Age
18–30
References: NZ
Thai passport / Working Holiday
Working Holiday in New Zealand for Thai 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
- 18–30Learn moreReferences: NZ
- Length of stay
- Up to 12 monthsLearn moreReferences: NZ
- Initial funds
- At least NZD 7,000 plus separate departure costsLearn moreReferences: NZ
- Visa fee
- From NZD 770Learn moreReferences: NZ
- Annual quota
- 100Learn moreReferences: NZ
- Application dates and timing
- Enter within 12 months of grantLearn moreReferences: NZ
- Language
- Accepted English evidence, such as IELTS 4.5Learn moreReferences: NZ NZ-ENGLISH
- Study
- Up to 6 months totalLearn moreReferences: NZ
- Work
- Up to 3 months with one employerLearn moreReferences: NZ
Thailand →New ZealandWorking Holiday in New Zealand for Thai citizens (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and language preparation
Length of stay
Up to 12 months
References: NZ
Initial funds
At least NZD 7,000 plus separate departure costs
References: NZ
Visa fee
From NZD 770
References: NZ
Annual quota
100
References: NZ
Application dates and timing
This is the entry deadline, not the annual application opening. Check official announcements.
References: NZ
Language
IELTS overall at least 4.5 or another INZ-listed test. Sit it at a test centre, not at home; results no older than 2 years. Check passport-specific education alternatives.
References: NZ NZ-ENGLISH
Explore language courses →Passport
Valid at least 3 months beyond visa expiry
References: NZ
Insurance
Full-stay medical and hospital cover
References: NZ
Documents and participation
A completed tertiary qualification involving at least 3 full-time years is required. This differs from English evidence: a qualifying tertiary course involving at least 2 years taught entirely in English is one accepted option. If applying outside Thailand, obtain the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) letter before submitting. No prior NZ Working Holiday grant, including an unused one.
References: NZ NZ-TH-EDUCATION-20261018
Step 2
Apply through the official route
Apply online in English. Prepare the DCY letter, qualification, English, funds, cover and departure evidence; answer any official request for additional documents.
- Prepare the completed three-year qualification, accepted English evidence and DCY letter. Obtain the letter before submission if outside Thailand.
- Prepare evidence of NZD 7,000, separate departure funds and full-stay cover. Check passport validity and required translations.
- Apply online in English and pay the applicable fee. Answer health and character questions accurately.
- Monitor your account and email and answer document requests. If approved, check the eVisa and entry deadline.
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
Budget separately for living costs, insurance, first accommodation and 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
Complete the official New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Carry passport, eVisa, funds, cover and departure evidence. Check conditions before temporary work: no more than three months per employer. Obtain an IRD number when working; combined study or training is limited to six months.
Work
Temporary work only; no permanent job or operating your own business.
Study
The limit applies across courses combined.
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 limit applies across courses combined.
Other destinations to compare
Back to destinations for Thai citizensFrequently asked questions
How do the three-year qualification and two-year English evidence differ?
A completed tertiary qualification involving at least 3 full-time years is required. This differs from English evidence: a qualifying tertiary course involving at least 2 years taught entirely in English is one accepted option. If applying outside Thailand, obtain the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) letter before submitting. No prior NZ Working Holiday grant, including an unused one.
References: NZ-TH-EDUCATION-20261018
Explore language courses →Can I apply from outside Thailand?
If applying outside Thailand, obtain the Department of Children and Youth letter before the visa submission. Confirm the letter process and prepare qualification evidence.
References: NZ-TH-EDUCATION-20261018
Must I already have a departure ticket?
INZ may ask for a departure ticket or evidence that you can afford one. That money is additional to the NZD 7,000 for living expenses.
References: NZ NZ-TH-PRACTICAL-20261018
Do I need a job offer before applying?
No offer is needed to apply. Work must remain temporary, with no more than three months for one employer, under the visa conditions.
References: NZ NZ-TH-PRACTICAL-20261018
When must I travel after approval?
Enter within twelve months of issue. An unused visa expires after that deadline and still counts as a previous New Zealand Working Holiday grant.
References: NZ NZ-TH-PRACTICAL-20261018
What should I prepare for arrival?
Complete the official New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Keep insurance, funds and departure evidence accessible. If you work, obtain an IRD number for tax.
References: NZ NZ-TH-PRACTICAL-20261018
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.
NZ · Immigration New Zealand - passport-specific Working Holiday
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-17 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
NZ-ENGLISH · Immigration New Zealand - accepted English evidence
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-17 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
ORIGIN · Thailand DCY - bilateral programme scope
Thailand DCY · Work and Holiday participant statistics ↗2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
NZ-TH-EDUCATION-20261018 · Immigration New Zealand · Thailand education and English evidence
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.