New Zealand working visa: a complete guide to working in New Zealand

A New Zealand working visa allows an eligible overseas citizen to work in the country under stated conditions. However, New Zealand does not issue one universal work visa. Instead, your best route depends on your age, passport, occupation, qualifications, job offer, partner, study history and long-term plans.

Young travellers often use a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa to fund an extended trip. Skilled workers commonly apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa after securing a qualifying job offer. Meanwhile, graduates, partners, seasonal workers and people with in-demand skills may qualify through other temporary or residence-linked pathways.

This guide explains the main New Zealand work visa options, including working holiday schemes, the Accredited Employer Work Visa, seasonal employment visas, the Post Study Work Visa and skilled residence routes. It also covers eligibility, employer requirements, application steps, documents, worker rights and common mistakes.

Important: Immigration rules, fees, processing times, occupation lists and visa conditions can change. Therefore, confirm every requirement with Immigration New Zealand before you apply, accept a job or make non-refundable travel plans.

Related travel advice: Read our guide to New Zealand visa requirements for visitor entry rules and border requirements. For practical information about jobs and life on the road, see travel and work in New Zealand. Seasonal jobseekers can also use our New Zealand harvest and crop calendar.

Table of Contents

New Zealand working visas at a glance

These categories serve different applicants. Consequently, you should not choose a visa solely because its name sounds suitable. Check the exact visa page for your nationality, job and circumstances.

What is a New Zealand working visa?

A New Zealand working visa is an immigration permission that allows a non-citizen or non-resident to perform work in New Zealand. The visa may provide open work rights, employer-specific rights or permission to complete only a defined activity.

An open work visa usually gives more flexibility over the employer, role or location. By contrast, an employer-specific visa connects your permission to the employer, job and location recorded on the visa. You may need formal approval before changing any of those details.

Your visa conditions matter as much as the visa name. Therefore, read your electronic visa record carefully and keep a copy available throughout your stay.

Main New Zealand work visa options

The main routes fall into five broad groups:

• Working holiday routes for eligible young travellers who want to combine travel with temporary employment.
• Employer-supported routes for people who have secured an eligible job with an approved New Zealand employer.
• Study-to-work routes for eligible graduates who completed an approved qualification in New Zealand.
• Relationship-based routes for eligible partners of New Zealand citizens, residents, workers or students.
• Seasonal, specialist and residence-linked routes for workers who meet a narrower set of occupation, employer or programme rules.

Although several options may appear relevant, each one carries separate eligibility tests. Moreover, some visas limit the type of work you can undertake, the number of hours you can work or the employer you can work for.

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is one of the most popular routes for backpackers and independent travellers. It allows eligible citizens of working holiday partner countries to travel in New Zealand and take temporary employment to help fund their stay.

Most schemes cover applicants aged 18 to 30. However, selected nationalities can apply up to age 35. The usual stay lasts up to 12 months, although some national schemes offer different periods or conditions.

You normally do not need a job offer before applying. Nevertheless, you must show that your main intention is to holiday, with work supporting rather than replacing that purpose.

What work can you do on a working holiday visa?

Working holiday makers often find jobs in hospitality, tourism, administration, construction, agriculture, horticulture and customer service. In addition, ski fields, vineyards, orchards and visitor attractions recruit extra staff during busy seasons.

From 20 April 2026, New Zealand working holiday visas carry an open-work condition that requires holders to work for an employer. As a result, working holiday holders should not assume they may operate as sole traders or run their own businesses. Always check the exact conditions shown on your visa.

Can you take a permanent job?

A working holiday scheme primarily supports temporary work and travel. Therefore, it generally does not allow you to accept permanent employment. A traveller who secures a long-term role may need to qualify for another visa before starting or continuing that job.

Can you study?

Many working holiday schemes allow a limited period of study or training. However, the permitted length can vary by nationality. Check your country-specific working holiday page before enrolling in a course.

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa eligibility

Each country has its own scheme, yet applicants commonly need to meet the following requirements:

• Hold a passport from a country that has a working holiday agreement with New Zealand.
• Meet the age limit for that national scheme when applying.
• Apply without dependent children accompanying you under the visa.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Hold sufficient funds for initial living costs.
• Have a return or onward ticket, or enough money to buy one.
• Hold medical insurance when the scheme requires it.
• Meet any English-language, education or national quota requirements that apply.
• Have a genuine intention to holiday in New Zealand.

Some schemes open throughout the year, whereas others operate annual quotas and opening dates. Consequently, applicants from capped countries should prepare documents and account access before their scheme opens.

How much money do you need?

The required amount depends on your passport scheme and intended stay. For example, some applicants must show a set minimum, while longer schemes may calculate funds by month. Additionally, you need enough money for an onward journey if you have not already purchased a departure ticket.

Health and character checks

Immigration New Zealand may ask for a chest X-ray, medical examination or police certificate. The requirement depends on factors such as your intended stay, travel history, citizenship and previous time in New Zealand. Therefore, follow the instructions in your application rather than arranging every certificate in advance.

Working Holiday Extension Work Visa

Some working holiday holders can apply for a three-month extension after completing at least three months of qualifying seasonal work in New Zealand’s horticulture or viticulture industries. The work does not need to be continuous or completed for one employer.

You must normally hold a current working holiday visa and be in New Zealand when you apply. Furthermore, you can receive this extension only once.

Keep payslips, tax records and employer letters because Immigration New Zealand may require evidence of the qualifying work. A casual description of your job may not provide enough proof.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa, commonly called the AEWV, is New Zealand’s main employer-supported temporary work route. It suits applicants who have a full-time job offer from an accredited employer for an approved role.

The visa can allow a stay of up to five years for many jobs, although some roles have shorter maximum periods. In addition, the visa may support a future residence application when the worker later meets the criteria for a skilled residence pathway.

An AEWV links you to the employer, job and location listed on the visa. Therefore, you cannot simply move to another company or take a second job without the required immigration approval.

How the AEWV process works

1. The New Zealand employer holds the required accreditation.
2. The employer completes the required job check or obtains the relevant approval for the role.
3. The employer gives you a qualifying job offer, employment agreement and job description.
4. The employer sends you the unique link needed to start the online visa application.
5. You submit evidence that you meet the immigration, skill, health and character requirements.

Never pay an employer or recruiter to secure a job offer. New Zealand employers cannot charge workers for a job or pass their recruitment costs to the worker.

Accredited Employer Work Visa requirements

Applicants generally need a current offer of at least 30 hours of work each week from an accredited employer. The role must also meet the pay, skill and job-check rules that apply at the time of application.

You may need at least two years of relevant work experience or a recognised qualification at level 4 or above. However, the exact evidence depends on the role, its occupational classification and any professional registration requirement.

Typical AEWV evidence

• A signed job offer.
• An employment agreement that complies with New Zealand employment law.
• A detailed job description.
• Evidence of relevant qualifications or experience.
• Professional or occupational registration where required.
• Passport and identity documents.
• Medical or chest X-ray evidence when requested.
• Police certificates when required.
• English-language evidence for certain lower-skilled roles.

Changing your employer or role

If you want to change your employer, job or work location, you may need a Job Change, a variation of conditions or a new visa. Consequently, you should obtain approval before starting the changed employment.

Can family join an AEWV holder?

You cannot include a partner or dependent child in the AEWV application itself. However, you may be able to support separate visitor, work or student visa applications for family members. Eligibility can depend on your occupation, skill level and earnings.

Seasonal work visas in New Zealand

New Zealand uses several routes for seasonal labour. However, they do not all serve backpackers or general overseas applicants.

Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa

The Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa supports short-term horticulture and viticulture work for an approved seasonal employer. It mainly serves citizens of eligible Pacific countries, although Immigration New Zealand may approve recruitment from elsewhere in exceptional circumstances.

The visa normally allows up to seven months in an 11-month period. Applicants need an approved job offer, acceptable medical insurance and evidence that they meet the health, character and genuine-intention rules.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa supports experienced seasonal workers in eligible roles. It can remain valid for three years and allow work for up to nine months in each year, followed by the required time outside New Zealand.

This visa requires a suitable seasonal job offer and does not operate like an open backpacker visa. Therefore, check the role list and employer requirements before relying on it.

Peak Seasonal Visa

New Zealand may also operate a Peak Seasonal Visa for shorter periods of high seasonal demand. Because eligible roles, experience rules and stay periods can change, confirm the current criteria on the official visa finder.

Post Study Work Visa

The Post Study Work Visa allows eligible international graduates to remain in New Zealand and work after completing an approved qualification. Depending on the qualification and study history, the visa can provide work rights for up to three years.

Degree-level graduates may receive broader work rights, while some non-degree graduates must work in a role connected to their qualification. Moreover, applicants must meet the application deadline after their student visa or qualification ends.

New Zealand announced updated graduate work options in 2026. Therefore, prospective students and recent graduates should check the rules that apply to their qualification, completion date and application date.

Partner work visas

You may qualify for a work visa through a genuine and stable relationship with an eligible New Zealand citizen, resident, worker or student. The supporting person’s status and circumstances determine which route applies.

Some partner visas offer open work rights, while others apply specific conditions. In addition, the applicant must provide convincing evidence that the couple lives together in a genuine relationship.

Useful evidence can include a joint tenancy, shared bills, joint finances, correspondence, photographs and records showing the development of the relationship. However, quality and consistency usually matter more than submitting a large volume of weak material.

Specific Purpose Work Visa

The Specific Purpose Work Visa serves people who need to enter New Zealand for a defined event, project, business activity or specialist assignment. Examples can include senior business transfers, specialised machinery installation, sports engagements, entertainment work and other approved purposes.

The permitted stay depends on the activity. Consequently, applicants must show why they need to be in New Zealand, how long the activity will take and what arrangements support the proposed work.

This route does not replace the AEWV for ordinary ongoing employment. Instead, it covers a genuine, time-limited purpose that fits one of the recognised categories.

New Zealand work visas and residence pathways

A temporary work visa does not automatically grant permanent residence. Nevertheless, the right job, qualifications, registration and New Zealand work experience may help you qualify for a separate resident visa.

Green List pathways

New Zealand’s Green List identifies occupations that can lead to residence when applicants meet the stated role, qualification, registration and pay requirements. Tier 1 roles may support a Straight to Residence application, while Tier 2 roles may support Work to Residence after the required period of eligible work.

Skilled Migrant Category

The Skilled Migrant Category uses a points-based framework linked to skilled employment, occupational registration, qualifications, income and eligible New Zealand work experience. Therefore, a worker should assess the residence criteria separately rather than assuming an AEWV will lead automatically to approval.

Other sector agreements and pathways

Some occupations may benefit from sector-specific settings or other residence routes. Because these policies change, use the official Green List and skilled residence tools for the most current position.

How to choose the right New Zealand work visa

Start with your main purpose rather than the job you hope to find. Then compare the routes that match your age, passport and circumstances.

If two routes appear possible, compare their work conditions, duration, family options, cost and residence potential. Furthermore, consider whether the visa remains suitable if your employer, job or plans change.

How to apply for a New Zealand working visa

1. Identify the exact visa. Use Immigration New Zealand’s visa finder and read the country-specific or route-specific page.
2. Check eligibility. Confirm your age, passport, qualifications, experience, funds, job offer and relationship evidence where relevant.
3. Secure employer action where required. For an AEWV, the accredited employer must complete its part and send you the application link.
4. Create the correct online account. Use the application system linked from the official visa page.
5. Prepare clear evidence. Scan complete documents and provide certified translations when Immigration New Zealand requires them.
6. Complete the form accurately. Make sure dates, employment history, travel history and personal details match your evidence.
7. Pay the stated charges. Fees and levies depend on the visa and the applicant’s location.
8. Respond to further requests. Immigration New Zealand may ask for medical, character, employment or relationship evidence.
9. Wait for approval before working. Do not start employment until you hold a visa that permits that work.
10. Check the visa conditions. Review the employer, occupation, location, expiry date and travel conditions on the electronic visa.

Documents needed for a New Zealand work visa

The required evidence varies, but applicants may need:

• A valid passport and acceptable identity photograph.
• Birth, marriage or relationship documents where relevant.
• Bank statements or other proof of funds.
• An onward ticket or evidence that you can buy one.
• A job offer, employment agreement and job description.
• Employer accreditation and job-check details.
• Qualification certificates and academic transcripts.
• Employment references, payslips, tax documents or contracts proving experience.
• Professional registration or licensing evidence.
• Medical, chest X-ray or insurance evidence.
• Police certificates.
• English translations of documents not issued in English.

Provide documents that directly answer the requirement. For instance, a brief reference that lists only a job title may not prove the duties or duration of your experience.

What to do after arriving in New Zealand

Check your visa and entry date

Confirm the expiry date and work conditions as soon as you arrive. Additionally, note any deadline for entering New Zealand or starting the approved employment.

Apply for an IRD number

You usually need an Inland Revenue Department number so your employer can deduct the correct tax. Apply through Inland Revenue and give the number to your employer when requested.

Open a bank account

Most employers pay wages into a New Zealand bank account. Therefore, prepare the identity, address and tax documents that the bank may request.

Read your employment agreement

Your employer must provide a written employment agreement. Check the pay, hours, duties, location, holiday entitlement, deductions and notice terms before signing.

Keep immigration and employment records

Retain copies of your visa, agreement, payslips, timesheets and tax records. These documents may support a later visa, extension, tax refund or employment complaint.

Your employment rights in New Zealand

Migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers. An employer cannot lawfully remove those rights through a contract or verbal agreement.

Core protections include the applicable minimum wage, a written employment agreement, rest and meal breaks, holidays and leave, accurate wage records, a safe workplace and freedom from unlawful deductions or discrimination.

You should receive payment for every hour worked. Moreover, your employer cannot keep your passport, charge you for the job or threaten you because you ask about your rights.

If you face exploitation, keep evidence and contact Employment New Zealand. In an emergency or immediate danger, contact the police.

Common New Zealand work visa mistakes

• Applying for the wrong route: A visitor visa, NZeTA or ordinary visitor permission does not provide normal local employment rights.
• Assuming every working holiday scheme has the same rules: Age limits, quotas, funds and stay periods vary by nationality.
• Accepting a fake job offer: Verify the employer and never pay for a job.
• Starting work too soon: Wait until your visa allows the job.
• Ignoring employer-specific conditions: An AEWV does not normally permit a second job or an unapproved employer change.
• Submitting weak experience evidence: References should explain dates, hours, duties and the employer’s details.
• Missing an application deadline: Working holiday openings and post-study time limits can be strict.
• Relying on old fees or occupation lists: Check the official page immediately before applying.
• Confusing a temporary visa with residence: Residence requires a separate application and its own eligibility test.
• Overstaying: Apply for another visa before your current visa expires or leave New Zealand on time.

FAQ: About the New Zealand working visa

Summary

A New Zealand working visa can support anything from a short backpacking trip to a skilled career and possible residence pathway. However, the correct option depends on your personal circumstances and the work you intend to undertake.

First, identify the exact visa that matches your purpose. Next, verify the current eligibility rules and prepare strong evidence. Finally, read the conditions on your approved visa before you travel or start work.

For wider planning, explore our guides to working and travelling in New Zealand, seasonal harvest jobs, budgeting in New Zealand and getting around New Zealand.