Working Holiday Visa

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa allows young people from eligible countries to travel and work in New Zealand for a limited time. It is designed to let visitors experience New Zealand’s culture while supporting themselves through short-term employment.

To apply you must:

• Be a citizen of an eligible Working Holiday partner country.
• Meet the age requirement (usually 18–30, or 18–35 for some countries).
• Have enough funds to support yourself when you arrive.
• Have a return ticket or enough funds to purchase one.
• Intend to holiday in New Zealand, with work or study as secondary activities.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Not bring dependent children with you.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Valid passport from an eligible country, with sufficient remaining validity.
• Meet the age requirement at the time of application.
• Proof of sufficient funds (commonly NZD 4,200 or more depending on nationality).
• Hold medical insurance for your stay or be able to obtain it.
• Be applying for the visa for the first time (most countries allow only one Working Holiday visa).
• Ability to meet specific country-to-country conditions (e.g., quota limits, English ability, or health checks for some nationalities).

Most Working Holiday Visas allow you to stay in New Zealand for 12 months.Some countries allow stays of up to 23 months, provided you meet the additional health requirements.Extensions may be available if you complete specified seasonal work.

No job offer is required to apply.
You may work in New Zealand but usually with the following conditions:

• Work is intended to be temporary.
• You may work for multiple employers.
• Some nationalities have restrictions on the maximum time you may work for one employer.
• Work must not be permanent.

Processing times vary by nationality and application volume, but many applications are processed within several weeks.During high-demand periods (e.g., when quotas open), processing may take longer.

The application fee varies depending on nationality but is generally around NZD 420–550.
This does not include additional costs such as:

• Travel insurance
• Medical exams (if required)
• Police certificates (if required)

The Working Holiday Visa gives young travellers from eligible countries the chance to live, work, and explore New Zealand for up to 12 or 23 months. It is ideal for those wanting cultural experience, adventure, and temporary work opportunities while travelling.