Working holiday visas
Who it's for: Young people from countries with a working holiday scheme who want to holiday and work in New Zealand.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 6 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: No
- Language: speak and understand English
- Age limit: 18 to 30
- Money to show: NZ$4,200
- Main fee: NZ$770
- Family can join: No
- Decision time: 2 weeks
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | NZ$770 | — | immigration.govt.nzOfficial · 6 Nov 2026 |
| Money to show | NZ$4,200 | — | immigration.govt.nzOfficial · 6 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
7 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededNoOfficial wording
“You do not need a job offer to apply.”
Languagespeak and understand EnglishOfficial wording
“You must speak and understand English.”
Age limit18 to 30Official wording
“Working holiday visas are available to young people — normally aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries.”
Money to showNZ$4,200Official wording
“have at least NZD $4,200 to pay your living expenses”
Main feeNZ$770Official wording
“Cost From NZD $770”
Family can joinNoOfficial wording
“If you have a partner or child who wants to come to New Zealand, they will need to apply for their own visa.”
Decision time2 weeksOfficial wording
“Processing time 80% within 2 weeks”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Salary threshold; Can lead to permanent residence; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other working holiday routes in New Zealand
All visa types in New Zealand
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
New Zealand visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.