New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for Belgians

What is the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

For Belgian citizens, the official visa is called the Belgium Working Holiday Visa. This is a visa offered by New Zealand immigration that allows you to go to New Zealand with holidays and discovering the country as the main aim, while having the right to work temporarily and to study for a limited period.

You do not need to have already found a job before submitting your application. This visa is not, however, intended for holding a permanent job.

Who can apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa with a Belgian passport?

The programme is open to Belgian citizens aged 18 to 30. The application must therefore be submitted before your 31st birthday.

To be eligible, you must in particular:

• hold a valid Belgian passport;
• be aged between 18 and 30;
• not have previously obtained a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand;
• intend to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay;
• have at least 4 200 NZD to support yourself there;
• have an onward ticket or sufficient funds to buy one;
• have comprehensive medical insurance for the whole length of the stay;
• meet the health, character and identity requirements set by New Zealand immigration.
  
  

How long can you stay in New Zealand?

The Working Holiday Visa for Belgians allows you to stay in New Zealand for 12 months maximum.

Once the visa has been granted, you must enter New Zealand within the 12 months following its issue. After you arrive, you can enter and leave the country as many times as you wish for as long as the visa remains valid.

Can you work on a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand?

Yes. This visa allows you to work in New Zealand in temporary jobs for a maximum of 12 months.

You do not need to have a job offer at the time of the application, but it is not possible to hold a permanent job on this visa.

In practice, many travellers find temporary jobs in hotels, catering, tourism, agriculture or seasonal activities.

Can you take English courses in New Zealand?

Yes. The visa allows you to study or follow a training course for a maximum of 6 months.

This makes it possible, for example, to begin your stay with a few weeks or a few months of English courses, then look for a temporary job to continue the experience in immersion.

Minimum budget and insurance

The New Zealand authorities require you to have at least 4 200 NZD to cover the costs of your stay.

You must also be covered by comprehensive medical insurance for the whole length of your stay. Immigration may ask to see this proof, as well as proof of your funds or of your return or onward ticket.

Health and character conditions

To obtain the visa, you must be in good health and be of good character. Depending on your situation, New Zealand immigration may ask for a chest X-ray, a medical examination or police certificates.

Why go to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa?

New Zealand attracts many young Belgians because it makes it possible to combine travel, temporary work and English-speaking immersion in exceptional natural surroundings.

The programme is particularly worthwhile for those who want to improve their English, spend a long stay abroad and gain valuable international experience, while remaining within a clear and official legal framework.

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa and Belgium: the essentials

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for Belgians therefore allows you to stay for 12 months, to work in temporary jobs, to study for up to 6 months, to travel freely around the country and to enter or leave New Zealand while the visa is valid.

To submit an application, you must be Belgian, be aged between 18 and 30, not have previously obtained this visa, have the minimum budget required and be properly insured.