Whether you're looking for a new adventure, a change of scenery, or simply a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, New Zealand is an interesting destination for digital nomads.
New Zealand offers, in fact, a unique opportunity for digital nomads, providing a safe, stable, and beautiful place to live and work while exploring the country's many wonders.
The Land of the Long White Cloud, as it's often referred to, is fast becoming a popular destination for remote workers, who are drawn to its stunning natural beauty, high quality of life, and welcoming culture.
For those seeking to work and live in New Zealand as digital nomads, keep reading as you will go through anything you need to know about the digital nomad visa options New Zealand offers and how you can apply.
Does New Zealand Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Unfortunately, New Zealand doesn't have a specific visa for digital nomads.
However, the country offers a long-term visa that is easy to obtain for remote workers and location-independent workers. It’s called Visitor Visa and allows digital nomads and remote workers to stay in the country for 3 to 9 months.
New Zealand Visitor Visa For Digital Nomads: Overview
Passport holders of some countries and territories that are planning to visit for a brief period do not have to apply for a visa before they travel to New Zealand but must apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
The NZeTA, in fact, must be requested before you travel there if you:
- Travel on a passport from a country on the list of visa waiver countries and territories, and are visiting for up to 3 months, or if you are a British citizen, up to 6 months
If you are in New Zealand and wish to extend your stay, you must apply for a visa, not an NZeTA.
The Visitor Visa is valid for many visits and up to 2 years.
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Apply with iVisa nowWho Can Apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
Individuals from countries NOT on the visa waiver list below might apply for a Visitor Visa:
| Andorra | Argentina | Austria |
| Bahrain | Belgium | Brazil |
| Brunei | Bulgaria | Canada |
| Chile | Croatia | Cyprus |
| Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia (citizens only) |
| Finland | France | Germany |
| Greece | Hong Kong (residents with HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only) | Hungary |
| Iceland | Ireland | Israel |
| Italy | Japan | Korea, South |
| Kuwait | Latvia (citizens only) | Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania (citizens only) | Luxembourg | Macau (only if you have a Macau Special Administrative Region passport) |
| Malaysia | Malta | Mauritius |
| Mexico | Monaco | Netherlands |
| Norway | Oman | Poland |
| Portugal (if you have the right to live permanently in Portugal) | Qatar | Romania |
| San Marino | Saudi Arabia | Seychelles |
| Singapore | Slovak Republic | Slovenia |
| Spain | Sweden | Switzerland |
| Taiwan (if you are a permanent resident) | United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom (UK) (if you are traveling on a UK or British passport that shows you have the right to reside permanently in the UK) |
| United States of America (USA) (including USA nationals) | Uruguay | Vatican City |
People from these countries and territories do not have to apply for a Visitor Visa before they travel to New Zealand but must hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) if they are visiting for up to 3 months — or, if they are British citizens, up to 6 months.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa as a Digital Nomad
You can apply online (and check the criteria) at the following link: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta
Once you have requested an NZeTA you can check its status at the following link: https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/check-status
Documents Required for Applying To The New Zealand Visitor Visa as a Digital Nomad
This is the list of documents that will be required from you:
- A copy of your passport
- Fill out and sign the form INZ1017 (the form is filled out both for one person and the whole family).
- Visa fee payment receipt
- 2 color photos
- Proof of sufficient funds or a completed sponsorship form (INZ 1025) if you do not have a local sponsor
- Paid return ticket
- If you are traveling with your spouse and children, you will need a marriage certificate and proof that you are the parent/guardian of the children
The photo you submit with an online application must be:
- between 500 KB and 3 MB
- between 900 x 1200 pixels and 2250 x 3000 pixels
- a JPG (or JPEG) file
- X-ray of the chest (details on this page of the New Zealand Immigration website)
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Apply with iVisa nowHow Much Does The New Zealand Visitor Visa Cost as a Digital Nomad?
An NZeTA request costs NZD 17 on the government-free app, or NZD 23 if completed online.
You pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as your NZeTA. This cost NZD 35.
Timeline for Applying For The New Zealand Visitor Visa as a Digital Nomad
According to the New Zealand government website, the average processing time for the Visitor Visa is within 22 days. They also mention that 90% of applications are currently completed within a maximum of 53 days.
Funds or Sponsorship for New Zealand Visitor Visa
Ensure you have sufficient funds for your stay in New Zealand.
If you're paying for yourself, you must have at least NZD $1,000 per month, or NZD $400 per month if your accommodation is pre-paid.
Proof can include:
- bank statements
- credit card statements
- bank draft
- travelers’ cheques
- proof of accommodation pre-payment.
If you're sponsored, your sponsor must provide evidence that they can support you, which might include bank statements, pay slips, an employment agreement, and evidence of accommodation ownership or payment of rent.
Onward Travel After Your Stay in New Zealand
Upon arrival in New Zealand, you may be asked to show evidence of your intention to leave the country, such as a return ticket or proof you have enough money to buy a ticket out of New Zealand.
This is in addition to the funds you have to live on.
Health Care During Your Stay in New Zealand
You must agree to pay for your own health care or any medical assistance you receive in New Zealand.
It's highly recommended to have full medical insurance for the length of your visit.
What If I’m Not Eligible For The New Zealand Visitor Visa As A Digital Nomad?
For those looking to work remotely, the Work Holiday Visa is another viable option to consider.
Compared to the Visitor Visa, New Zealand’s working holiday visa allows people aged 18 to 30 to work and travel in the country for up to 12 months.
Digital nomads from certain countries, such as the UK or Canada, can stay for up to 23 months if they provide a General Medical certificate.
If you’re from either of these countries below, you can be up to 35 years old and still qualify:
- Argentina
- Canada
- Chile
- Czech
- Finland
- Hungary
- Uruguay
- Slovakia
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Requirements for Applying To The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
If you are looking to apply for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, you will need to follow these requirements:
- Have a passport that will be valid for more than 15 months from the time of your application
- Do not have any dependent(s) traveling to New Zealand with you.
- Have a minimum of NZD 4,200 (around $2,700 with the 2024 exchange rate) to support yourself in New Zealand.
- Must be able to document that you have return flight arrangements
You’ll have to submit your application for a working holiday visa through the official website of the New Zealand government.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the countries with the highest satisfaction rates among expats.
It’s an English-speaking country, making it easier for most of the digital nomads to get in touch with the culture.
New Zealand is also rich in natural sites. Mountains, lakes, and even glaciers are abundant, and you will have a great time there as a digital nomad if you like nature.
Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in New Zealand
Residents of New Zealand are responsible for paying taxes on their entire global income, while non-residents are only taxed on the income derived from within New Zealand.
Getting an IRD number, which is a tax number in New Zealand, is crucial if you will be earning income in New Zealand.
Failing to have one will result in being taxed at the highest rate possible.
Therefore, make sure to apply for an IRD number as soon as you arrive in New Zealand if you plan to earn income in New Zealand.
The good news is that obtaining an IRD number is both free and straightforward, with the option to apply online here.
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