Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand

The New Zealand working holiday visa is now available to more nationalities than ever before. It lasts for 12 months and you can only ever have one, so make good use of it.

The New Zealand working holiday visa is available to citizens aged between 18 and 30 of Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA and Uruguay.

Find out if you qualify for this working holiday visa and how to apply for one at the New Zealand immigration website.

IRD (Tax) Number
If you plan to do paid work in New Zealand you will also need an IRD number from the New Zealand Inland Revenue. If you don't get one you will be taxed on an emergency tax code at a much hihger rate than you should be. To obtain an IRD Number you need to download and complete the application form from the IRD website and then post it to the Inland Revenue office in New Zealand. This can be done in New Zealand or from overseas. Download the IRD number application form (IR596) from the Inland Revenue website (www.ird.govt.nz) For a direct link to the application form click here.

Bank Account
Some employers may want to pay you directly into a bank account so it may be worth opening one in New Zealand and you’ll get the extra benefits of an EFTPOS card and cash card. Remember that to open a bank account you will need a permanent New Zealand address. Although the banks are wary of opening bank accounts to travellers if you explain that you are here for a year with a working holiday visa you should be ok. Have a look at the following banks for details on their accounts: