It dawns on you as soon as you land in New Zealand, breathe in the fresh Kiwi air, and consider the possibility of working while taking in the breathtaking scenery and renowned meat pies of the country. Hold on to your hobbit hats, because as of 2025, you can work lawfully in New Zealand for up to three months with certain visitor visas! Yes, you read correctly: just legitimate short-term employment prospects, no shady deals or covert handshakes with immigration officials.
What’s the catch, then? While it’s a commendable attempt, not everyone can move to New Zealand and start slinging lattes at a café by the sea. However, congratulations if you’re a Filipino nurse seeking occupational registration, a journalist, a traveling musician, a sports official, or even a business professional! You might be able to live the Kiwi dream and make a little money.
There’s more, though! This guide will reveal who can work, what jobs are eligible, and how to take full advantage of this exciting opportunity—without going overboard and becoming the star of your own immigration drama—from installing high-tech machinery (and hoping you don’t break it) to jet-setting entrepreneurs negotiating billion-dollar deals over flat whites.
Are you prepared to see if your abilities can help you obtain a temporary job in Middle Earth? Continue reading because this could be the most surprising and thrilling work visa announcement of the year!
Who Can Work on a Visitor Visa in New Zealand?
You can work for up to three months under certain employment categories with some sorts of New Zealand visitor visas. This is intended for experts, professionals, and artists whose presence benefits the nation without needing a permanent work permit.
The occupations covered by New Zealand’s 2025 visitor visa work allowances are broken down below.
Read Also: Nursing Jobs in New Zealand—Visa Sponsorship
Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs and business professionals visiting New Zealand in 2025 may apply for a Business Visitor Visa, which enables them to carry out specific commercial operations without requiring a full work visa.
What This Visa Allows You to Do:
- Set Up or Close a Business—Entrepreneurs can legally establish or wind up a company in New Zealand.
- Short Sales Trips & Investment Discussions—Business professionals can visit clients, hold meetings, or explore investment opportunities.
- Trade Missions—Participation in government-recognized trade delegations is permitted.
- Business Negotiations—Professionals can engage in deal-making with foreign company representatives in New Zealand.
Example Use Case:
Without a work visa, a company founder in New Zealand can network with possible partners, attend meetings, and present ideas to investors.
How to Apply?
Entertainers, Artists, and Musicians
Performers and their crews can lawfully operate in New Zealand without a full work visa thanks to specific tourist visas, making it a thriving location for the arts and entertainment industry.
Who Qualifies?
- Performers – Entertainers, musicians, and artists performing at festivals, concerts, or events.
- Support Crew – Essential personnel like lighting technicians, sound engineers, and tour managers.
- Approved Events – Those participating in Immigration NZ-approved festivals or events.
Example Use Case:
- A DJ at a music festival sanctioned by the government.
- A band with sound and lighting experts is accompanying them on a global tour.
How to Apply:
- The promoter or festival organizer you work with needs to be on Immigration NZ’s approved list.
- Apply for a visitor visa under the Short-Term Entertainment Act.
Journalists and Media Professionals
Visa Type: Visiting Media Visitor Visa (valid for up to 1 month)
Who Qualifies?
- media professionals who cover news, events, or special reports.
- media representatives employed by the New Zealand Tourism Board or New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
- experts working on temporary media projects.
Example: A full work visa is not required for a BBC journalist covering environmental matters in New Zealand.
How to Apply:
- Use the Visiting Media Visitor Visa to apply.
- Provide evidence of assignment from a reputable media outlet.
More Info: NZ Immigration—Visiting Media Visa
Academics and Researchers
Visa Type: Academic Visitor Visa (valid for up to 3 months)
Who Qualifies?
- University lecturers giving guest lectures.
- Researchers are collaborating with NZ institutions.
- Educational advisors on short-term projects.
Example: For visits of less than three months, a professor invited for a research cooperation does not require a work visa.
How to Apply:
- Obtain a formal letter of invitation from the institution in New Zealand.
- Use the Academic Visitor Visa to apply.
More Info: NZ Immigration—Visiting Academics Visa
Sports Professionals and Event Staff
Visa Type: Sports Event Visitor Visa (valid for up to 3 months)
Who Qualifies?
- Athletes & coaches in tournaments.
- Support staff (physiotherapists, trainers, etc.).
- Event organizers & broadcasting teams.
Example: A work visa is not required for an official for an international cricket series in New Zealand. in NZ does not need a work visa.
How to Apply:
- Obtain an official event invitation.
- Apply under the Sports Event Visitor Visa.
More Info: NZ Immigration – Sports Event Visa
Machinery Installers and Technicians
Visa Type: Specific Purpose Work Visa (valid for up to 3 months)
Who Qualifies?
- Machine installation specialists.
- Technicians & engineers are required under a purchase agreement.
Example:A foreign specialist can enter New Zealand to install and test high-tech machinery that is purchased by an Auckland manufacturer.
How to Apply:
- Provide a purchase agreement that details the installation of a foreign technician.
- Apply for a Green List position under the Specific Purpose Work Visa.
More Info: NZ Immigration – Specific Purpose Work Visa
Filipino Nurses for Occupational Registration
Visa Type: Specific Purpose Work Visa (valid for up to 3 months)
Who Qualifies?
- Filipino nurses are filling out occupational registration forms in New Zealand.
How to Apply:
- Verify that you are enrolled in a registration program in New Zealand.
- Use the Specific Purpose Work Visa to apply.
More Info: NZ Immigration – Nurse Registration Visa
Conclusion
Professionals, artists, media professionals, and technicians can now operate temporarily in New Zealand without needing a complete work visa because of the country’s 2025 guest visa policy. This is your opportunity to travel to New Zealand and work lawfully for up to three months if you fall into one of these categories. For a seamless application process, make sure you review the most recent immigration regulations and have the required paperwork ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of jobs qualify under this visa rule?
Business negotiations, performances, media coverage, academic research, sporting events, equipment installation, and occupational registration for Filipino nurses are among the jobs that qualify.
Do I need a work visa to perform at a festival in New Zealand?
No, performers and support staff are allowed to work under a guest visa as long as Immigration NZ approves the festival.
