easiest entry processes with no income requirement, making it more appealing to plan your vacations and extend them into workations. The cost of living is mid-range—and you have save a lot of accommodations if you book longer term AirBnbs.’
Read our blog post on how to get start the journey of travel and remote working as a full time professional!
How to Apply to Work Remotely from New Zealand?
Getting to New Zealand as a digital nomad is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check Your Eligibility – If you’re from a visa-waiver country (e.g., the US, Canada, UK), you only need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) for stays up to 3 months (or 6 months for UK citizens), which can then be renewed for a total of 9 months. Others need to apply for a Visitor Visa.
- Gather Documents – Valid passport, proof of funds (NZD $1,000/month), return ticket, and a clean record.
- Apply Online – Submit your NZeTA or Visitor Visa application through the official Immigration New Zealand website.
- Book Your Flight & Pack Your Bags – Once approved, you’re set to work remotely in one of the most scenic places on Earth!
Tip: Application fees are subject to change, you may have to pay International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) in addition. So it’s advisable to check their official website for the most current information.
Why Work Remotely from New Zealand?
New Zealand isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes—it’s about lifestyle.
- Work-Life Balance – With a culture that values the outdoors and slow living, New Zealand is perfect for digital nomads who don’t want to burn out.
- Ease of Entry – There’s no special digital nomad visa; instead, New Zealand allows remote work on a standard Visitor Visa or Visa Waiver entry.
- Reliable Infrastructure – High-speed internet, co-working spaces, and plenty of coffee shops make working remotely seamless.
- Epic Adventures – From hiking glaciers to bungee jumping, your office breaks will never be the same again.
Life as a Digital Nomad in New Zealand
So, what’s it really like to work remotely in New Zealand? Here is our personal experience when we lived and worked from New Zealand back in 2023 for 2 months.
We split our time across both North and South islands. Because we only had 2 months (yes, I said “only”, and I mean it!), we spent our first 3 weeks road tripping through the South Island, the next 2 weeks in Wellington, followed by our final 3 weeks in Auckland.
While we did take some time off when road-tripping through the South Island, we were working most of the time. Our work day would start at 6 AM in order to match Pacific Time, but we would end up being free by 1 or 2 PM. Sometimes we would go out for an activity right after, and other times we would sneak a quick nap in! Evenings would be spent visiting interesting bars or just walking around town. It was exhilarating to exploring new cities every few weeks, meet interesting people and find fun cafes to work out of! Since we would stay in Airbnbs or ApartHotels, we would end up cooking quite a few of our meals, which saved us a lot of money, along with giving us a feeling of stability and of being at home.
Once you get your visitor visa for NZ, start planning your vacation and read our blog posts on epic South Island road trips –
NZ South Island Road Trip Itinerary The Ultimate Road Trip from Queenstown to Christchurch
Working Holiday Visa as an Alternative
If you’re between jobs and want to explore temporary opportunities working a job in New Zealand, the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is another great option. It allows young travelers (18-30 years old, or up to 35 for some countries) to work for local employers while experiencing the country. The visa typically lasts 12 months, though UK and Canada citizens can apply for up to 23 months. Eligible countries include the US, UK, Canada, most of the EU, Japan, South Korea, and more.
The application fee varies by country but is usually around NZD $280–$420. You’ll also need to show NZD $4,200 in savings to support yourself. If you’re interested in this option, check your eligibility and apply via the official Immigration New Zealand website. This is one of the cheapest ways to find work in New Zealand. To put the cost in context – the working holiday visa for UK would end up costing you $3000-$5000 GBP, which is bonkers!
Taxes for Remote Workers in New Zealand
If you’re working remotely from New Zealand but earning income from an overseas employer, you may or may not need to pay New Zealand taxes. Also, if your income is already taxed in another country, you may not be liable for New Zealand taxes if you stay for less than 92 days in a 12-month period. Additionally, if you are a tax resident in a country that has a tax treaty with New Zealand, you may be able to stay up to 183 days before tax obligations apply. These days do not have to be consecutive. To clarify your specific tax situation, it’s best to contact Inland Revenue New Zealand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a digital nomad who loves adventure, nature, and a balanced lifestyle, New Zealand is calling. To work remotely from New Zealand is an easy entry process, stunning landscapes, and an active remote work community, it’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to escape the office grind!
