New Zealand
Living or working in New Zealand: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Apply for a long‑stay or working visa if you plan to stay over 90 days; digital nomad visas are for remote work up to 12 months, while Working Holiday visas let young travellers work up to 12 months (or 23 months for UK citizens). Plan ahead: start the application 3–4 months before travel and check eligibility criteria.
More
GuideNew Zealand
Key facts
- Digital Nomad Visa length
- 12 months
- Working Holiday Visa length
- 12 months (23 months for UK)
- Minimum stay for long‑stay visa
- Over 90 days
- Application processing time
- 3–4 months (check)
- Cost (2026 estimate)
- NZD $350–$500 depending on visa type (check)
Quick answer
If you intend to stay longer than three months, apply for a long‑stay visa (e.g., Skilled Migrant, Entrepreneur, or Student). For remote workers, the Digital Nomad Visa allows up to 12 months of stay and work for a foreign employer. Young travellers (18‑30/35) can use the Working Holiday Visa to work and travel for up to a year (or 23 months for UK nationals). Start the online application at least three months before your planned arrival.
Visa options and costs
All visas are applied online via the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) portal. You will need a valid passport, proof of funds, health insurance, and, for work visas, a job offer or contract.
| Visa type | Stay limit | Eligibility | Fee (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad | 12 months | Remote work for non‑NZ employer, income ≥ NZD $100 k/yr | 350 (check) |
| Working Holiday | 12 months (23 months UK) | Age 18‑30 (35 UK), passport from eligible country | 210 (check) |
| Skilled Migrant (Long‑stay) | Indefinite | Points‑based, job offer or qualifications | 440 (check) |
| Entrepreneur | Up to 3 years, renewable | Business plan, investment ≥ NZD $100 k | 440 (check) |
| Student (Long‑stay) | Course length + 2 months | Enrolment in approved programme | 330 (check) |
Fees are 2026 estimates; confirm on Immigration New Zealand website.
Application steps
- Create an account on the INZ online portal.
- Select the visa category that matches your purpose.
- Gather required documents: passport, proof of income or enrolment, health insurance, police clearance (if required).
- Pay the visa fee and submit the application.
- Wait for processing (typically 3–4 months).
- If approved, receive an e‑visa; print it and carry it with your passport.
Important notes
Health insurance covering the whole stay is mandatory for all long‑stay visas.
Some visas (e.g., Working Holiday) have annual caps per nationality; check the latest quota.
Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of remote employment and a minimum income threshold.
Visa conditions may restrict the type of work you can do; always read the condition summary.
If you plan to drive, ensure your licence is valid in NZ (English licence or IDP).
Questions people ask
What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in New Zealand?
Long‑stay visas cover stays over 90 days for work, study or business; the Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers up to 12 months, while Working Holiday visas let young travellers work while touring. All require online application, proof of funds, and health insurance.
How much does it cost?
Fees range from NZD $210 for a Working Holiday visa to about NZD $440 for Skilled Migrant or Entrepreneur visas; Digital Nomad visas are around NZD $350. Check the Immigration New Zealand site for exact 2026 rates.
When should I plan for it?
Start the application at least three to four months before your intended arrival. Processing can take up to 12 weeks, and some visa categories have annual quotas that fill early in the year.
Can I work for any employer on a Working Holiday visa?
Yes, you can work for any employer, but the job must be temporary and you cannot stay with the same employer for more than six months in a row.
Do I need a police clearance?
A police clearance is required for most long‑stay work visas (Skilled Migrant, Entrepreneur) and for Working Holiday visas from some countries; check the specific requirement for your passport.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about New Zealand
Loading…
Was this useful?