New Zealand to Implement New Open Work Visa Rules From April 2026

February 25, 2026 5:23 am

New Zealand to Implement New Open Work Visa Rules From April 2026

New Zealand will clarify open work visa conditions starting April 20, 2026. This announcement affects many migrants, employers, and working holiday visa holders alike. Read the following hiring-style publication carefully to understand duties, limits, and next steps. The sections below list categories, requirements, and practical advice for affected visa holders.

What is changing?

From April twentieth, two distinct open work visa categories will apply across New Zealand.

The government intends to reduce uncertainty and simplify employment rules for migrants.
Open work visas will either allow any work or require employer-based work only.

These changes do not affect employer-specific visas or student visa conditions. The revisions aim to make responsibilities clearer for both workers and employers.

Open work visas that allow any work

Visas in this category let holders work for employers and run businesses without prior offers. Eligible holders include partners of workers, partners of students, and post-study work visa holders. Partners of New Zealanders and military-linked partners also qualify for broad work rights. Holders with these visas may be self-employed and start or manage their own businesses. They must still obey New Zealand employment and business laws at all times.

Open work visas that require employer-based work

Other visa types will oblige holders to work only for employers under formal agreements. Visas in this group include victims of domestic violence or trafficking protection visas. The migrant exploitation protection and asylum seeker work visas also fall into this employer-only category. All working holiday visas will require employment agreements and prohibit running a business. Under this category, contract-for-service arrangements may still be treated as employment by authorities.

Rules that apply to all open work visa holders

Regardless of category, several important restrictions remain uniform across visas.

You must always follow New Zealand employment and business legislation and pay the required taxes.
You cannot employ other people through a business you own while on an open work visa.
Commercial sexual services remain strictly prohibited, whether providing or investing in such enterprises.

These baseline rules ensure safety and legal compliance for everyone.

Transitional arrangements for current workers

If your current visa permits work that the new rules would later restrict, you can keep doing that work until your visa expires. This transitional rule excludes commercial sexual services, which remain prohibited at all times. Use the transition period to review your employment status and adjust your plans before applying again. Once you submit a new visa application, you must meet the updated employment conditions for that category.

What working holiday makers should know

The working holiday visa continues to prioritize travel, with temporary work supporting stays. From April twentieth, working holiday holders must have employer-based jobs and cannot operate their own businesses. Freelancers and independent contractors should prepare for this shift and plan accordingly.

Conclusion

These changes will sharpen boundaries around open work visas and reduce future misunderstandings. Check your visa conditions now and confirm which category applies before April twentieth, twenty twenty-six. Prepare documentation and adjust work arrangements early to avoid disruption during future visa applications.