New Zealand passport / Working Holiday

Working Holiday in Japan 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 page gives both roughly two to three weeks and at least ten working days; allow the longer stated preparation period and additional time for incomplete files. No current visa fee was established.

Key facts at a glance

Age: 18–30Learn moreReferences: JP NZE-JP-PRIMARY
Length of stay: Up to 1 yearLearn moreReferences: JP NZE-JP-PRIMARY
Initial funds: NZD 3,000 plus NZD 1,000 without a return ticketLearn moreReferences: NZE-JP-PRIMARY
Visa fee: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZE-JP-PRIMARY
Annual quota: No quota limitLearn moreReferences: NZE-JP-PRIMARY
Application dates and timing: Apply throughout the year; enter within one year of issueLearn moreReferences: NZE-JP-PRIMARY
Language: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZE-JP-PRIMARY
Study: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: NZE-JP-PRIMARY
Work: Casual or temporary work to support travelLearn moreReferences: JP NZE-JP-PRIMARY

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Traveler on a street lined with buildings.

Step 1

Check requirements and language preparation

Age

18–30

References: JP NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Length of stay

Up to 1 year

References: JP NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Initial funds

The mission gives NZD 4,500 base funds for a married couple. Statements must show at least three months of transactions; recently transferred funds need source-account statements. Loans and credit-card statements are not accepted.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Visa fee

JP: The programme page does not establish a current complete charge for this filing route; confirm the applicable visa and service charges before paying.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Annual quota

The mission expressly states no quota limit and no designated annual application period.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Application dates and timing

Application must be received before the thirty-first birthday. Visa activation and one-year stay are separate periods.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Language

JP: 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-JP-PRIMARY

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Passport

The mission ideally requests a two-page spread for the visa label.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Insurance

The mission may request private insurance for high-risk activities and recommends arranging it before departure. Residents staying more than three months must obtain Japanese National Health Insurance.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Documents and participation

Prepare the signed form, recent unaltered 45 × 35 mm photo, updated CV, personal signed cover letter, detailed stay programme and official bank statements. The embassy explicitly prohibits AI-generated or copied cover letters.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Step 2

Apply through the official route

Confirm your NZ residence and regional Japanese consular office; Auckland requires an appointment while Wellington and Christchurch do not.
Prepare your own signed cover letter, detailed monthly stay programme, CV, application, photo and official financial evidence.
Submit personally at the competent counter; applications by agents, relatives, post or courier are not accepted.
Collect the issued passport, check entry within one year and plan residence-card, address and insurance formalities in Japan.

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

Write the cover letter yourself: the embassy prohibits AI-generated or copied submissions. Keep three months of transaction records and any source-account evidence, and budget an extra NZD 1,000 if the return ticket is not bought.

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

Report your residence address to the municipality within fourteen days of finding a place. Arrange National Health Insurance for residence exceeding three months and obtain the appropriate special re-entry procedure before leaving if you intend to return.

Work

Casual or temporary work to support travel

JP NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Study

JP: 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-JP-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.

JP: 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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Frequently asked questions

Can a New Zealander participate twice?

Since December 2024 the mission permits two applications where the first WH visa was on the NZ passport. The second must also be applied for in New Zealand.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

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Can I apply while living in Australia?

No. The mission requires NZ passport holders to reside in New Zealand when applying.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Can an agency submit my application?

No. Personal counter submission is required; the mission excludes agencies, family, friends and postal or courier filing.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Can this guide write my cover letter?

No. The embassy explicitly prohibits AI-generated or copied cover letters. Write your own signed explanation and detailed trip plan.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

What if money was recently transferred?

Provide the source account’s three-month statement as well. The main statement must show at least three months of transactions; loans and credit-card statements are not accepted.

References: NZE-JP-PRIMARY

Does the visa allow a regular full-time job?

No. The stated purpose is a long holiday with casual or temporary work to supplement funds. The mission distinguishes this from regular full-time employment and excludes certain entertainment work.

References: NZE-JP-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.

JP · Embassy of Japan Wellington - NZ 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-JP-PRIMARY · JP issuing authority - New Zealand Working Holiday

Read the official instructions ↗