Working Holiday Visas
New Zealand has working holiday scheme agreements with many countries, allowing you to work in and explore our great country.
Every year hundreds of young people apply for New Zealand working holiday visas, and spend a year or two working in New Zealand.
Eligibility and criteria
Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries. They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you are from the UK or Canada. If you apply for a 23-month visa, you must provide a General Medical Certificate.
You need to:
- have enough money to pay for a return ticket, and
- be coming mainly to holiday, with work being a secondary intention.
Available schemes
Applications from outside New Zealand for most working holiday visas are currently suspended.
Applications from a quarantine-free travel zone
If you are applying from a quarantine-free travel country you may apply for the following working holiday visas:
Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, United Stated of America.
Quarantine-free travel countries
This page is only a summary. Read more about working holiday schemes for the following countries and territories:
*Working holiday schemes that can be applied for if travelling from a quarantine-free travel zone.
Other visa options
If you are looking to work or stay longer, or come to New Zealand for a purpose other than a working holiday, there may be a more relevant visa you should consider:
Start planning your trip
Once you have applied for your working holiday visa, it is time to start planning your trip. Explore these two useful Government websites to learn more about visiting, working and living in New Zealand.
100% Pure New Zealand — the official travel website
New Zealand Now — a guide to living and working in New Zealand