Working holiday in New Zealand with a UK passport

Holiday, work in temporary jobs and study for up to 6 months in New Zealand. Choose a 12, 23 or 36-month visa.

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Can I do it?

  • A UK passport
  • Aged 18 to 35 when you apply
  • Living in the UK when you apply
  • You must not have had a New Zealand working holiday visa before, must be in good health and of good character, and must plan to leave at the end of your stay. Living in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man also counts.

Source: Immigration New Zealand

Meeting these means you appear to meet the published criteria. The decision is always the government's or provider's.

What it costs

Visa fee (from)

Source: Immigration New Zealand

NZ$770
At least NZD 350 a month of your stay: NZD 4,200 for 12 months

Source: Immigration New Zealand

NZ$4,200

How to apply

  1. Gather your documents: passport details, proof you live in the UK, at least NZD 350 a month, and a ticket out of New Zealand or the money to buy one.

    Source: Immigration New Zealand

  2. Apply online, in English, and pay the fee.

    Source: Immigration New Zealand

  3. Wait for a decision: 80% are decided within 2 weeks.

    Source: Immigration New Zealand

  4. Arrive in New Zealand within 12 months of the visa being issued.

    Source: Immigration New Zealand

Know before you go

You must arrive within 12 months of the visa being issued, or it expires and you can't apply for another.

Stays of more than 12 months need a medical examination and chest X-ray; 24 months or more also need police certificates.

Temporary jobs only: you can't take a permanent job on this visa.

Where to apply

Apply on the Immigration New Zealand website

Sources and checks

Last checked against these pages on 5 November 2026; next check due by 3 February 2027. How we check facts