As global attitudes toward remote work continue to shift, countries around the world are adapting to attract location-independent professionals. In this evolving landscape, New Zealand has recently made headlines with the introduction of its digital nomad visa – a strategic update to its existing visitor visa policy. This move aims to invite freelancers, remote employees, and entrepreneurs to experience life in Aotearoa while continuing to work for overseas clients.

The global digital nomad community is substantial. According to recent reports, there are more than 35 million digital nomads worldwide, contributing approximately $787 billion annually to the global economy. Countries like Portugal, Estonia, and Barbados have already tapped into this lucrative trend by offering digital nomad visas of their own, reaping economic benefits in tourism, real estate, and local spending.

New Zealand’s own tourism sector, still in recovery mode post-pandemic, saw a 65% increase in international arrivals in the year leading up to December 2024. Local industries—from hospitality to transport—have felt the positive impact. The new visa is poised to boost this even further, encouraging longer stays from high-income earners who choose to temporarily base themselves in New Zealand while continuing to work remotely.

“We’ve had digital nomads in New Zealand for years.”

In a recent live stream hosted by Frog Recruitment, NZ Temporary Team Leader Kirsty Henegan sat down with Paul Janssen, General Manager at Turner Hopkins, to discuss what this visa change means for the New Zealand job market, tourism, and the future of remote work.

Paul opened by explaining that the decision to implement the digital nomad visa was largely driven by the government's push for quick economic wins. “It was a very quick tweak to existing visa conditions,” he said. “So straight away, it sort of spread around the world. And digital nomads are a bit of a hot topic pretty much everywhere.”

While other nations had already adopted similar policies, New Zealand’s update not only legitimises what was already happening but also helps remove ambiguity for both travellers and employers. “We’ve had digital nomads in New Zealand for years,” Paul explained. “People have been coming here and working remotely for a long time—they just didn’t realise whether they were allowed to or not.”

Kirsty noted the broader implications for New Zealand’s economy, especially given the uptick in tourism spend. “I was reading an article earlier that showcased that tourism has actually had quite a positive impact in terms of hotels, bars, restaurants, and car rentals,” she said. “So we've already started to see the impact.”

The pair also explored whether the visa could play a role in reversing the so-called ‘brain drain’ that New Zealand has faced in recent years. Paul offered a nuanced perspective: “Will it solve the problem? No. But it will certainly help to bring people into the country who will hopefully stay. These are the kinds of young, bright, qualified, reasonably well-paid people that we want.”

On the matter of local job competition, Paul was optimistic. “The reality is the numbers won’t be that high,” he noted. “And these are people who cannot work for New Zealand employers while here unless they go through proper channels. So nothing has changed in that respect.”

Kirsty agreed, adding that the industries benefiting most are already highly globalised: “It is mainly in that tech space where we are seeing that remote working continue, whereas other operations are slowly trying to bring people back.”

In contrast to many immigration policies that carry unintended consequences, Paul described this one as refreshingly straightforward. “It’s one of those rare policies where it was such a simple change… we're fixing something that people were already doing and simply clarifying it.”

As for potential downsides, Paul mentioned that the only foreseeable complication might involve taxation issues if remote workers extend their stay beyond 90 days. However, he reassured that these challenges would likely be addressed in time. “There are really no downside issues with this kind of approach. It has the potential to attract some really great longer-term skilled migrants.”

Tips for Digital Nomads Planning to Work from New Zealand

If you're considering New Zealand as your next remote work destination, here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth experience:

Know the Visa Conditions
While marketed as a digital nomad visa, this is technically a modification of the existing visitor visa. You’re allowed to work remotely for an overseas employer or your own international business, but you cannot engage with any New Zealand-based clients or employers unless you apply for a separate work visa.

Stay Within the Time Limit
The visa allows stays of up to 6 months, but it's important to keep in mind that staying longer than 90 days may bring you into New Zealand’s tax residency territory. Be sure to consult a tax advisor if you plan to extend your stay.

Secure Health Insurance
Even though it’s a visitor visa, having private health insurance is highly recommended. It ensures you’re covered during your stay and may be a requirement depending on your nationality.

Choose Digital-Nomad-Friendly Locations
Cities like Auckland and Wellington offer great coworking spaces, reliable internet, and a vibrant social scene. For a quieter pace, Queenstown and the Bay of Islands provide stunning views and peaceful work environments.

Get a Local SIM Card and Bank Account
For longer stays, setting up a local SIM and possibly a bank account can simplify your day-to-day life, especially if you're paying rent or signing up for local services.

Be Respectful of Local Culture and Environment
New Zealanders, or Kiwis, value sustainability and community. Make an effort to learn about local customs, including the importance of Māori culture, and take steps to minimise your environmental footprint.

New Zealand’s digital nomad visa is more than just a visa—it's an invitation to experience a country that blends natural beauty with cutting-edge remote work infrastructure. As Kirsty Henegan put it, “It’s great to see that the visa has now come in line with what people were already doing.” And with the potential to attract skilled talent, boost tourism, and grow New Zealand’s reputation as a forward-thinking nation, the benefits are clear.

For anyone considering working remotely from New Zealand, now might be the perfect time to pack your bags and plug in from paradise.