The New Zealand government has introduced changes to its visa regulations to attract digital nomads. As of January 27, 2025, remote workers visiting the country under NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) are now allowed to work for overseas employers.

Contents:

  1. What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
  2. How to Apply for an NZeTA?
  3. What are the Benefits for New Zealand?

What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an entry authorization that travelers must obtain from New Zealand’s immigration authorities to visit the country. In practice, it functions as a short-term visa equivalent, but only for nationals of countries that have a visa-waiver agreement with New Zealand.

Before these changes, NZeTA was strictly a visitor visa and did not permit any form of employment. However, with the new regulations, it has effectively become an alternative to a Digital Nomad Visa. 

A Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is available in many countries, allowing individuals to work remotely in one country while residing in another.

Digital Nomad Visa vs NZeTA

Characteristic

Digital Nomad Visa (in other countries)

NZeTA (New Zealand)

Official status

Digital Nomad Visa.

Visitor Visa.

Duration

6–12 months.

90 days.

Extension possibility

2 to 5 years, depending on the country.

Up to 9 months.

Income requirements

It is mandatory in most countries.

No requirements.

Taxes

Tax residency applies.

Tax residency after 90 days of stay.

How to Apply for an NZeTA?

The NZeTA application can be submitted online for NZD 23 (~USD 14) or via a mobile app for NZD 17 (~USD 10), with an additional IVL (International Visitor Levy) fee of NZD 35 (~USD 21). Once submitted, it is processed by New Zealand immigration authorities, and a response is typically received within approximately 3.5 weeks.

What are the Benefits for New Zealand?

In 2024, New Zealand entered a technical recession, facing a decline in consumer spending and rising unemployment rates. The government sees digital nomads as a temporary solution to improve the situation, as they spend money without competing for local jobs. Unlike traditional workers, they do not require additional government spending, subsidies, or benefits, making it a win-win scenario for the economy.

There is also a long-term strategic goal: encouraging remote workers to settle in New Zealand permanently. This could mean applying for a work visa or starting a business in the country.

A clear indicator of this strategy is the mandatory tax residency status after 90 days of stay. This effectively forces remote workers to make a choice: stay and obtain a full work visa, or continue using NZeTA but start paying New Zealand taxes.