◆Working Holiday Visa◆
Getting your New Zealand working holiday visa is the key to unlocking your adventure in this breath-taking country.
The application process is simple and can be completed online, but it’s crucial to confirm your eligibility before starting.
Whether you’re planning to explore the country’s stunning landscapes or experience its vibrant culture, understanding the essentials of the visa process will set you up for a seamless start to your journey.
Designed to foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange, the program offers an unforgettable adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.
★Key Points★
・Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the Immigration New Zealand website.
・Employment Restrictions: While you can work to fund your travels, accepting permanent employment is not permitted.
・Study Opportunities: You can study or train for up to 6 months during your stay.
・Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character criteria, which may include medical examinations and police certificates.
A. Who Can Apply
Individuals aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for certain countries in green) from eligible nations, including the following countries;
Belgium / Canada / Croatia / Czech / Denmark / Estonia / Finland /
France / Germany / Hong Kong / Ireland / Israel / Italy / Japan / Korea / Latvia / Luxembourg / Malta / Malaysia / Mexico / Netherlands / Norway / Portugal / Singapore / Slovakia / Slovenia / Spain / Sweden / Thailand / United Kingdom / USA
・Argentina: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 12:00 am on 24 September 2025 (NZST)
・Austria: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 8 May 2025 (NZST)
・Brazil: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 8 October 2025 (NZST)
・Chile: Temporarily closed
・China: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 2 July 2025 (NZST)
・Hungary: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 23 April 2025 (NZST)
・Lithuania: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 19 August 2025 (NZST)
・Peru: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 1 October 2025 (NZDT)
・Philippines: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 12 March 2025 (NZDT)
・Poland: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 15 July 2025 (NZST)
・Taiwan: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 28 May 2025 (NZST)
・Turkey: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen at 10:00 27 August 2025 (NZST)
・Uruguay: Temporarily closed. Applications will reopen in 2025
・Vietnam: Temporarily closed
◎If you submit your visa application at age 30 (or 35) but turn 31 (or 36) before a decision is made, your visa can still be approved as long as you meet all other eligibility criteria.
＊Please check the updated information on "List of countries with a working holiday visa agreement"
B. Length of Stay
Citizens of Canada: Up to 23 months
Citizens of the United Kingdom: Up to 36 months
Citizens of other countries*: Up to 12 months
*Citizens of Austria and Malaysia: Up to 6 months
C. Cost
It varies depending on the applicant's country of citizenship.
You can check the fee on NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION.
D. What You Can Do
You can:
- Take on short-term jobs to support your travels*1
- Study for up to 6 months
- Travel in and out of New Zealand as often as you like during the visa's validity period
- Complete 3 months of seasonal work*2 in the viticulture or horticulture industry*3 to qualify for an extension work visa
*1: You cannot accept a permanent job.
Depending on your country's specific visa conditions, you might not be able to work for the same employer for more than three months.
*2: Seasonal work - Planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops in the horticulture or viticulture industries
*3: Viticulture - Grape-growing businesses / Horticulture - Fruit and vegetable growing businesses
E. Eligibility
To be eligible for the working holiday visa, you must:
✔Hold a passport from an eligible country or region
✔Be between 18 and 30 years old (or up to 35 for some countries)
✔Come to New Zealand within 12 months of the date your visa is granted
✔Have a valid passport that is valid for at least 15 months after your first arrival in New Zealand
✔Must have enough money to meet living costs requirements, typically NZ$350 per month or NZ$4,200 for 12 months, with a bank statement as sufficient evidence of funds
✔Meet the medical requirements
✔Meet the character requirements, which may include providing a police certificate
✔Intend to meet all the conditions of your visa throughout your stay
✔Not have previously been approved for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, as you can only apply once
Note: These requirements are subject to change.
Always check the latest information on the Immigration New Zealand website.