The Complete Guide to the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa (WHV)

The Working Holiday Visa (WHV), known in French as the Permis Vacances-Travail (PVT), is one of the most attractive international mobility programmes for young French-speaking travellers wishing to explore, work, and enjoy a unique experience in an English-speaking country.
This temporary immigration visa allows you not only to discover New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes but also to fund your stay through legal employment, while enjoying full cultural immersion.

1. What is the New Zealand PVT / WHV?

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is a temporary visa that allows young nationals from certain countries (including France and Belgium) to stay, travel, work, and study in New Zealand for up to 12 months.

Unlike a standard tourist visa, the New Zealand WHV allows you to work legally in various sectors to finance your trip, while enjoying the freedom to explore the country as a backpacker.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for the New Zealand WHV?

To apply for a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand, you must meet several criteria, which vary according to your nationality:

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country that has a Working Holiday agreement with New Zealand, such as France.
• Age: Between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application (up to the day before your 31st birthday). Some nationalities may apply up to the age of 35.
• Valid passport: You must hold a passport that is valid for at least 15 months after your planned date of arrival in New Zealand.
• Sufficient funds: You must have at least NZD 4,200 to support yourself upon arrival.
• Health insurance: You must take out comprehensive WHV insurance covering the entire duration of your stay (medical care, hospitalisation, repatriation).
• No dependants: You must not be accompanied by dependent children.
• Previous WHV: You must never have previously been granted a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, even if you did not use it.

3. How do you apply for a New Zealand PVT / WHV?

The New Zealand WHV application is completed entirely online via the official website of Immigration New Zealand.

Key application steps

1. Create an account on the Immigration New Zealand website
2. Complete the online application form (in English)
3. Pay the visa application fee (in NZD by credit card)
4. Upload the required documents: passport copy, proof of funds, insurance, etc.
5. Receive the decision by email
6. Submit your mandatory New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) at least 24 hours before entering the country
7. Travel to New Zealand

Processing times are generally fast, with decisions usually issued within 1 to 3 weeks, although this may vary during peak periods. It is recommended to apply at least one month before your planned departure date. Our international immigration team is available to help you review your circumstances and complete these formalities.

4. What documents must be submitted online?

The list of supporting documents required for a WHV application may vary depending on your nationality and your answers in the online application form:

• A copy of your valid passport
• Proof of sufficient funds (NZD 4,200), such as a bank statement
• A copy of your insurance certificate in English
• A criminal record certificate (depending on your answers in the online form), in English
• A return flight ticket to demonstrate your intention to leave the country
• Proof of a medical examination or chest X-ray, in English

Any documents that are not originally in English must be translated by a certified translator. You must provide both the original documents and their certified translations.

👉 Physical documents are generally not required — all procedures are completed electronically.

5. What is the cost of the New Zealand WHV and the estimated budget?

WHV visa fees

The cost of the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa varies by nationality. For French and Belgian nationals, it is approximately NZD 770 (around €430–455 depending on the exchange rate) and is non-refundable. Payment must be made by credit card (Visa or Mastercard).

Estimated overall budget

Below is an overview of the estimated budget to plan for your departure:

• Minimum bank funds: NZD 4,200 (approximately €2,100–2,500 depending on the exchange rate)
• Passport: €86 if renewal is required
• WHV visa: NZD 770 (approximately €380–435 depending on the exchange rate)
• Return flight ticket: Between €800 and €1,600 depending on the season and airline
• WHV insurance: Varies depending on the level of coverage chosen

Estimated total budget: Between €3,500 and €5,000

6. What is the validity period of a WHV?

The validity of a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand depends on the applicant’s nationality. Examples include:

French nationals	12 months
Belgian nationals	12 months
Canadian nationals	12 months/ 23 months
British nationals	12 months/ 23 months/ 36 months
American nationals	12 months

7. What are the conditions for staying and working in New Zealand?

Entry and stay conditions

• For French nationals, the New Zealand WHV is valid for 12 months from the date of your first entry into New Zealand.
• You are free to enter and leave the country as many times as you wish, provided your visa remains valid.

Working conditions

With a Working Holiday Visa, you may:

• Work legally on a temporary basis in various sectors (fruit picking, hospitality, catering, etc.)
• Look for employment locally to finance your stay
• Study for up to a maximum of 6 months

With a Working Holiday Visa, you may not:

• Hold a permanent position
• Sponsor visas for family members (spouse or children)

💡 To work in New Zealand, it is strongly recommended to open a local bank account and apply for an IRD number (tax identification number) upon arrival, as all employees in New Zealand are required to pay income tax.

8. What are the extension and renewal conditions for the New Zealand WHV?

For French nationals, it is possible to extend your WHV by an additional 3 months if you have completed at least 3 months of seasonal work (planting, maintenance, harvesting, or packing of crops) in sectors such as horticulture or viticulture.

The possibility of extending or renewing a Working Holiday Visa depends on the applicant’s nationality and the specific agreement in place with New Zealand. This should therefore be checked on a case-by-case basis.

Article by Jessica Hervier, Outbound Immigration manager at France Immigration