New Zealand and Iceland to explore working holiday scheme

The Government has today announced discussions to explore a reciprocal working holiday scheme with Iceland.

If agreed, the scheme would allow young people from both countries to travel, work and study in each other’s countries. It would support cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people connections.

Iceland has been a visa waiver country for New Zealand since 1973, and this potential agreement would build on that long-standing relationship.

Working holiday schemes are a valuable way for young people to gain international experience while contributing to local communities and economies. They also help meet seasonal workforce needs in regional New Zealand and encourage reciprocal tourism.

New Zealand currently has working holiday agreements with 45 countries. These agreements allow eligible young people aged 18 to 30 (or 35 in some cases) to travel and work here temporarily. Each agreement is negotiated individually and may include limits on how long participants can work for one employer or how many visas are issued each year.

Immigration New Zealand will support the development of the scheme as discussions progress.

More information is available on the Beehive website: 

Iceland and New Zealand enhance practical cooperation — The Beehive