New Zealand has introduced new visa rules allowing international visitors to work remotely while in the country, the government announced on Monday, January 27. The policy, effective immediately, is part of a wider plan to stimulate economic growth.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said it would make New Zealand more attractive to “digital nomads”-people who mix work and travel by working remotely. It will increase the country’s appeal as a destination for such workers, she said.
“Tourism is a vital sector for New Zealand, ranking second as an export earner,” said Willis. “It contributes almost $11 billion to revenue and directly supports nearly 200,000 jobs.” According to Statistics New Zealand, the sector had not yet recovered fully from COVID-19 border closures with international visitor numbers sitting at about 86 percent of what they were before the pandemic.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford noted that the updated visa rules align with the nature of modern, flexible work environments. “This opens up a new market of tourists for New Zealand to attract,” she added. “We want people to view our country as the perfect place to both visit and work.”
Stanford further explained that visitors intending to stay and work remotely for more than 90 days might want to consider possible tax implications. She said, “This change will allow many travelers to extend their stays, resulting in increased spending within the country and further boosting the local economy.”
It reflects the country’s strides to reflect trends globally and maximize the increase in adoption of remote work while offering New Zealand as a leading destination for digital nomads around the world.
