New Zealand Working Holiday Visa – The Complete Guide

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is very popular among young people who want to spend a year or two working and soaking in the country and its exciting culture!

Every year New Zealand is a sought-after destination for many working holidaymakers!

The beautiful scenery, friendly people and relaxed ambience are what attract many working holiday-makers.

If you are planning on travelling and working in New Zealand, we have everything you need to know about the Working Holiday Visa explained in detail in this guide!

What is the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

The NZ Working Holiday Visa allows young people aged 18-30 (or 35, depending on their nationality) to temporarily work and travel in New Zealand and experience the lifestyle of the locals.

Residents in a number of countries can avail of this visa and travel around the country for a year or two.

New Zealand has signed working holiday agreements with many countries across the world.

You may apply for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa if you are from one of the following countries:

Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Hong Kong
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Korea
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Mexico
Netherlands
Norway
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
UK
USA
Uruguay
Vietnam

With this visa, you can work and travel for up to 12 months or more depending on your country of origin. For example, if you are from Canada you can stay for up to 23 months and if you’re from the UK you can stay for up to 36 months.

Read Also:
Top Things To Do And Places To Visit In New Zealand During Your Working Holiday

How do I know if I am eligible for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

To be eligible, there are a number of New Zealand Working Holiday Visa requirements you need to fulfil including:

You must be 18-30 years of age, but if you are from a few selected countries, you may also qualify if you are 18-35
You must be in good health and provide a General Medical Certificate if you plan to stay for over 12 months
You must be of good character- no previous criminal convictions
You must have medical insurance for the duration of your stay. Note that some countries are exempt from this requirement
You have a return ticket or sufficient funds for the return flight
You must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after your visa expires

If you are applying for a Working Holiday Visa, working in New Zealand should be the secondary reason for your stay in the country.

This visa is a multiple entry visa meaning while it is valid, you can leave and re-enter New Zealand as many times as you wish.

What are the financial requirements for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

You will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to meet living costs while you live in New Zealand.

You also need to show a return ticket to your home country or adequate funds to purchase one. A copy of your bank statement is sufficient proof of your funds.

Additionally, you will need proof of funds that you will use to live in New Zealand on your working holiday. You will typically need NZ$4,200 for your stay. You can provide proof using bank or credit card statements, bank drafts, or traveler’s checks.

What type of job can I get during a NZ working holiday?

Many people wait until they arrive in New Zealand to start their job search.

But for peace of mind, many may choose to have a job organised for when they arrive in New Zealand.

There are no restrictions on the type of job you can get in New Zealand.

However, it must be temporary and work must be your secondary reason for your visit to the country.

Depending on your occupation you might be required to have a registration or license to practice it.

How much time can I spend working in New Zealand?

The amount of time you can spend working under this visa depends on your country of origin.

You can work in New Zealand with this visa for up to 6 months if you’re from any of the following countries:

Austria
Malaysia

You can work in New Zealand with this visa for up to 12 months if you’re from any of the following countries:

Argentina
Estonia
Italy
Netherlands
Sweden
Belgium
Finland
Japan
Norway
Taiwan
Brazil
France
Korea
Peru
Thailand
Chile
Germany
Latvia
Philippines
Turkey
China
Hungary
Lithuania
Poland
Croatia
Hong Kong
Luxembourg
Portugal
USA
Czech Republic
Ireland
Malta
Slovakia
Uruguay
Denmark
Israel
Mexico
Slovenia
Vietnam
Singapore
Spain

If you’re a Canadian resident, you can work in New Zealand for up to 23 months, depending on the duration of your visa. If you’re from the UK, you may work in New Zealand for up to 36 months.

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa also allows you to study for up to six months while in the country.

What do I need in order to work in New Zealand?

New Zealand IRD Number

You will need to get a New Zealand IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number in order to work in New Zealand. If not, you will pay a higher tax rate of 45%.

Once you have an IRD number, the tax rate will vary based on your annual income:

Annual Income
Tax rate

Up to $14,000
10.5%

Over $14,000 and up to $48,000
17.5%

Over $48,000 and up to $70,000
30%

Over $70,000 and up to $180,000
33%

Remaining income over $180,000
39%

New Zealand Bank Account

If you intend to work in New Zealand, you will need to set up a local bank account. This will allow your employer to transfer your salary directly to your New Zealand account so that you can easily manage your finances.

You may also choose to transfer money to your account before you leave home so that you can have access to funds as soon as you arrive in New Zealand.

How To Apply For A NZ Working Holiday Visa?

Easy! You can apply for New Zealand Working Holiday Visa with the easy-to-use Visa First software. You just need to make an account and fill in the necessary details.

Visa First is the world’s leading provider of visa processing and immigration services.

We provide easy and convenient services for our customers all over the world.

Our visa specialists can take care of the tricky application forms and documents associated with arranging travel visas and permits.

If you are ready to apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, our visa experts will take care of everything for you!

Apply For NZ Working Holiday Visa

NZ Working Holiday Visa FAQs

Can I bring my partner and children to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa?

No you cannot bring your partner and children to New Zealand on your working holiday. If you’d like your partner to join you on your working holiday, they must submit their own application for a Working Holiday Visa.

If you are considering moving to New Zealand with your partner and children, you might want to explore some other visa options, such as work visas that allow family reunification.

Can I study while on a New Zealand Working Holiday?

On a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, you are generally allowed to study for a maximum of six months.

You can register for a course or program for educational reasons while on your working holiday in New Zealand, but the main focus of your stay should be the working holiday experience.

What kind of work can I do during a New Zealand Working Holiday?

There is no restriction on the work you can do when you’re on a working holiday in New Zealand.

However, oftentimes, it’s easier to find casual work rather than working in your field since you’ll only be staying temporarily.

Some popular jobs include:

Waitstaff
Bartending
Barista
Fruit picking
Farm work
Hotel or hostel jobs
Construction worker
Au pair

Read also:
Best Working Holiday Jobs to Consider in New Zealand

Can I apply more than once for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa? Can I extend my NZ WHV?

It’s possible to extend your Working Holiday Visa. However, to be eligible for an extension, you usually need to complete at least three months of seasonal work. This type of work can include fruit picking or vineyard work.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the NZ Working Holiday Visa?

You don’t need a job offer to apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. In fact, you can apply for a job once you arrive in New Zealand.

Although having a job secured before your arrival is not mandatory, having a plan for the work you intend to undertake during your working holiday can contribute to a smoother experience in New Zealand.

What are the conditions for a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand?

Once your Working Holiday Visa has been granted, there are rules and requirements that you must adhere to during your stay.

Some common conditions include:

Stay strictly within the allowed duration – 12 or 23 months, depending on your nationality
If you plan on extending your visa, engage in three months of seasonal work
Meet health and character requirements, including medical exams and police certificates
Ensure you have comprehensive medical and travel insurance for your entire stay

What is the processing time for a NZ Working Holiday Visa?

The processing time for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa can vary based on several factors, including the volume of applications, the completeness of your application, and the specific circumstances of each applicant.

Although there is no exact amount of time it takes to obtain a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, the process is relatively quick, often taking just a few weeks.

How to apply online for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

You can start by creating an account on the Visa First website. If you have already done so, login using your username and password.

Once logged in, you can fill out the ‘Eligibility Checker,’ adding the necessary information of the purpose of your travel as well as the visa type you would like to apply for.

Depending on where you are traveling to, you may need to fill in the date of birth to ensure you meet the age limit.

Once you complete the application form, you can proceed with the payment of the relevant fees. When this step is completed, our team will take care of the rest!

What are the requirements for qualifying for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

To be considered for a Working Holiday Visa you typically need to:

Be between 18 and 30 years old (or 18 to 35 for certain nationalities)
Hold a passport from an eligible country with a working holiday agreement with New Zealand
Demonstrate the ability to support yourself financially during your stay

What happens if you lose your job on a NZ Working Holiday Visa?

In fact, if you lose your job while on a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, you don’t have to notify New Zealand Immigration.

What you can do is simply look for another job. New Zealand has various job opportunities, especially in sectors like hospitality, agriculture, tourism, and retail.

In saying that, losing your job can be a financial challenge, that’s why it’s important to ensure you have sufficient funds to support yourself during periods of unemployment.

*Reviewed by a visa expert.

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