The world is evolving, and so are the opportunities for those of us looking to reinvent ourselves at midlife.
Case in point: Traveling abroad in conjunction with working for yourself.
It’s a chance to experience a higher quality of life and protect yourself from the whims of an ageist employer who wants to shed your higher salary in favor of youth and A.I.
Back in 2019, I did the “Down Under” 6-month stint, which means 90 days in Australia before hopping over to New Zealand for another 90 days on the standard tourist visa. While I loved my time in Australia, New Zealand was next level in terms of natural beauty, and I find myself wanting to go back for an extended stay.
Now thanks to New Zealand’s new Digital Nomad Visa program, I can… and so can you. The new rules remove significant barriers for location-independent business owners in a setting that is downright magical.
Freedom to Work Without Income Minimums
The New Zealand government has taken a bold step that distinguishes it from many other digital nomad destinations.
Unlike countries that impose strict minimum income requirements, New Zealand’s new visa allows remote workers to maintain their foreign income without minimums while enjoying the stunning landscapes that made the Lord of the Rings movies possible.
It is a move to encourage influencers and Digital Nomads to visit the country and still be able to work, without breaking the conditions of a visitor’s visa,” reports Alex Ledsom in Forbes, highlighting the practical shift in policy that aligns with the growing global workforce transformation.
The truth is, this change presents a unique opportunity for those of us contemplating our next chapter. Having worked as a location-independent entrepreneur since 2006, I’ve witnessed firsthand how these visa developments can transform not just travel possibilities, but entire life trajectories for professionals in their 50s and beyond.
How the Visa Actually Works
The application process is straightforward, particularly for Americans. You can request a 90-day stay initially and then extend it up to nine months. If you’re an American traveler, you’ll follow the familiar Visitor Visa process but now with the option to indicate remote work as part of your stay.
There are clear boundaries, however. You cannot:
- Work for a New Zealand employer
- Provide services to New Zealand businesses
- Earn money in ways that require physical presence in a New Zealand workplace
The tax situation is particularly favorable. Your earnings remain exempt from New Zealand taxation if you’re already paying taxes elsewhere and stay fewer than 92 non-consecutive days in a 12-month period. Plus, Americans benefit from an existing tax treaty, potentially avoiding additional tax payments even with extended stays.
An Amazing Location for Your Reinvention
New Zealand’s motivation for this program is clear. Tourism numbers still lag about 17% below pre-2019 figures, and the country’s economy contracted more than any other developed nation in 2024, according to The Guardian. But their challenge presents our opportunity.
The timing couldn’t be better for professionals looking to transition into location-independent work. With over 65 countries now offering some form of digital nomad visa globally, we’re witnessing an unprecedented shift in how and where careers can flourish in their later stages.
If you’re considering New Zealand as part of your location-independent journey, Taranaki Maunga offers a uniquely meaningful destination. This 8,261-foot mountain on the North Island was recently granted legal personhood status, recognized as Te Kāhui Tupua. The indigenous Māori consider it an ancestor, and while it will be protected by local tribes and conservation authorities, public access remains open.
That means you can run your digital business against the backdrop of one of the world’s most progressive environmental and cultural landmarks. It’s a far cry from the stereotypical retirement community golf course.
The new visa changes apply to all applications received after January 27, 2025, and extend to tourists, family visitors, and partners on long-term visitor visas. That gives you time to prepare your business model for a truly transformative work experience.
