New Zealand relaxes visa rules to lure digital nomads and influencers
New Zealand relaxes visa rules to lure digital nomads and influencers
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Changes mean visitors and influencers working for foreign employers can stay longer in bid to boost tourism. New Zealand has relaxed its visitor visa rules to attract so-called “digital nomads” in a bid to boost tourism and the economy. Visitor visas will now allow people to work remotely for a foreign employer while they are visiting New Zealand for up to 90 days. The visa can be extended up to nine months but visitors may need to pay tax during this time.
Economic growth minister Nicola Willis said making it easier for digital nomads – people who work remotely while travelling – to work in New Zealand, will boost the country’s appeal as a destination. The visa would extend to influencers, as long as they are being paid by an overseas company.
“We simply won’t get rich selling to ourselves,” she told a media conference, adding that she wanted to give people around the world good reasons to spend and invest in New Zealand. Highly skilled IT workers from the US and east Asia will be targeted in a promotional campaign.
“We want more wealth and super-talented people coming in the arrival gates,” Willis said. Digital nomads work for overseas companies, so they would not be competing with New Zealanders for local jobs, Willis said, adding that while some may bend the rules, the benefits outweighed the risks.
