The latest update from Immigration New Zealand will allow tourists to work remotely without breaking their visa conditions. Previously, under a visitor visa you weren’t allowed to do any work at all. This caused some friction with the likes of social media influencers and streamers, who help advertise New Zealand as a holiday destination while not taking jobs away from Kiwis.
The new rules will allow any visitor to work remotely while on holiday in New Zealand. There are some key rules to note however:
· You cannot work for a New Zealand employer.
· You cannot provide goods or services to anyone in New Zealand.
· You cannot do any work that would require you to be at a physical workplace in New Zealand.
The rules are clear that the intention of the change is to allow tourists to continue working for their current employer abroad, while still visiting New Zealand. Your work should be done remotely as if you were still at home, your work shouldn’t be “here” in New Zealand.
Please note that you still need to meet all of the usual requirements for a visitor visa, including visiting for a lawful purpose. Immigration New Zealand has specifically stated that “coming to work remotely” is not considered a lawful purpose for tourism. You are allowed to work remotely while on holiday, but if your purpose for coming is for work then it is not a holiday.
Please also remember that if you’re working in New Zealand for more than 92 days in a 12-month period, you should check if this results in any tax implications for you.
These new rules are effective immediately and apply to anyone who applied for a visitor visa on 27 January 2025 onwards. If you are already in New Zealand on a visitor visa, the change unfortunately does not apply for you.
If you are interested in applying for a visitor visa, or any other kind of visa for New Zealand, please contact us. Queen City Law is an award winning law firm that specialises in litigation, commercial, property, and immigration law. Our team of experts would be more than happy to help you with your immigration needs. You can read more about us at the following links:
https://www.queencitylaw.co.nz/about
https://www.queencitylaw.co.nz/services/immigration