New Zealand Introduces Visitor Visas Allowing Short-Term Work For Up To Three Months

• New Zealand has established a new possibility for travelers to work legally for up to three months under certain visitor visa categories.

• This reform allows professionals, entertainers, journalists, and others to work temporarily while enjoying their time in the country.

New Zealand has established a new possibility for travelers to work legally for up to three months under certain visitor visa categories.

This reform allows professionals, entertainers, journalists, and others to work temporarily while enjoying their time in the country.

The new approach aims to simplify the immigration procedure for people whose employment benefits the country, eliminating the requirement for a long-term work visa.

This, according to the DAAD Scholarship, allows a variety of qualified individuals to get job experience while visiting New Zealand for a short period of time.

Who can work in New Zealand with a visiting visa?
Visitors to New Zealand can work in particular occupational areas under the tourist visa. These are intended for professionals, artists, and specialists whose work is perceived as useful to the country for a limited time.

This regulation applies to a wide spectrum of people, including business professionals and musicians, and allows them to stay and work for up to three months.

Business experts and entrepreneurs
According to reports, business professionals traveling to New Zealand in 2025 may be eligible for a Business Visitor Visa, which permits them to do things like start a business, go on sales tours, and engage in investment conversations. Business people can also travel on official trade missions and negotiate deals with officials from other countries.

For example, as previously indicated, a company founder attending an investment meeting does not need to seek for a long-term work visa to conduct business in New Zealand.

How to Apply:

When applying for a Business Visitor Visa, applicants must demonstrate that their journey is for business purposes.

Entertainers, artists, and musicians
New Zealand is also a cultural hotspot, with specific tourist visas allowing artists, musicians, and entertainers to perform at festivals, concerts, and other events. This includes individuals who directly support performances, such as sound engineers or tour managers.

For example, musicians touring with an international band or DJs performing at a government-approved festival can work on a visiting visa.

How to Apply:

The event organizer or promoter must be on the New Zealand Immigration approved list. Applicants must apply for a Short-Term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa.

Journalists and media workers
Journalists and media workers may apply for a Visiting Media Visitor Visa to work in New Zealand for up to one month. This applies to people covering events, news, or other media initiatives that need temporary labor in New Zealand.

For example, a journalist from an international news organization reporting New Zealand’s environmental policies may operate legally without a full work visa.

How to Apply:

Applicants for a Visiting Media Visitor Visa must provide proof of assignment from a recognized media firm.

Academics and Researchers
Academics and researchers invited by New Zealand institutions can work on a guest visa for short-term academic purposes. This applies to university instructors, researchers, and educational advisors who work on initiatives that last less than three months.

For example, a professor asked to give a guest lecture at a New Zealand university can work on a visiting visa without requiring a complete work visa.

How to Apply:

Applicants must present an official invitation letter from the New Zealand institution and apply for an Academic Visitor Visa.

Sports professionals and event crew
The Sports Event Visitor Visa allows sports professionals, such as athletes, coaches, and event staff, to work for up to three months. This visa applies to persons who participate in sporting events or work for the event’s organizers.

For example, a cricket official working at an international event in New Zealand can use this visa without needing a complete work visa.

How to Apply:

Applicants must provide a valid invitation from the event organizers and apply for a Sports Event Visitor Visa.

Machinery Installers and Technicians
Specialized technicians who need to install or service imported apparatus can work under the Specific Purpose Work Visa. This visa is intended for foreign professionals required for short-term installation or maintenance work in New Zealand.

For example, a technician installing high-tech machinery for an Auckland plant can work for up to three months on this visa.

How to apply:

Applicants must present proof of a purchase contract requiring installation by a foreign technician.

New Zealand’s acceptance of visitor visas that allow for short-term work is a step toward making the country more accessible to talented individuals. Applicants interested in working in New Zealand on these visas should verify they match the eligibility conditions and follow the application procedures indicated above.