New Zealand relaxes visa regulations to attract ‘digital nomads’

New Zealand relaxes visa regulations to attract ‘digital nomads’

New Zealand has eased its visa requirements, allowing tourists to work remotely while visiting the country in a bid to boost its tourism sector.

Under the new rules, visitors can now work remotely for a foreign employer while on holiday in New Zealand for up to 90 days. However, after this period, they may face potential tax implications.

The government has stated that the change is designed to make New Zealand “more attractive to digital nomads”—individuals who travel while working remotely. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford explained, “The change will enable many visitors to extend their stays, which will lead to more money being spent in the country.”

The new policy applies to all visitor visas, including those for tourists, family visitors, and long-term visa holders. However, the government clarified that only remote work for overseas employers is allowed. Visitors whose jobs require them to be physically present in the country will still need to obtain the appropriate work visas.

New Zealand’s tourism industry generates nearly $11 billion in revenue, according to the government. In recent years, many countries have introduced visa programs aimed at attracting digital nomads, capitalizing on the growing number of people seeking to travel while working remotely.

The trend gained momentum in the 2010s, particularly among younger workers seeking an escape from routine, and was further accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which changed attitudes toward remote work.

Countries like Japan, South Korea, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Brazil, Spain, and Portugal have also launched digital nomad visas. However, the influx of remote workers in some locations has sparked debates, with critics in places like Cape Town, South Africa, arguing that it has led to higher living costs. Similarly, the arrival of digital nomads in popular destinations such as Spain and Greece has fueled protests against overtourism.

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