During the COVID-19 lockdowns, most office workers who could easily conduct business from home switched to remote work — and many professionals have never looked back. In the subsequent years, the alluring life of a digital nomad has become all the rage. And it’s no wonder. After all, who wouldn’t want to travel the world and work on their laptop from wherever they please? However, not all locations have proven equally welcoming to digital nomads. From local work regulations and culture to practical concerns like Internet infrastructure, there are plenty of things to consider. Remember, you want to settle (or visit) somewhere where you can easily build your business online or work for another company remotely. Luckily, New Zealand is the best country for digital nomads!
Dependable Infrastructure
Before you go somewhere as a remote worker, the first thing you need to check out is the local Internet infrastructure. If you can’t rely on a stable Internet connection, being a digital nomad will be tough.
That’s why you’ll be delighted to hear that New Zealand has an excellent digital infrastructure. There’s fast fiber-optic broadband in major cities like Wellington and Auckland. And Internet access isn’t an issue in smaller towns either.
All things considered, Internet access is as good as in any developed country, and that goes for the general infrastructure as well. If you’re moving from the USA to New Zealand, you won’t find the local roads or amenities to be any worse — though we recommend hiring experienced movers to simplify your relocation.
Once you’ve settled in, you’ll also see that coworking spaces are easy to find in New Zealand. You won’t have trouble finding a spot where you can truly focus on your work. Besides fast Wi-Fi, most of these spaces also have meeting rooms you can book and plenty of other amenities. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to network with like-minded digital nomads.
Great Work-Life Balance
According to recent research, New Zealand is the world’s best country in terms of work-life balance. If you decide to work remotely for a New Zealand-based company, you’re likely to get great perks like:
- 32 days of statutory leave with a minimum of 80% of your pay
- Universal healthcare
- Paid maternity leave
Because of all of this and the absence of a grind-based work culture, New Zealand is an excellent place to work. You get ample opportunities to focus on your personal life and step away from work after your regular hours.
As a result, you can enjoy time with your family, enjoy the country’s wonderful nature, or both. As you’ll soon see, New Zealand is the outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Fiordland and Queenstown offer stunning vistas and landscapes, and you can find plenty of sports for skiing, kayaking, and hiking across the country.
If you work long hours in front of a screen, there’s nothing better than unwinding in nature afterward. In New Zealand, you can recharge your mind and body by walking across countless scenic trails. It’s the ideal place if you want to stay productive but also appreciate your free time.
Safety & Stability
As a digital nomad, you get the opportunity to travel the world. Unfortunately, one of the first things you’ll learn is that most of the world isn’t particularly safe. Heck, these days, even some cities across the US are unsafe — let alone various countries with unstable political regimes and other social issues.
Luckily, general safety is one of the things you’ll immediately notice on your first trip to New Zealand. In fact, the country has been ranked as one of the safest places on the planet for years. All major cities boast low crime rates, and the overall atmosphere is calm and welcoming.
This is one of the biggest reasons why New Zealand is the best country for digital nomads. You don’t have to think about your personal safety every single day. The result is a stress-free environment where you’re free to do your best at work and enjoy life.
Besides low crime, New Zealand’s political stability is another major advantage. The country has been a stable democracy since its founding, and there’s little to no political unrest. In a world of increasing tensions, even in the strongest of democracies, this is a welcome change of pace.
Visa Programs for Digital Nomads
While New Zealand doesn’t have a dedicated visa for digital nomads yet, the government is reportedly working on introducing it as an option for remote workers.
In the meantime, you have access to various business visas. If you’re not an investor or entrepreneur, you can apply for personal visas — like the Working Holiday Visa. It lets you stay and work in the country for up to a whole year, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads.
If you decide to extend your stay, New Zealand offers longer-term options as well. You can ask your local embassy or contact the immigration authorities for options specific to your case.
Relative Affordability
Sure, some New Zealand cities are pricey compared to the average living costs in the developed world. However, there are plenty of areas that provide a decent balance between available amenities and living expenses. Christchurch and Wellington are excellent examples.
Here, you’ll be able to find more affordable housing than in most major cities in the United States. And if you don’t want to rent an apartment by yourself, there are co-living spaces you can rent with other remote workers.
If you don’t want to live in a major city, New Zealand becomes even more affordable. You’ll find that groceries, rent, and most other expenses are significantly lower in rural areas and smaller towns.
With a decent remote job, the country offers you plenty of ways to enjoy a great standard of living without breaking the bank.
Wrapping Up
Thanks to safety, affordability, great labor laws, and an excellent digital infrastructure, New Zealand is the best country for digital nomads. Even if you only stay there for a few months, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!
