New Zealand Allows Remote Work on Visitor Visas Starting January 2025

Original: How travellers can work remotely in New Zealand on a visitor visa

The Economic Times•Apr 5, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

New Zealand will permit visitors to work remotely for overseas employers under updated visa rules effective January 27, 2025. This change allows digital nomads to engage in remote work without restrictions, provided their clients are outside New Zealand, while maintaining strict rules against local employment.

Key Points

01Visitors can work remotely for overseas employers starting January 27, 2025.
02Remote work includes tasks like coding, writing, and online meetings but not for New Zealand businesses.
03Self-employed individuals can also work remotely if their clients are outside New Zealand.
04Visitors cannot engage in any work for local employers under the visitor visa.
05Tax obligations may vary based on the visitor's country of origin and duration of stay.

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Full Summary

New Zealand has updated its visitor visa regulations to allow remote work for overseas employers starting January 27, 2025. This new policy enables visitors, including digital nomads, to perform various tasks such as attending online meetings, coding, and content creation without restrictions on the amount of remote work, as long as their clients are based outside New Zealand. However, visitors are prohibited from engaging in any work for New Zealand-based employers, including collaborations or exchanges for services. Those wishing to work with local companies must apply for an appropriate employment visa. Additionally, visitors should be aware of potential tax obligations, as income may be subject to local tax laws depending on their duration of stay and tax treaties with their home countries. It is advisable for visitors to consult with Inland Revenue to understand their tax responsibilities during their time in New Zealand.

Key Figures

92 days

Duration for potential exemption from local tax obligations

183 days

Threshold for tax exemption for visitors from countries with a tax treaty with New Zealand

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Why It Matters

This change will attract more digital nomads to New Zealand, boosting the local economy through increased tourism and spending.

Who is affected

digital nomads and remote workers

What to know

Potential visitors should review their tax obligations and ensure compliance with the new visa rules.

FAQ

Visitors can engage in remote work for overseas employers, including tasks like coding, writing, and attending online meetings.

Yes, visitors may have tax obligations depending on their income source and duration of stay; those staying less than 92 days may not need to pay local tax.

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