Oceania
New Zealand offers stunning natural landscapes, high quality of life, and excellent infrastructure for remote workers. While there is no dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, from January 27, 2025, all visitor visas allow unlimited remote work for overseas employers or clients. Citizens from 60+ visa-waiver countries can apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and stay up to 90 days (6 months for UK citizens). The Working Holiday Visa is popular among young travelers (18-30/35) from 41+ countries.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
Electronic travel authority for visa waiver country citizens. Allows stays up to 90 days (180 for UK nationals) with remote work permitted for overseas employers since January 2025.
Since 27 January 2025, all NZeTAs allow unlimited remote work for employers/clients outside New Zealand. Cannot work for NZ-based employers. Self-employed digital nomads serving overseas clients are explicitly permitted.
Non-residents working remotely: no NZ tax if staying under 92 days in any 12-month period. Tax treaty country residents may stay up to 183 days. Over these thresholds, may need to pay NZ income tax. NZ tax rates (from 1 Apr 2025): 10.5% up to NZD 15,600; 17.5% NZD 15,601-53,500; 30% NZD 53,501-78,100; 33% NZD 78,101-180,000; 39% over NZD 180,000.
For young people (18-30, or 18-35 for some countries) to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months (23-36 months for UK nationals).
Minimum $4,200/one_time
Alternative: UK: NZD 350/month. Malaysia/Singapore: NZD 2,250. Thailand: NZD 7,000. Most other countries: NZD 4,200. Plus funds for return ticket.
Working Holiday Visa is an open work visa — you can work for any employer and do any type of work, including remote work. Work must be as an employee, not operating a business.
Extension: 90 days (max 1x)
Cost: Free
Process: Can extend 3 months after completing 3 months seasonal work. UK citizens can stay up to 36 months total, Canadians up to 23 months.
Renewal: One-time visa only - cannot reapply. UK citizens can stay 36 months, Canadians 23 months, others typically 12 months.
Working holiday income earned in NZ is fully taxable. You need an IRD number. NZ tax rates (from 1 Apr 2025): 10.5% up to NZD 15,600; 17.5% NZD 15,601-53,500; 30% NZD 53,501-78,100; 33% NZD 78,101-180,000; 39% over NZD 180,000. ACC levy also applies.
Main work visa for skilled workers with a job offer from an NZ-accredited employer. Up to 5 years for ANZSCO levels 1-3, or 3 years for levels 4-5. Median wage NZD 35/hr from March 2026.
Minimum $72,800/per_year
Alternative: Minimum NZ minimum wage for most roles. Median wage NZD 35.00/hr (= NZD 72,800/yr) from 9 March 2026. Earning 2x median (NZD 70/hr) exempts from skill documentation. ANZSCO 4-5 max 3 years.
Must work in the specific role for the accredited employer named on the visa. Cannot do freelance/remote work for other employers. The visa is tied to a specific job and employer.
Extension: 1825 days (max x)
Cost: 1,540 NZD
Process: Can apply for new AEWV before current one expires. After maximum continuous stay (5 years for most, 3 years for ANZSCO 4-5), must leave NZ for 12 months before reapplying.
Renewal: Pathway to Skilled Migrant Category residence for qualifying roles. Green List occupations may qualify for Straight to Residence.
Fully taxable in NZ on worldwide income once tax resident (183+ days). NZ tax rates (from 1 Apr 2025): 10.5%-39% progressive. New residents get 4-year transitional exemption on most foreign passive income. ACC levy applies. KiwiSaver optional.
Standard visitor visa for longer stays up to 9 months. Allows remote work for overseas employers since January 2025. Multiple-entry or single-entry options.
Since 27 January 2025, all visitor visas allow unlimited remote work for employers/clients outside New Zealand. Self-employed and digital nomads working for overseas clients are explicitly permitted. No income limit. Cannot work for NZ employers.
Remote workers: no NZ tax if under 92 days in any 12-month period. Tax treaty residents may stay up to 183 days tax-free on foreign income. Beyond thresholds, NZ income tax applies. Rates (from 1 Apr 2025): 10.5%-39% progressive. New residents get 4-year transitional exemption on most foreign passive income.
Points-based residence visa for skilled workers. Requires 6 points from qualifications, income, and NZ work experience. Grants indefinite stay with pathway to permanent residence after 2 years.
As a resident visa holder, you have unrestricted work rights. You can work for any employer, be self-employed, or work remotely for overseas clients.
As NZ resident, taxed on worldwide income. Rates (from 1 Apr 2025): 10.5%-39% progressive. New residents get 4-year transitional exemption on most foreign passive income. KiwiSaver available.
Fast-track residence for highly skilled workers in Tier 1 Green List occupations (healthcare, engineering, ICT, construction, science). Grants indefinite stay immediately.
As a resident visa holder, you have unrestricted work rights. You can work for any employer, be self-employed, or work remotely.
As NZ resident, taxed on worldwide income. Rates (from 1 Apr 2025): 10.5%-39% progressive. New residents get 4-year transitional exemption on foreign passive income.
For international students studying full-time at approved NZ institutions. Up to 4 years. Part-time work 25 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays.
Student visa allows part-time work (25 hours/week during term). Remote work for overseas clients counts toward work hours. Full-time remote work during holidays is permitted.
Part-time work income is taxable in NZ. You need an IRD number. Rates (from 1 Apr 2025): 10.5%-39% progressive.
Open work visa for graduates of NZ institutions. Duration matches study length, up to 3 years for masters/doctoral. Pathway to skilled residence.
Open work visa — you can work for any employer, including remote work for overseas clients. Degree-level+ holders have fully open work rights.
Fully taxable in NZ on worldwide income if resident (183+ days). Rates (from 1 Apr 2025): 10.5%-39% progressive. New residents get 4-year transitional exemption on foreign passive income.
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 3, 2025