The Government is relaxing visitor visa requirements to allow tourists to work remotely while visiting New Zealand.
The announcement on relaxing visa requirements was made by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism Minister Louise Upston said.
Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner generating revenue of almost $11 billion and creating nearly 200,000 jobs. Making the country more attractive to ‘digital nomads’ – people who work remotely while travelling – will boost New Zealand’s attractiveness as a destination.
Erica Stanford said updating the visitor visa reflects the realities of the modern, flexible working environment.
“This is a brand-new market of tourists New Zealand can tap into. We want people to see our country as the ideal place to visit and work while they do it,” said Stanford.
“From today, visitor visas will allow people to work remotely for a foreign employer while they are holidaying here. Anyone who intends to work remotely for more than 90 days should look at possible tax implications. The change will enable many visitors to extend their stays which will lead to more money being spent in the country.”
Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) has welcomed the announcement.
Steve Armitage, Chief Executive, said the changes announced will enable visitors to work remotely while on a visitor visa, and are was a positive step in enabling the growth of tourism and hospitality.
“It is pleasing to see the Government following through on its recent statement regarding the need to accelerate economic growth, with strong acknowledgment that tourism and hospitality are critical drivers. Today’s announcement is not a silver bullet, but it’s certainly a welcome initiative which we hope results in extended stays and increased spend throughout Aotearoa,” said Armitage.
“Digital nomads are a reflection of how the visitor market continues to evolve, and these changes should improve NZ’s attractiveness as a destination. This category of visa has been successful in other countries, attracting skilled professionals who contribute to local economies by spending on accommodation, food and beverage and other services without competing for local jobs.”
“We also note Minister Stanford’s comments regarding the Government’s commitment to supporting a smarter, efficient and predictable immigration system to grow the economy. We look forward to seeing more logical changes to the immigration system in due course.”
Tourism Minister Louise Upston said digital nomad visas had become more common as ways of working become increasingly more digitised and flexible.
“Many countries offer digital nomad visas and the list is growing, so we need to keep pace to ensure New Zealand is an attractive destination for people who want to ‘workcation’ abroad,” said Upston.
“Compared to other kinds of visitors, international remote workers have the potential to spend more time and money in New Zealand, including during the shoulder season.”
The change applies to all visitor visas, including tourists and people visiting family, as well as partners and guardians on longer-term visas.
Only remote work which is based overseas is allowed. Visitors whose employment requires them to be in New Zealand such as sales representatives of overseas companies, performers and people coming to work for New Zealand employers must still obtain visas relevant to their circumstances.
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