New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa
February 27, 2025
New Zealand now offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, allowing stays of up to 90 days, extendable to 9 months. The application fee is NZD $341 (about $193 USD) plus a $100 IVL fee. There’s no minimum income requirement, but applicants must show proof of remote work and sufficient savings (around NZD $7,000). Applications are processed in about 3.5 weeks, and the visa is ideal for remote employees, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs.
This visa is a great option for remote workers looking to balance work and travel in one of the most scenic countries in the world.
To apply for New Zealand's digital nomad visa, you’ll need a valid passport that remains current for the duration of your stay . While there isn’t a strict age limit, applicants must prove they can work remotely and support themselves financially while in New Zealand. These are the basic criteria, forming the starting point for further evaluations related to work and health.
There’s no set minimum income requirement for this visa . Instead, applicants need to provide evidence of their remote work setup:
"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 Tourism Minister Louise Upston .
Applicants must meet New Zealand’s health and security guidelines. Health requirements include:
For background checks, applicants must provide:
The FBI background check typically costs around US$18, while apostille certification costs about US$20 per document . Immigration New Zealand may reject applications if the applicant is likely to need hospitalization, residential care, expensive medications, or disability services .
You can apply online through Immigration New Zealand's portal by following these steps:
Make sure all documents are in English. Here's what you'll need:
Double-check that all documents meet the specified requirements to avoid delays.
The application fee for the digital nomad visa is NZD $341. Additionally, there's an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100 . Immigration New Zealand processes about 80% of applications within 3.5 weeks , though this may vary depending on the volume of applications and whether your documents are complete.
To improve your chances of approval, ensure your application is thorough and all required documents are included.
The cost of living in New Zealand depends heavily on where you settle. Larger cities like Auckland and Queenstown tend to be pricier, while smaller towns are easier on the wallet. Here's a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
Food prices have risen by 9.6% from July 2022 to July 2023 . A single person should budget around $815–$1,000 per month for essentials, excluding rent. In cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown, monthly costs can range from $3,500 to $4,000 . To manage these expenses, reliable internet is crucial for remote work.
New Zealand offers reliable, high-speed internet thanks to nationwide broadband upgrades. Speeds typically reach 100 Mbps for downloads and 50 Mbps for uploads .
Coworking spaces are widely available, catering to different needs and budgets:
| Space | Location | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| BizDojo | Multiple cities | $399 | Fitness programs, pet-friendly |
| ARGO Beach | Coastal areas | $480 | Sea views, standing desks |
| Exchange Christchurch | Christchurch | $299 | Community events |
| Servcorp | Major cities | $200 | Premium facilities |
New Zealand's banking system is well-suited for temporary residents, offering mobile apps, international payment options, multi-currency accounts, and travel-friendly credit cards. These tools make managing high living costs easier.
For international money transfers, services like Wise and OFX provide competitive exchange rates. If you're in areas with spotty internet, offline-capable budgeting apps can help you keep track of spending.
Keep in mind that living in New Zealand is not cheap. For example, a single person in Auckland needs at least $1,570 monthly for basic expenses . Make sure to account for both fixed and variable costs when planning your budget.
Starting January 27, 2025, the visa allows an initial stay of 90 days, with the option to extend up to nine months. This update is particularly helpful for US visitors who previously had six-month visas.
This visa has clear restrictions to safeguard the local job market. Here's a breakdown of what you can and cannot do under the digital nomad visa:
| Permitted Activities | Prohibited Activities |
|---|---|
| Remote work for overseas employers | Working for New Zealand companies |
| Serving international clients | Providing services to local businesses |
| Online business management | Physical presence in New Zealand workplaces |
| Virtual meetings and collaboration | Local contract work |
If your work involves New Zealand-based companies, you’ll need a different type of work visa. For business activities tied to foreign companies in New Zealand, a Business Visitor Visa might be a better fit.
Tax obligations are another critical factor for digital nomads in New Zealand. Here's a quick breakdown of the tax thresholds:
New Zealand has tax treaties with over 40 countries, which can help avoid double taxation. However, consulting a tax professional is highly recommended to ensure you meet all requirements specific to your situation.
New Zealand's digital nomad visa stands out with its quick processing time (80% of applications are approved within 3.5 weeks), no minimum income requirement, and an initial 90-day stay for a fee of NZD 341 . These features make it an appealing option for remote workers looking to explore New Zealand. Here's how you can prepare for a smooth application process.
To make the most of this opportunity, keep these key steps in mind:
Additionally, explore other options like the Working Holiday Visa, which allows stays of up to 23 months for certain nationalities. For tailored advice, consult an immigration professional .
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