New Zealand passport / Working Holiday

Working Holiday in Germany for New Zealanders (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.

No current numerical study allowance, annual allocation or decision guarantee was established. The checklist is marked September 2025; the mission page is dated March 2026.

Key facts at a glance

Age: 18–30 at applicationLearn moreReferences: NZ-DE NZE-DE-PRIMARY
Length of stay: Up to 1 yearLearn moreReferences: NZ-DE NZE-DE-PRIMARY
Initial funds: EUR 1,326; additional EUR 1,140 without initial accommodationLearn moreReferences: NZE-DE-CHECKLIST
Visa fee: EUR 75, payable in NZDLearn moreReferences: NZE-DE-CHECKLIST
Annual quota: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZE-DE-PRIMARY
Application dates and timing: Wellington: apply within 3 months before entryLearn moreReferences: NZ-DE NZE-DE-PRIMARY
Language: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZE-DE-PRIMARY
Study: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZE-DE-PRIMARY
Work: Up to 1 year with the same employerLearn moreReferences: NZ-DE NZE-DE-PRIMARY

Prepare your application →Explore language courses

Traveler on a street lined with buildings.

Step 1

Check requirements and language preparation

Age

18–30 at application

References: NZ-DE NZE-DE-PRIMARY

Length of stay

Up to 1 year

References: NZ-DE NZE-DE-PRIMARY

Initial funds

The September 2025 Wellington checklist requires own-name bank statements covering the last three months. Without confirmed accommodation for the first three months, show an additional EUR 1,140. This is not another passport’s ninety-day balance-holding rule.

References: NZE-DE-CHECKLIST

Visa fee

Follow the mission’s applicable local-currency amount and payment instructions.

References: NZE-DE-CHECKLIST

Annual quota

DE: The inspected programme instructions do not establish an annual outbound New Zealand allocation. This is not evidence of unlimited places.

References: NZE-DE-PRIMARY

Application dates and timing

Wellington: apply within 3 months before entry

References: NZ-DE NZE-DE-PRIMARY

Language

DE: The inspected New Zealand-passport instructions do not specify a language-test threshold. This does not establish a general exemption from all document or employment language requirements.

References: NZE-DE-PRIMARY

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Passport

Bring the passport and a copy of the identity page.

References: NZE-DE-CHECKLIST

Insurance

Include all medical costs and emergency repatriation to New Zealand.

References: NZE-DE-CHECKLIST

Documents and participation

Prepare the residence form, signed information letter, biometric photo, motivation letter, insurance, accommodation/funds and flight evidence. The checklist asks for a New Zealand-to-Germany ticket; confirm any booking uncertainty with the mission.

References: NZE-DE-CHECKLIST

Step 2

Apply through the official route

Choose Wellington filing or the NZ-citizen route through the competent German foreigners authority after lawful entry.
For Wellington, book an in-person appointment within three months before entry and complete the printed application and signed information documents.
Submit the mission’s insurance, passport, photo, motivation, accommodation, funds and flight evidence and pay the applicable fee.
Read the decision and work authorisation before employment; if applying after entry, wait for permission rather than working under visitor entry.

Read the official instructions ↗

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

Arrange own-name statements covering three months and either confirmed initial accommodation or the additional supported funds. Keep full-stay EUR 30,000 medical and repatriation cover and a passport with the required margin.

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

Keep proof of the trip’s holiday purpose available. If entering visa-free to apply locally, obtain the required permission before work; consult the competent foreigners authority about residence procedures and the issued expiry date.

Work

Full-time and part-time employment are allowed for NZ citizens. Freelance and self-employment are excluded.

NZ-DE NZE-DE-PRIMARY

Study

DE: A numerical study allowance was not established in the inspected New Zealand-passport instructions. Ask the issuing authority before enrolling in a substantial course.

NZE-DE-PRIMARY

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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.

DE: A numerical study allowance was not established in the inspected New Zealand-passport instructions. Ask the issuing authority before enrolling in a substantial course.

Other destinations to compare

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Frequently asked questions

Can a New Zealander apply after arriving in Germany?

The mission permits NZ citizens to apply through the competent local foreigners authority after lawful entry. Visitor entry itself does not allow work.

References: NZE-DE-PRIMARY

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Can I stay with one employer for a year?

The current Wellington NZ instructions allow the same employer for the permitted year, full-time or part-time. Do not import a six-month limit from another passport.

References: NZE-DE-PRIMARY

Can I freelance?

No. The mission explicitly excludes self-employment and freelance work under this route.

References: NZE-DE-PRIMARY

Must my balance remain untouched for ninety days?

The NZ checklist asks for statements covering the last three months. It does not state the separate ninety-day balance-holding condition found in another nationality’s guide.

References: NZE-DE-CHECKLIST

What if I have no confirmed initial accommodation?

The checklist requires an additional EUR 1,140 beyond EUR 1,326 maintenance if the first three months are not covered by confirmed accommodation bookings.

References: NZE-DE-CHECKLIST

When can I file in Wellington?

The mission says to apply within three months before planned entry. Appointment availability and decision timing are separate.

References: NZE-DE-PRIMARY

Official sources

Research consulted: 17 October 2026. Check current requirements with the issuing authority before applying.

2026-10-17 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

ORIGIN · MFAT - outbound Working Holiday directory

Read the official instructions ↗

2026-10-17 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

NZ-DE · Germany - official New Zealand-passport reference

Read the official instructions ↗

2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

NZE-DE-PRIMARY · DE issuing authority - New Zealand Working Holiday

Read the official instructions ↗

2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

NZE-DE-CHECKLIST · Germany Wellington September 2025 checklist

Read the official instructions ↗