## New Visa Rules for Digital Nomads

New Zealand's **economic growth minister**, **Nicola Willis**, has announced exciting changes to visitor visas, now allowing **remote work** for foreign companies while in the country. This initiative targets **digital nomads**, including IT specialists and influencers, provided they are not earning income from New Zealand sources.

### Who Benefits?
The new regulations extend to all visitor visas, covering tourists and those visiting family. **Visitor visas** can be extended for up to **nine months**, but it's essential to note that working in New Zealand for more than **90 days** may require individuals to declare themselves as New Zealand tax residents.

### Aiming for High-Value Tourists
Willis emphasized that the new rules are designed to attract **high-value tourists**, particularly from the **United States** and **Asia**. These travelers are expected to be highly skilled professionals connected to leading global firms.

![Nicola Willis](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/10bf515c7d166e817bdfe50a545ca082?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=656&cropW=984&xPos=33&yPos=0&width=862&height=575)
*Nicola Willis made the announcement on Monday.*

### Addressing Modern Work Dynamics
The changes clarify rules about checking work emails while on holidays or family visits, aiming to attract a tourism market previously untapped by New Zealand. **Immigration Minister Erica Stanford** stated that the visitor visa will allow work without additional costs, making it simple and straightforward.

### The Economic Impact
While it’s challenging to predict the exact number of additional tourists, the rise of **remote work during holidays** is an increasingly popular trend worldwide. **Tourism Minister Louise Upston** highlighted that international remote workers tend to stay longer and spend more during their visits.

### Infrastructure Considerations
However, local leaders like **Queenstown Lakes Mayor Glyn Lewers** have raised concerns regarding the need for more infrastructure to support the influx of visitors, ensuring that local taxpayers are not left to bear the costs.

### Looking Ahead
The announcement is part of a broader strategy to boost tourism numbers, identified as a top priority for the government's growth plan. Prime Minister **Christopher Luxon** has also pointed to changes in international education settings and foreign investment as additional growth avenues. 

This landmark decision comes in the context of New Zealand's recent economic performance, which has drawn attention for lagging behind other developed nations.

The so-called "digital nomads" include visitors such as IT specialists, as long as they are not receiving any income from NZ sources. 

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