Age
18–30
References: NZ-IE NZE-IE-PRIMARY
New Zealand passport / Working Holiday
Working Holiday in Ireland 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.
The official indexed Wellington instructions were read; direct retrieval failed. Exact current registration charges, numerical study conditions and mandatory insurance wording need their own applicable source.
Key facts at a glance
- Age
- 18–30Learn moreReferences: NZ-IE NZE-IE-PRIMARY
- Length of stay
- Up to 12 months from arrivalLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE NZE-IE-PRIMARY
- Initial funds
- NZD 2,500 plus a return ticketLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE NZE-IE-PRIMARY
- Visa fee
- NZD 120 for Wellington applicationsLearn moreReferences: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
- Annual quota
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
- Application dates and timing
- Activate within twelve months of issueLearn moreReferences: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
- Language
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
- Study
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
- Work
- Casual work to support the holidayLearn moreReferences: NZ-IE NZE-IE-PRIMARY
New Zealand →IrelandWorking Holiday in Ireland for New Zealanders (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and language preparation
Length of stay
Up to 12 months from arrival
References: NZ-IE NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Initial funds
Without a return ticket, the embassy specifies NZD 5,000. Keep personal access to the funds and carry evidence for border checks.
References: NZ-IE NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Visa fee
The Wellington WHA instructions list this fee. Charges for London filing and post-arrival registration are separate.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Annual quota
IE: The inspected programme instructions do not establish an annual outbound New Zealand allocation. This is not evidence of unlimited places.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Application dates and timing
The twelve-month stay runs from arrival. This activation period is separate from the maximum stay and from processing.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Language
IE: 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-IE-PRIMARY
Explore language courses →Passport
At least 3 months beyond departure from Ireland
References: NZ-IE NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Insurance
IE: The inspected programme instructions do not establish the exact mandatory insurance scope; obtain the issuing authority’s current checklist before purchasing cover.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Documents and participation
The postal checklist requires two recent 35 × 45 mm photos with your name on the reverse, original passport, funds evidence and a tracked return envelope.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Step 2
Apply through the official route
- Confirm the competent office; Wellington accepts NZ applications by post, while eligible residents of Britain or Australia should check London or Canberra procedures.
- Prepare the signed WHA application, original passport, two named photos, financial evidence and tracked return envelope.
- Submit the complete postal file and NZD 120 charge according to Wellington instructions; allow for processing and delivery.
- Travel with the issued authorisation within its activation period and complete the required immigration registration after arrival.
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
Allow for the original passport to be away during processing. Prepare NZD 2,500 plus a return ticket or NZD 5,000 without one, and ensure passport validity extends at least three months beyond planned departure.
- 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
Carry the WHA when entering Ireland and arrange immigration registration promptly after arrival. Check current registration appointment procedures and charges directly; the authorisation does not remove registration obligations.
Work
Casual work to support the holiday
Study
IE: A numerical study allowance was not established in the inspected New Zealand-passport instructions. Ask the issuing authority before enrolling in a substantial course.
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.
IE: A numerical study allowance was not established in the inspected New Zealand-passport instructions. Ask the issuing authority before enrolling in a substantial course.
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- Türkiye - source note →
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Frequently asked questions
Is the stay counted from issue or arrival?
The authorisation must be activated within twelve months of issue. The permitted Working Holiday stay is twelve months from arrival.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Explore language courses →Can I apply again if I never used my authorisation?
No. Wellington states a second WHA cannot be issued even where the first was unused.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
How much money must I show?
The Wellington instructions require personal access to NZD 2,500 with a return ticket, or NZD 5,000 without a return ticket.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Can I send passport copies instead of the original?
The Wellington checklist requires the original passport, valid at least three months after intended departure from Ireland, and a tracked return envelope.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
How long does Wellington processing take?
The page describes fifteen working days after a complete application is received. Delivery and incomplete-file delays are additional; it is not a guaranteed date.
References: NZE-IE-PRIMARY
Is immigration registration required after entry?
Yes. The WHA page tells participants to register after arrival. Verify the current registration procedure rather than relying on an older office address alone.
References: NZE-IE-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-IE · Ireland - 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.