Age
The age range applies at application. Also check residence, previous participation and all other conditions for your passport.
References: NZ-IE
Irish passport / Working Holiday
Working Holiday in New Zealand for Irish citizens (2026)
Requirements and practical preparation for your Working Holiday in New Zealand. Start with the summary, then follow the five stages.
Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
Key facts at a glance
- Age
- 18–30 inclusiveLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE
- Length of stay
- Up to 12 monthsLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE
- Initial funds
- At least NZD 4,200Learn moreReferences: NZ-IE
- Visa fee
- From NZD 770Learn moreReferences: NZ-IE
- Annual quota
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE
- Application dates and timing
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE
- Language
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE
- Study
- Up to 6 months totalLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE
- Work
- Temporary jobs; no permanent employmentLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE
Ireland →New ZealandWorking Holiday in New Zealand for Irish citizens (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and language preparation
Length of stay
The Irish scheme permits up to twelve months. Any further seasonal-work extension is a separate application with its own conditions.
References: NZ-IE
Initial funds
Prepare at least NZD 4,200 for initial living expenses, plus a return/onward ticket or separate money to buy one. This is not the whole cost of the trip.
References: NZ-IE
Visa fee
From NZD 770
References: NZ-IE
Annual quota
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: NZ-IE
Application dates and timing
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: NZ-IE
Language
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: NZ-IE
Explore language courses →Passport
Valid 3 months beyond visa expiry
References: NZ-IE
Insurance
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: NZ-IE
Documents and participation
You cannot apply if New Zealand has previously granted you a Working Holiday visa, even if you did not use it.
References: NZ-IE
Step 2
Apply through the official route
Apply online in English under the Irish scheme, pay through the official account and answer any evidence request. An approved eVisa has its own entry deadline; a previous unused New Zealand Working Holiday grant still prevents another application.
- Check your Irish passport, age, previous New Zealand grants and passport validity beyond the proposed visa.
- Prepare initial and departure funds separately; obtain certified English translations of police or medical documents if required.
- Submit the online application in English and pay through Immigration New Zealand; follow any health, character or funds requests.
- If approved, save the eVisa and enter within twelve months of issue. Check the grant and travel documents before booking.
Step 3
Read your approval and entry conditions
Read the entire approval notice: identity, dates, entry deadline and conditions. Keep it available offline. Do not assume the visa starts on your preferred date.
Step 4
Get ready for the trip
Keep NZD 4,200 for living costs plus separate departure resources. Check passport validity at least three months beyond visa expiry and requested evidence before travel; the twelve-month entry deadline cannot be postponed.
- Passport, visa and requested evidence accessible offline.
- Initial funds, insurance and departure costs checked separately.
- First accommodation and airport transport arranged.
Step 5
Start your Working Holiday
Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and carry your eVisa and departure evidence. For paid work you need an IRD tax number. Read your eVisa: temporary work must meet the official employment conditions; permanent employment and operating a business as owner are excluded.
Work
No job offer is needed to apply. Work must comply with the granted open-visa conditions. You cannot take a permanent job.
Study
The Irish scheme permits study or training for up to six months in total, within the twelve-month stay.
Explore language courses →Language courses · commercial service
Plan a language course for your trip.
Through ViveCampus you can request language-course quotes with international-student discounts. Offers may vary by your country of origin and destination. A personalized quote confirms available discounts and the final price. Booking a course does not guarantee a visa.
The Irish scheme permits study or training for up to six months in total, within the twelve-month stay.
Other destinations to compare
- Working Holiday in Australia →
- Working Holiday in Canada →
- Working Holiday in Japan →
- Working Holiday in South Korea →
- Working Holiday in Hong Kong →
- Working Holiday in Taiwan →
- Working Holiday in Argentina →
- Working Holiday in Chile →
- Working Holiday in Andorra →
Frequently asked questions
Can I reuse an unused NZ Working Holiday visa?
No. A previous grant prevents another application even if you never used it.
How long does the Irish scheme last?
Up to twelve months. Other nationalities’ longer options do not extend the Irish scheme.
Do departure funds count toward NZD 4,200?
No. The departure ticket or money to buy one is additional to living funds.
When must I enter?
Within twelve months of issue. The eVisa expires if you do not enter within that period.
Can I take a permanent job?
No. Temporary employment must meet the eVisa conditions; the scheme is not a permanent-job route.
What do I organise for arrival and work?
Complete the Traveller Declaration and arrange an IRD number for tax when working.
Official sources
Source research includes checks from 16 and 18 October 2026. Check current requirements with the official government authority; individual check dates appear below.
NZ-IE · Immigration New Zealand - Ireland Working Holiday Visa
Source checked: 2026-10-16. Check current requirements with the official government authority.
Read the official instructions ↗IE-NZ-18 · Immigration New Zealand · Irish scheme and arrival
Source checked: 2026-10-18. Check current requirements with the official government authority.
Read the official instructions ↗