Every year, thousands of young people from the United Kingdom set off for the adventure of a lifetime in New Zealand, made possible by the Working Holiday Visa.
If you’re between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) and hold a valid British passport, you could be next—whether you travel solo or with friends!
Table of contents
1. What is the Working Holiday Visa?
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa was established through an agreement between the governments of the United Kingdom and New Zealand (official website) to allow young Brits to live, travel, and work in New Zealand. In return, young New Zealanders can also explore the UK.
As a British passport holder, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa to New Zealand lasting 12, 23, or 36 months. If you first obtain a 12- or 23-month visa and later decide to extend your stay, you can apply for the remaining balance, up to a total of 36 months.
This visa functions as an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer. However, the programme stipulates that main motivation of your stay should be travel and cultural exchange rather full time employment. That’s why most participants choose short-term or part-time positions.
2. Eligibility criteria
The conditions for eligibility are straightforward. You must:
- Be aged 18–35 (inclusive).
- Hold a valid British passport.
- Usually reside in the United Kingdom or in the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
If you meet these requirements, you’re eligible to apply for the visa.
3. Application overview
The entire process can be completed online and is fairly straightforward. Still, keep the following in mind before applying:
- When you enter New Zealand, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your Working Holiday Visa’s expiry date.
- The application fee is NZ$770 (subject to change).
- You must have at least NZ$350 per month in personal savings (i.e. $4,200 for one year), plus an extra NZ$1,500 to cover the cost of a return flight (unless already purchased).
- Once approved, you must activate your visa by entering New Zealand within 12 months; otherwise, it will expire.
When you’re ready to start, follow the steps in our detailed application guide:
- Create an account on the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Complete the online form.
- Submit it along with the payment.
- Wait for processing.
4. FAQ
If you still have questions, feel free to comment below or visit our forum!
British Working Holiday Visa applicants don’t need to show proof of travel medical insurance. The UK and New Zealand have a reciprocal health care agreement, which provides coverage for medically necessary and urgent care. However, repatriation, routine monitoring of pre-existing conditions, dental treatment (except for those under 19), and prescribed medication are not covered (source).
Because of these exclusions, it’s smart to consider additional travel medical insurance. We’ve been recommending Globe WHV insurance since 2005—they’ve supported thousands of working holiday makers travelling to New Zealand and beyond.
Yes. Each year, 15,000 visas are available for British nationals. This quota is usually not filled, so applications are typically open throughout most of the year.
Every participant creates their own experience! You’re in full control (possibly behind the wheel if you go on a road trip). For inspiration, check out these interviews with current and former working holiday makers in New Zealand.
The application is fully online, so you don’t have to be physically in the UK to start it. Everything is detailed in our New Zealand Working Holiday Visa application guide.
According to New Zealand immigration authorities, 80% of applications are processed within two weeks.
Relocating abroad can be intimidating—but we’ve got you covered. We offer free articles and guides on finding housing, work, and more. Everyone on the pvtistes.net team has done a working holiday, so our advice is based on real experience.
Before beginning work, you’ll need to open a New Zealand bank account and obtain an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number.
Pvtistes.net has a special partnership with Ulysse travel agency. Booking your flight to New Zealand or Australia through them gives you access to preferential fares, a free checked bag of up to 40 kg, and other perks. Find out more.
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