The scheme runs from 1 June each year.
To be eligible
You must:
- have a passport from Taiwan that is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand
- have household registration under the laws of Taiwan
- be at least 18 and not more than 30 years old
- not bring children with you
- hold a return ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket*
- have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds to meet your living costs while you are here
- meet our health and character requirements
- hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance for the length of your stay
- be coming to New Zealand to holiday, with work being a secondary intention for your visit
- not have been approved a visa or permit under a working holiday scheme before.
*You are required to hold sufficient funds for the duration of your visit and for the purchase of an outward ticket from New Zealand. Such evidence may be requested on arrival at the border.
Health requirements
You will need to meet our health requirements for a temporary stay in New Zealand.
Character requirements
You will need to meet our character requirements for temporary entry to New Zealand.
When you’re here
- you must not take up permanent employment (unless you apply for and are granted an ordinary work permit while you’re here)
- you must not work for the same employer for more than three months
- you can enrol in one or more courses of training or study of up to six months’ duration in total during your visit.
Please note: New Zealand law prohibits any person on a temporary permit, including a working holiday scheme work permit, from providing commercial sexual services, or operating or investing in a business which provides such services.
Tax
Like all New Zealand workers, you will need an IRD number so that your employer can deduct tax from your earnings at the correct rate. In New Zealand, you pay tax on a pay as you earn (PAYE) basis. This means that there should not be a large refund or an amount to pay when you leave. For more information see Inland Revenue's Travelling to New Zealand webpage [external link].
How do I apply?
Follow the steps to apply for a working holiday scheme work visa or permit.