This is one of the most searched questions among travellers holding or planning to apply for a New Zealand ETA — and the short answer is: no, the NZeTA does not permit paid employment in New Zealand. However, the longer answer involves some important nuances, particularly for remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers, and volunteers. Here is everything you need to know.

The Core Rule: No Paid Employment

The NZeTA — whether Tourist, Business, or Transit — does not grant the holder the right to work in New Zealand for a New Zealand employer or to undertake employment that generates income from a New Zealand source. This is a fundamental condition of the visa-waiver system. Working in breach of your entry permission is a serious immigration offence that can result in immediate deportation and a future ban on entering New Zealand.

Not Permitted on an NZeTA:
  • Taking up employment with a New Zealand employer
  • Working as a contractor or consultant for a New Zealand business
  • Providing paid services to New Zealand clients (including online)
  • Receiving a New Zealand salary, wages, or contract payments
  • Operating a New Zealand-registered business that generates local income

What Counts as "Work"?

New Zealand immigration law defines work broadly. It includes any activity for which you receive or are entitled to receive a financial return — including in-kind payment — from a New Zealand source. This means that even if you are not employed by a New Zealand company, accepting payment in any form from a New Zealand person or organisation for services you provide while in the country would be considered work.

Grey Area: Remote Work for an Overseas Employer

This is where many digital nomads and remote workers seek clarity. The position is more nuanced here:

If you are employed by a company outside New Zealand and continue working for that overseas employer while visiting New Zealand as a tourist, you are generally not considered to be "working in New Zealand" under immigration law — because your income source is external. You are, in effect, conducting overseas employment from a different location temporarily.

Generally Permitted (with conditions):
  • Working remotely for your overseas employer on a laptop during your NZeTA stay
  • Receiving your existing salary paid into an overseas bank account
  • Conducting business meetings or attending conferences on a Business NZeTA
  • Negotiating or signing contracts (but not performing work for NZ clients)

However, this is a nuanced area of law and the situation can change if the nature of your work is deemed to serve the New Zealand economy directly or if you establish any local business activity. If in doubt, seek legal advice from an immigration solicitor before travelling.

Freelancing and the NZeTA

Freelancers face a particularly complex situation. If you are a freelancer who takes on new clients or completes paid work for any client (New Zealand or otherwise) while in the country, Immigration New Zealand may consider this to be working in New Zealand — especially if you are actively marketing your services locally or generating income that could be attributed to your presence in New Zealand.

The safest position for freelancers is:

  • Do not take on new New Zealand clients while on an NZeTA
  • If you are completing existing overseas projects, ensure payment is into your overseas account and that the work is clearly for overseas clients
  • Keep records of your employment or contractual status outside New Zealand

Volunteering on an NZeTA

Volunteering is permitted under the NZeTA, but only if it meets certain conditions:

  • The work must be genuinely voluntary — no payment, remuneration, or benefit in return
  • You should not be displacing a paid worker
  • It should not be work you would otherwise be employed for
  • Duration is typically limited — extended voluntary placements may require a different visa category

Short-term community volunteering (such as helping at a local event, conservation work, or church activities) during a holiday is generally acceptable. But taking on a structured voluntary role for a registered organisation for many weeks may require proper immigration advice.

What to Do If You Want to Work in New Zealand

If you genuinely want to work in New Zealand, the NZeTA is not the right permission for you. Your options include:

  • Working Holiday Visa: Available to young nationals (typically 18–30 or 35) of many countries, including the UK, allowing you to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12–23 months.
  • Essential Skills Work Visa: For skilled workers with a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
  • Skilled Migrant Category Visa: For those looking to settle permanently in New Zealand.
  • Specific Purpose Work Visa: For short-term, specialist work of a defined nature.

Visit the Immigration New Zealand website to explore which work visa category applies to your circumstances.

Business Travellers:

If you are visiting New Zealand for business purposes — attending conferences, client meetings, or negotiations — you should apply for a Business NZeTA rather than a Tourist NZeTA. See our full NZeTA requirements page for eligibility conditions.