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New Zealand Digital Nomad Visa: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Find out how to apply for your digital nomad visa for New Zealand here. The options available, the step-by-step guide and more.
New Zealand, known for its stunning scenery and laid-back lifestyle, has emerged as a fascinating destination for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and the adventure of living in a new culture. Digital nomad visa New Zealand is not an official term, but refers to the types of visas that allow you to work remotely from New Zealand. Although the country does not have a specific visa for digital nomads, there are viable options that allow those working remotely to enjoy an extended stay.
In this article, we will focus on two main visas: the Working Holiday Visa and the Visitor Visa, both chosen by digital nomads to make the most of their time in New Zealand. The Working Holiday Visa is particularly attractive for young people who wish to work and explore, while the Visitor Visa is suitable for those who only wish to spend some time in New Zealand without settling there for work.
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What is the Working Holiday Visa and how does it work?
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa came about as a bilateral agreement between New Zealand and several other nations. Originally, its purpose was to make it easier for young people aged 18-30 (or up to 35 in some cases) to travel, work and live in New Zealand for a maximum period of 12 months (or 23 months for British and Canadian citizens). The idea behind this visa is to offer a valuable cultural exchange, allowing visitors to cover part of their travel expenses by working temporarily in the country.
Although not designed specifically for digital nomads, the Working Holiday Visa has been adopted by many digital nomads, especially those who want to combine remote work with the opportunity to experience the culture and environment of New Zealand. The visa allows you to work in the country, which is an advantage if you are looking to supplement your freelance income or enjoy temporary employment while exploring the region.
This visa is mainly intended for young people who wish to work and also want to get to know the local culture, the New Zealand way of life and enjoy its tourist attractions. It has become one of the most viable options for digital nomads due to its flexibility and the opportunities it offers both inside and outside the workplace. The current Working Holiday visa application fee is 455 New Zealand dollars (NZD), i.e. 280 US dollars.
Features of the Working Holiday Visa for a digital nomad in New Zealand
The Working Holiday Visa has several attractive features for digital nomads:
- Duration of stay: as mentioned above, it allows a stay of up to 12 months for most nationalities and up to 23 months for UK and Canadian nationals.
- Work flexibility: holders of this visa can work for any employer in New Zealand, although there is a limitation on the amount of time they can stay with the same employer (usually a maximum of three months). This makes it ideal for those seeking remote work or temporary contracts while enjoying the New Zealand experience.
- Study opportunities: the visa also allows you to study for up to six months. This can be interesting if you want to improve your skills while working remotely.
- Access to local services: although visa holders do not have access to the same social benefits as residents, they can enjoy a full life experience in New Zealand and take advantage of the country’s amenities during their stay.
- Permitted activities: digital nomads can work remotely for their clients abroad. They also have the possibility to work in local jobs to supplement their income, if they choose to do so. However, they cannot take long-term jobs or set up businesses within the country.
General requirements for applying for a digital nomad visa for New Zealand
To qualify for the Working Holiday Visa, applicants must meet certain basic requirements. While specific conditions may vary according to the country of origin, general requirements include the following:
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old (or 35 years old for citizens of some countries such as the UK and Canada) at the time of application.
- Nationality: The visa is only available to citizens of countries that have a bilateral agreement with New Zealand. These include countries such as Spain, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and several European countries.
- Sufficient funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in New Zealand. Generally, a minimum amount of NZD 4,200 (approx. USD 2,600) is required to cover expenses during the first months.
- Health insurance: Digital nomads should have health insurance to cover the entire duration of their stay.
- Non-accompanying persons: this visa does not allow the inclusion of dependants or family members. If you plan to travel with someone else, each person must apply for their own visa.
- Compliance with the law: a clean record is required, i.e. no convictions for serious crimes and no deportation from another country. A criminal record certificate may be requested in some cases.
What is the New Zealand Visitor Visa and how does it work?
On the other hand, the New Zealand Visitor Visa is designed for those who wish to visit New Zealand for tourism, to visit family or friends, or for recreational activities. Although this visa does not allow you to work for a local company or receive payments from New Zealand, digital nomads often use it for remote working, although the income must come from overseas clients or companies.
The visa allows for stays of up to nine months in a period of 18 months. For those interested in combining remote work with exploration of New Zealand culture and nature, this is a viable option. In addition to this, the Visitor Visa allows you to study short courses of up to three months. The current Visitor Visa application fee is 100 New Zealand Dollars (NZD), around 61 US Dollars.
Features of the Visitor Visa for a digital nomad in New Zealand
The Visitor Visa offers a number of benefits for digital nomads who wish to work remotely while enjoying their stay in New Zealand:
- Duration of stay: allows you to stay in the country for up to nine months within a period of 18 months.
- Study: you can take short courses or study programmes of up to three months.
- Travelling and working remotely: although it does not allow local employment, you can continue your remote work. Provided the income is derived from sources outside New Zealand.
- Multi-entry: the Visitor Visa is a multiple-entry visa. This means that you can leave and re-enter the country for the duration of the visa.
General requirements for applying for a Visitor Visa in New Zealand
To obtain a Visitor Visa, you must meet certain requirements to ensure that you have the financial capacity and the intention to abide by the visa rules. Some of the main requirements are:
- Proof of funds: you must show that you have enough money to cover the costs of your stay, approximately NZD 1,000 per month (approx. USD 600) or NZD 400 (approx. USD 250) if you already have paid accommodation.
- Travel and health insurance: it is recommended that you have health insurance to cover your stay in New Zealand.
- Purpose of visit: you must demonstrate that your primary intention is tourism, visiting family or friends, or any activity permitted under this visa.
- Valid passport: your passport must be valid for at least three months after your intended departure date from New Zealand.
Documentation to submit for the digital nomad visa in New Zealand
To apply for the Working Holiday Visa and the Visitor Visa, it is essential to prepare and submit a number of documents to support your application. These are the documents you will need:
- Valid passport: you must have a valid passport for the duration of your stay in New Zealand. Make sure it is valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter the country.
- Proof of sufficient funds: you will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay. This may include bank statements showing a minimum balance of NZD 4,200 for the Working Holiday Visa. While for the Visitor Visa, the 1,000 NZD per month during your stay we have already mentioned, or NZD 400 if you have already paid for accommodation in advance. You can submit bank statements or letters from sponsors if necessary.
- Medical insurance: proof of medical insurance that covers emergencies and hospital care for the duration of your time in New Zealand is mandatory. Make sure that the insurance is active and valid for the duration of your visa.
- Return ticket or funds to purchase a return ticket: you will be asked to provide proof that you have a return ticket to your home country or that you have sufficient funds to purchase one.
- Criminal record certificate: if you have lived for more than five years in a country outside your country of citizenship, you may be asked to provide a criminal record certificate showing that you have no convictions for serious crimes.
- Completed application form: make sure you fill in the online application form correctly and provide all the requested information.
- Recent photo: a recent, colour photo is required to be attached to your application.
Where can I apply for a digital nomad visa in New Zealand?
The process for applying for a digital nomad visa, either the Working Holiday Visa or the Visitor Visa, is carried out online through the official Immigration New Zealand website. Here are the steps and where you can apply:
- Immigration New Zealand online portal: the New Zealand government’s official web portal is the place to complete the application process. Through this platform, you will be able to upload your documents, make the corresponding payments and receive updates on the status of your application. (www.immigration.govt.nz)
- New Zealand embassies and consulates: if you prefer to get personalised advice before starting the process or if you have specific questions, you can contact the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate in your country. Although most of the paperwork is done online, embassies can provide additional assistance or information if needed.
- Visa Application Centres (VAC): in some countries, New Zealand has agreements with visa application centres. VFS Global is one of them, where they can assist you with taking biometric data and sending additional documents if required during the application process.
For digital nomads outside New Zealand who wish to apply for the Working Holiday Visa, it is essential to ensure that you meet the deadlines and quotas set for each country. Some nations have limited quotas on an annual basis, which means that places can sell out quickly.
Where can I get personalised advice for the digital nomad visa for New Zealand?
The visa process can seem complex, especially if you are unfamiliar with New Zealand’s specific requirements. Fortunately, there are a number of companies and organisations that offer personalised advice for digital nomads who wish to apply for this type of visa:
- Certified immigration advisers: New Zealand government-accredited immigration agencies are an excellent option if you need detailed advice or legal representation during the application process. These agencies often offer assistance in several languages, including English and other common languages such as Spanish or French. Some well-known agencies include Zealand Immigration Advisers and Aroha New Zealand Immigration.
- Online consultancies: there are multiple platforms such as Visa Advisers NZ, which offer virtual advice for those who cannot physically go to an embassy or migration centre. Through video calls or live chats, you can receive real-time guidance on how to manage your visa, the documents you need to submit, and any questions related to the process.
- Online forums and communities: Digital nomads often share their experiences and advice on online forums such as Reddit. Also in specialised social media groups, such as Working Holiday Visa New Zealand on Facebook. These spaces can give you a more practical and personal insight into the challenges and advantages of working remotely in New Zealand.
- NZ Immigration Advisers: this company offers professional advisory services for New Zealand visas, including the Visitor Visa. They have registered advisors who can help you at every stage of the process. They offer services in English and have accessible opening hours.
- New Zealand Shores: this immigration consultancy company has a team specialising in all types of visas for New Zealand. They offer online or face-to-face advice, and can guide you through the process, from collecting documents to submitting your application. They also provide support in several languages, which facilitates communication for foreigners.
- Embassies and consulates: New Zealand consulates and embassies are also a good point of reference if you have specific questions about the legal requirements and processes for visa applications from your home country.
Frequently asked questions when applying for a digital nomad visa for New Zealand
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Working Holiday Visa and the Visitor Visa for digital nomads in New Zealand:
No, the Working Holiday Visa cannot be renewed. If you are a British or Canadian citizen, you can apply for an extension for up to 23 months. Once the limit is reached, you will have to leave the country or seek another type of visa.
Processing time varies according to season and demand. Usually, Working Holiday Visa applications can take between 2 and 6 weeks to be processed. The Visitor Visa is usually processed in a similar manner, within 20 to 40 days.
No, the Visitor Visa does not allow you to work, even remotely, for clients in New Zealand. However, you can do remote work for overseas clients as long as you do not receive income from a New Zealand source.
If your visa application is rejected, you will receive a notification explaining the reason for the rejection. Depending on the reason, you may be able to appeal or submit a new application once you have addressed the problems identified.
Yes, adequate health insurance is compulsory for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.
No, the Working Holiday Visa is individual and does not allow the inclusion of dependants or family members. If your partner wishes to accompany you, he or she must apply for his or her own visa.
In addition to the application fee, you will need to consider the cost of health insurance, maintenance funds, and possible document translation costs. For the Working Holiday Visa, the application fee is NZD 435, while the Visitor Visa costs NZD 100.
