If you hold an open work visa in New Zealand, pay attention. From 20 April 2026, the government is changing the employment conditions attached to these visas.

The goal is simple: make it clearer what kind of work is allowed. That means fewer grey areas for migrants and fewer misunderstandings for employers.

What Is an Open Work Visa?

An open work visa allows you to work for almost any employer, in any job, anywhere in New Zealand. You do not need a job offer before you apply. This is different from an employer-specific visa, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, which ties you to one employer and one role.

It is worth noting here that the new rules do not affect employer-specific visas. They also do not apply to Student Visa holders.

Two Types of Open Work Visa Conditions

From April 2026, every open work visa will fall into one of two categories.

1. Open Work Visas That Allow Any Work

If you hold an open work visa that allows you to do any work, you are eligible to:

• Work for an employer
• Be self-employed
• Run their own business

This applies to:

• Partner of a Worker Work Visa
• Partner of a Student Work Visa
• Partner of a Student Work Visa backed by a New Zealand Scholarship
• Post Study Work Visa
• Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
• Partner of a Military Work Visa

If you hold one of these, you can continue working flexibly, including running your own business.

2. Open Work Visas That Require You to Work for an Employer

Other visa holders must work for an employer. That means:

• You must have an employment agreement, or
• A contract for services

In both cases, New Zealand treats this as employment. You cannot operate your own business under this category.

This applies to:

• Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa
• Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa
• Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
• Asylum Seeker Work Visa
• All Working Holiday Visas

Rules That Apply to All Open Work Visa Holders

No matter which category you fall into, some rules stay the same.

If you have an open work visa:

• You must follow New Zealand employment and business laws
• You cannot employ other people, even through a business you own
• You cannot provide commercial sexual services
• You cannot run or invest in a business that offers commercial sexual services

These restrictions apply across the board.

Already Doing Work That May Not Be Allowed?

Here’s where it gets practical.

If you are currently doing work that will not be allowed under the new conditions, you can continue until your current visa expires.

This does not apply to commercial sexual services, which remain prohibited.

The idea is to give people time to adjust. You can review your situation, change your work setup if needed, and prepare properly before applying for your next visa.

But once you apply again, you must meet the new employment conditions linked to your visa category.

What This Means for Working Holiday Makers

The purpose of a Working Holiday Visa is travel first, work second.

If you are in New Zealand on a working holiday visa, you can take temporary jobs to support your stay.

But from April 2026, you must work for an employer. You cannot run a business or work as a business owner.

For many travellers, nothing changes. For anyone freelancing or operating independently, this is important.

Why This Change Matters

Here’s the final takeaway.

New Zealand wants clearer boundaries around what open work visa holders can and cannot do. Not everyone arriving in the country fully understands local employment law. These new categories aim to reduce confusion.

• For migrants, that means fewer surprises later.
• For employers, it means clearer compliance.

If you hold an open work visa, now is the time to check your visa conditions and understand which category you fall under before April 2026 arrives.

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