Digital nomad visa announcement

The story so far

Ministers announced plans to relax visitor visa rules so that overseas workers, such as IT specialists and influencers, can work for foreign employers while visiting New Zealand.^{27 Jan 2025} The changes may let visitors extend their stays from three to six months, and some could stay for up to nine months.^{27, 28 Jan 2025} Finance and Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis made the announcement at Wellington Airport, saying the aim is to boost economic growth through high-volume tourism.^{27 Jan 2025} Some have questioned how much economic benefit the changes will bring.^{27 Jan 2025} A separate new visa was also announced for highly skilled, highly paid remote workers, allowing them to work for overseas employers for up to nine months.^{28 Jan 2025}

Latest

Digital nomads can now apply to live and work in New Zealand for nine months, and the policy has drawn interest from overseas, including reportedly from some Americans affected by the Los Angeles fires.^{28 Jan 2025}

Key moments

1. 27 Jan 2025Ministers announce plan to let visitors work for foreign employers.
2. 27 Jan 2025Willis announces the visa changes at Wellington Airport, citing economic growth.
3. 28 Jan 2025New visa announced for highly paid remote workers, up to nine months.
4. 28 Jan 2025Applications open this week, with overseas interest reported.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.