Upon landing in New Zealand, you exhale deeply into the brisk, clean air and are abruptly struck by the realization that it is possible to work while savoring the country’s renowned meat pies and breathtaking landscapes.
Hold onto your hobbit headwear, as certain visitor visas now permit you to legally labor in New Zealand for a maximum of three months. Yes, you read that correctly—no secret handshakes with immigration officers, no devious loopholes—just traditional, approved short-term work opportunities.
Check Also: New Zealand Accredited Employer Work VISA Jobs
So, what is the catch?I appreciate your attempt to enter New Zealand and begin serving espresso at a beachside café, but it is not feasible for everyone. However, if you are a business professional, a journalist, a touring musician, a sports official, or a Filipino nurse seeking occupational registration, congratulations! While living the Kiwi ideal, you may be eligible to earn some money.
However, there is more! From installing high-tech machinery (and hoping to avoid breaking it) to jet-setting entrepreneurs negotiating billion-dollar deals over flat whites, this guide will reveal who is eligible to work, which jobs are eligible, and how to capitalize on this exciting opportunity—without overstaying your welcome and becoming the center of your own immigration drama.
Are you prepared to determine whether your abilities qualify you for a temporary position in Middle Earth? Continue reading, as this may be the most thrilling and unexpected work visa news you will encounter this year!
Who Can Work on a Visitor Visa in New Zealand?
Specific job categories are permissible under certain forms of New Zealand Visitor Visas, which permit employment for a maximum of three months.This is intended for professionals, artists, and specialists whose presence is advantageous to the nation and does not necessitate a long-term work visa.
The occupations that qualify for New Zealand’s visitor visa employment allowances for 2025 are detailed below.
1# Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs
If you are traveling to New Zealand for business in 2025, you may be eligible to work on a Business Visitor Visa.This visa enables professionals to:
- Establish or terminate an organization in New Zealand.
- Engage in investment discussions or conduct brief sales excursions.
- Participate in an official commerce mission that has been approved by the New Zealand government.
- Negotiate business agreements with representatives of foreign corporations in New Zealand.
For instance, a startup founder who is investigating investment opportunities may lawfully engage in business operations without submitting an application for a work visa.
How to Apply?
- Under Immigration New Zealand’s guidelines, submit an application for a business visitor visa.
- Present evidence of your business-related travel purpose.
2# Entertainers, Artists, and Musicians
The country of New Zealand is a center for arts and entertainment, and certain visitor visas permit performers and their personnel to work there. You are eligible if you are:
- An artist, musician, or entertainer who participates in concerts or festivals.
- Direct support personnel, including lighting, sound engineers, and tour managers.
- A festival or event that has been approved by Immigration New Zealand.
For instance, a musician touring with an international band or a DJ performing at a government-recognized festival may be permitted to work under a visitor visa.
How to Apply:
- Immigration NZ’s authorized list must include your employer (promoter or festival organizer).
- Apply under the Short-Term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa.
3# Journalists and Media Professionals
Journalists and media professionals are permitted to operate legally for a maximum of one month on a Visiting Media Visitor Visa provided that they satisfy the following criteria:
- Employed by the New Zealand Tourism Board or the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
- Reporting on special reports, news, or occurrences.
- Engaged in media initiatives that necessitate temporary presence in New Zealand.
For instance, a BBC journalist who is responsible for reporting on New Zealand’s environmental policies does not require a full work visa to operate for a brief period.
How to Apply:
- Apply under the Visiting Media Visitor Visa.
- Prove that you have been assigned by a reputable media agency.
4# Academics and Researchers
A visitor visa allows you to provide professional management services, research, or teach if you are invited to an academic institution in New Zealand.
Eligible Roles:
- Guest lectures are delivered by university lecturers.
- Academic researchers who are in partnership with institutions in New Zealand.
- Educational advisors who are engaged in short-term initiatives.
For example, a professor who has been invited by a New Zealand university to collaborate on research is not required to obtain a work visa if their stay is less than three months, as per the visitor visa policy at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/visiting-academics-visitor-visa.
How to Apply:
- Acquire an official invitation letter from the New Zealand institution.
- Submit an application for the Academic Visitor Visa.
5# Sports Professionals and Event Staff
The Sports Event Visitor Visa allows sportspersons and event-related professionals to work for a maximum of three months.
Eligible Applicants:
- Coaches and athletes participating in tournaments.
- Physiotherapists and trainers are examples of support personnel.
- Broadcasters and event administrators who are responsible for the event’s coverage.
For instance, an official for an international cricket series that is hosted in New Zealand is not required to obtain a comprehensive work visa.
How to Apply:
- Obtain an official event invitation.
- Apply under the Sports Event Visitor Visa .
6# Machinery Installers and Technicians
International specialists are frequently required to install or service specialized equipment that is imported by companies. If you are a:
- Specialist in the installation of machinery.
- Required as part of the purchase agreement: a technician or engineer.
On a Specific Purpose Work Visa, it is permissible to engage in employment for a maximum of three months.
For instance, you may be permitted to implement and evaluate high-tech machinery that is purchased by a factory in Auckland.
How to Apply:
- Please furnish evidence of the purchase contract that indicates that a foreign technician performed the installation.
- Apply under the Specific Purpose Work Visa under green role list.
7# Filipino Nurses for Occupational Registration
Filipino nurses who are required to fulfill registration requirements in New Zealand may work for a maximum of three months on a Specific Purpose Work Visa.
How to Apply:
- Proof of enrollment in a registration program in New Zealand must be submitted.
- Apply under the Specific Purpose Work Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I work in New Zealand on a visitor visa?
Indeed, provided that certain conditions are met. Visitors are permitted to perform remote work for consumers or employers located outside of New Zealand. This encompasses tasks such as attending virtual meetings, coding, composing reports, and responding to communications. However, you cannot work for a New Zealand employer or client while on a visitor visa.
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Are there any recent changes to visitor visa policies regarding work?
Indeed, all visitor visas permit individuals to engage in remote work for clients or employers located outside of New Zealand without any time constraints. The objective of this policy is to allow digital nomads and self-employed individuals to continue their overseas employment while in New Zealand.
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Can I convert my visitor visa to a work visa while in New Zealand?
Although it is feasible to modify one’s visa status, it necessitates adhering to particular criteria and completing the appropriate application process. It is imperative to possess a valid employment offer from a New Zealand employer and satisfy the specific requirements of the work visa category. Consult with Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser for customized advice.
