Moving to New Zealand as a Digital Nomad: What You Need to Know in 2025
Digital nomads are always in a hustle to find the best location for work with all the essential amenities. Not only that, they are also looking for a place full of life, where they not only work efficiently but also enjoy the culture and lifestyle of that country. If you are a digital nomad and looking for the right country to settle in, then why not New Zealand?
It offers breathtaking coastlines, friendly locals, and a high quality of life. But at the moment, there is no specific visa category for digital nomads; the New Zealand government offers a visa category that allows you to work remotely, which we will discuss later in this article.
1- Visa Options for Digital Nomads
As I said earlier, the Government doesn’t have an exclusive digital nomad visa option, but here are some options that allow you to work freely. You need to carefully consider these options to know what works best for you.
Must Read: The Airport Parking vs. Ride-Share Debate.
1- Working Holiday Visa
The working holiday visa is for individuals who fall between the ages of 18 and 35, and it is only effective for eligible countries. This visa is valid for up to 1 year, but if you are from countries like the USA/UK, or Canada, then you can live there for more like 23 months.
This visa helps you to work remotely in New Zealand without any worry, as long as you are not employed by any New Zealand company.
2- Visitor Visa
The visitor visa is also an option. With the help of that visa, you can stay in New Zealand for more than 9 months, and you can also extend your visa.
This visa type allows you to work freely for an overseas employer, or you can also run your remote business here. Everything is fine, but you can’t take a local job here.
3- Entrepreneur Visa
It is also an option, but only valid if you are big enough to invest and create a job. If you have sufficient funds and a business plan to pitch to official bodies in New Zealand. A business idea that is not only suitable for the economy of New Zealand, then you can apply for that visa type.
But the process seems complex, and there is also uncertainty that your ideas might not work or that you may lose your investments. So, be very cautious if you are looking for that option.
2- Cost of Living in 2025
Honestly, the cost of living is very high for digital nomads in 2025. But it's always worth it if you look at the quality of life it offers. Since you are a digital nomad, the main cost that will largely affect your budget is the accommodation cost.
On average, you have to spend at least 2000-1200 NZD per month to rent an apartment. On the other hand, you have to spend 150-250 NZD on groceries. If you are looking for a good co-working space, then your budget would skyrocket.
Many nomads usually prefer local cafes because the environment is lively, and it's affordable. There are some other costs too, like transportation costs. All you have to spend is almost 4,000-6,000 NZD per month to live comfortably in New Zealand.
3- Internet & Work Setup
You might think that this part of the world is tiny, with the lowest population, and might struggle with the internet. But that’s not true; in fact, New Zealand has one of the finest internet infrastructures.
You will notice that most cities have an extensive fibre network. If I am not wrong, the average internet speed is around 900 Mbps, and in most areas 4G & 5G is available. But you will get a better idea if you visit the website of the internet service providers in particular areas.
4- Essential Tips Before You Move
Here are some quick tips that you should not forget.
1- Get Travel insurance before you move; it will save you from unwanted situations like any health emergency, theft, or loss of any essential equipment.
2- As you are travelling from the United Kingdom, don’t forget to book a long stay parking Gatwick with Ezybook's cheap airport parking. Your car will be safe while you are in New Zealand.
3- If you are planning to stay more than a few months, then it is better to open a bank account immediately, as you probably have low local currency and you surely need it to manage your daily expenses.
4- One more thing, if you are staying long, it's about Transportation. New Zealand has an excellent transportation system in almost all cities. But this facility is not very popular in remote or rural areas, so if you want to visit it, you need your own car.
Final Thought
This is your chance to live and work in such an excellent environment. New Zealand offers many excellent facilities for digital nomads, although the Government is not offering any exclusive digital nomad visa.
The country rewards you with clean air, safety, and unmatched natural beauty. All you have to do is choose the right visa option, manage your cost of living, and don’t forget to follow those tips that we have mentioned in this article.
