South Korean applicants · New Zealand
Working Holiday Visa for South Korean citizens
Temporary visa for young people (18–30 or 18–35) from partner countries to work, travel, and study in New Zealand.
This page covers the Working Holiday Visa specifically for South Korean applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to South Korea. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- Typically 1–3 weeks.
- Government fees
- NZD 455 (verify on INZ). Some partner countries have reduced or waived fees.
- Typical duration
- 12 months (23 months for UK and Canada).
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a New Zealand consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
South Korean nationals require a visa for any entry into New Zealand. The Working Holiday Visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
New Zealand has Working Holiday Scheme agreements with over 40 countries. Age limits and annual quotas vary by partner country. Most schemes allow 12 months of work and travel; some (UK, Canada) allow up to 23 months. The visa permits any employment (no occupation restrictions) and up to 6 months of study.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Nationality of a participating Working Holiday Scheme partner country.
- ✓Age 18–30 (18–35 for some countries including UK, Canada, Ireland, France, Germany).
- ✓Funds of at least NZD 4,200 (or NZD 350/month of stay) and onward or return travel.
- ✓Meet health and character requirements.
Common blockers
- !Country not in a WHS agreement with New Zealand — notably India and China do not have WHSAs.
- !Over the age limit for your country's scheme.
- !Annual quota filled (some countries have strict caps that fill quickly).
Typical evidence
- ·Passport from a partner country.
- ·Evidence of funds.
- ·Return or onward travel ticket or funds to purchase one.
Application pathway
Check your country's scheme
Confirm that your country participates, the age limit, and whether quota places are available.
Apply online
Submit the application via INZ's online system. Most applications are processed within 1–3 weeks.
Travel and work
Work for any employer at any skill level. Study for up to 6 months. Travel freely.
Consider extending or transitioning
Some nationalities can extend by 3 months with qualifying seasonal work. Otherwise, transition to an AEWV or student visa before expiry.
Not sure New Zealand is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer youth mobility routes that South Korean nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are South Korean citizens eligible for the Working Holiday Visa?+
Eligibility for the Working Holiday Visa is set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do South Korean applicants typically file the Working Holiday Visa?+
a New Zealand consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do South Korean applicants need a tourist visa for New Zealand as well?+
South Korean nationals require a visa for any entry into New Zealand. The Working Holiday Visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Can I get a Working Holiday visa for New Zealand from India?+
No. India does not currently have a Working Holiday Scheme agreement with New Zealand. Indian nationals seeking to work in NZ must use the AEWV, SMC, or other standard work visa categories.
How long can I stay in NZ on a Working Holiday visa?+
Most schemes are for 12 months. UK and Canadian nationals can stay for up to 23 months. Some nationalities can extend by 3 months if they complete 3 months of qualifying seasonal work in specified industries.