Age
18–30 years
References: JP-NZ-18
Japanese passport / Working Holiday
Working Holiday in New Zealand for Japanese citizens (2026)
Check the essential requirements, then follow the five stages to prepare your application and trip.
Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
Key facts at a glance
- Age
- 18–30 yearsLearn moreReferences: JP-NZ-18
- Length of stay
- Up to 12 monthsLearn moreReferences: JP-NZ-18
- Initial funds
- At least NZD 4,200 + departure costsLearn moreReferences: JP-NZ-18
- Visa fee
- From NZD 770Learn moreReferences: JP-NZ-18
- Annual quota
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-NZ-18
- Application dates and timing
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-NZ-18
- Language
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-NZ-18
- Study
- Up to 6 months in totalLearn moreReferences: JP-NZ-18
- Work
- Temporary work for an employer; no business ownershipLearn moreReferences: JP-NZ-18
Japan →New ZealandWorking Holiday in New Zealand for Japanese citizens (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and language preparation
Length of stay
Up to 12 months
References: JP-NZ-18
Initial funds
At least NZD 4,200 + departure costs
References: JP-NZ-18
Visa fee
From NZD 770
References: JP-NZ-18
Annual quota
This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.
References: JP-NZ-18
Application dates and timing
This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.
References: JP-NZ-18
Language
This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.
References: JP-NZ-18
Explore language courses →Passport
Valid at least 3 months after visa expiry
References: JP-NZ-18
Insurance
The Japan page says insurance evidence may be requested after application. Check coverage period and conditions against your individual permission and official instructions.
References: JP-NZ-18
Documents and participation
A previous grant counts even if unused. Enter within 12 months of issue.
References: JP-NZ-18
Step 2
Apply through the official route
- Check your passport, age and all previous New Zealand Working Holiday grants, including unused ones.
- Apply online in English, submit passport details and requested documents, and pay the fee.
- Respond to health and character evidence requests, using the required certified translations where needed.
- After receiving the eVisa, check entry dates and conditions and complete the NZTD before travel.
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 separate from departure funds and check passport validity. Prepare medical or police evidence according to individual requests and keep the eVisa and evidence accessible offline.
- 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
Have your NZTD, passport, eVisa, funds and departure evidence ready. Workers need an IRD number. Follow the work and study conditions recorded on the eVisa.
Work
Work must be for an employer under an employment contract or contract for services. Permanent jobs, operating your own business and commercial sexual services are excluded.
Study
Up to 6 months in total
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.
Up to 6 months in total
Other destinations to compare
- Working Holiday in Australia →
- Working Holiday in Canada →
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- Working Holiday in Hong Kong →
- Working Holiday in Taiwan →
- Working Holiday in France →
- Working Holiday in Germany →
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- Working Holiday in Ireland →
- Working Holiday in Denmark →
- Working Holiday in Norway →
- Working Holiday in Portugal →
- Working Holiday in Poland →
- Working Holiday in Slovakia →
- Working Holiday in Austria →
- Working Holiday in Hungary →
- Working Holiday in Spain →
- Working Holiday in Argentina →
- Working Holiday in Chile →
- Working Holiday in Iceland →
- Working Holiday in Czechia →
- Working Holiday in Lithuania →
- Working Holiday in Sweden →
- Working Holiday in Estonia →
- Working Holiday in the Netherlands →
- Working Holiday in Uruguay →
- Working Holiday in Finland →
- Working Holiday in Latvia →
- Working Holiday in Luxembourg →
- Working Holiday in Malta →
- Working Holiday in Italy →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer?
The Japan-specific page says no job offer is required.
References: JP-NZ-18
Explore language courses →Can I reapply after an unused New Zealand grant?
A previous Working Holiday grant counts even if it was unused.
References: JP-NZ-18
When must I enter?
Enter within 12 months of issue; you cannot postpone or cancel the grant to reuse it later.
References: JP-NZ-18
Can I own a business or take a permanent job?
No. Work must be lawful temporary work for an employer under an employment contract or contract for services.
References: JP-NZ-18
Can departure funds be included in NZD 4,200?
No. A departure ticket or funds for one must be additional to living funds.
References: JP-NZ-18
Is a decision guaranteed in 2 weeks?
The observed page says 80% within 2 weeks. It is a processing indicator, not an individual guarantee or travel date.
References: JP-NZ-18
Official sources
Source check dates are listed individually below. Rules may change after a check; always confirm current requirements with the official government authority.
2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.