New Zealand relaxes visas for 'digital nomads'

From January 27, New Zealand officially relaxed visa regulations to allow tourists to work remotely in other countries while visiting the country, commonly known as 'digital nomad' workers.

New Zealand changes visa regulations to attract tourism, boosting the economy

New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced today, January 27, adjustments related to visa relaxation that will allow foreigners to still be able to work remotely while visiting the country.

"This is a brand new tourism market that New Zealand can tap into. We want people to see this country as an ideal place to visit and work," Reuters quoted Minister Stanford as saying.

The new changes will apply to all visa categories, including tourism and family visits.

Visitor visas can be extended for up to 9 months, but after 3 months of remote work in New Zealand visitors will be required to pay tax.

Speaking at a press conference afterwards, Ms Stanford admitted it was unclear how many foreigners would take advantage of the opportunity. However, the “digital nomad” trend is hugely popular around the world and New Zealand is focusing on those who want the opportunity to work while they are in the country.

"I expect that during their time here they will stay in New Zealand longer than usual, and they will spend more because of the extended stay, and we really hope that the extended stay will make them fall in love with the country," the minister said.

New Zealand's economy technically entered recession in the third quarter of 2024 and the government is looking for measures to stimulate growth.

New Zealand's tourism sector has yet to fully recover from the Covid-19 border closures, with overseas visitor numbers last year still only around 86% of pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

"The government's ambition is that the new visa rules will establish New Zealand as a haven for the world's talent," Reuters quoted Economic Development Minister Nicola Willis as saying on January 27. According to the minister, the new rules are aimed at high-value visitors, especially from the United States and Asia.

Ms Willis hopes that in some cases the new visa rules will encourage "digital nomads" and the companies they work for to consider expanding their business operations in New Zealand in the future.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/new-zealand-noi-long-thi-thuc-cho-dien-du-muc-ky-thuat-so-185250127094002412.htm