New Zealand has eased its visitor visa rules to attract “digital nomads,” aiming to boost tourism and economic growth.
Under the new rules, visitors can work remotely for foreign employers while staying in New Zealand for up to 90 days. This visa can be extended to nine months, though visitors may be required to pay taxes during their stay.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis highlighted that accommodating digital nomads—individuals who work remotely while traveling—would enhance New Zealand’s appeal. The policy extends to influencers earning from overseas companies. “We won’t get rich selling to ourselves,” Willis said during a media briefing, emphasizing the goal of encouraging global spending and investment in the country. A promotional campaign will target highly skilled IT professionals from the U.S. and East Asia.
Willis assured that digital nomads would not compete with locals for jobs since they work for foreign companies. While acknowledging potential rule-bending, she argued the benefits outweigh the risks. “We’re not going to monitor their emails or work hours. We just want them here spending their money,” she added.
The New Zealand economy has struggled post-pandemic. In 2024, the country experienced the steepest GDP decline among developed nations, driven by high interest rates and unemployment, according to HSBC. Tourism, previously New Zealand’s largest export industry generating $40.9 billion annually, has slowly rebounded, bringing in $37.7 billion in 2023.
New Zealand joins over 50 countries offering digital nomad visas, though this trend has faced criticism elsewhere for contributing to overcrowding and housing market pressures, as seen in Spain, Portugal, and South Africa.
Opposition finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds questioned the economic impact of the policy, calling it inconsistent. She noted that while the government is inviting foreigners to work remotely, it has imposed strict remote work limits on public servants and cut nearly 10,000 public sector jobs to save costs. “With one hand, she’s inviting foreigners to work from home here, while with the other, she’s clamping down on public servants doing the same,” Edmonds said. She urged for sustainable, long-term solutions to address economic challenges rather than short-term fixes.
