Working Holiday Visa
PURPOSE OF THE WORKING HOLIDAY SCHEME
The Japan-New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme was established in 1985. The reciprocal arrangement is intended to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries. Visas are issued to young New Zealanders intent on contributing to these purposes.
The Scheme enables visa holders to enter Japan for a long-term holiday, and if necessary, work on a casual/temporary basis to supplement travel funds. It is not for the purpose of regular full-time employment in Japan.
With this visa, New Zealand citizens need not obtain further permission to engage in remunerative activities while in Japan, provided these activities do not contravene Japanese law regulating businesses offering food and entertainment as well as any other regulations in force which affect public order and good morals.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the grant of a Working Holiday Visa you must:
- Be a New Zealand passport holder residing in New Zealand.
New Zealand citizens who are travelling or residing abroad are not be eligible. - Be aged between 18 and 30 years (inclusive) at the time of application
- Have no dependent children
- Be in good health and have no criminal record
- From 1 Dec 2024, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa for Japan twice (inclusive of passports of any other countries)
You must also agree that your main reason for visiting is to holiday and that any work should be casual/temporary to supplement funds.
If your main purpose is to engage in activities for income/remuneration, you will be asked to apply for a work visa.
FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please read all other frequently asked questions by clicking the icon below before making any enquiries.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Please submit the following items:
- DO NOT STAPLE ANY DOCUMENTS.
| # | Item | Checklist |
| 1 | Passport |
|
| 2 | Application form |
Download the visa application form Fill out all relevant sections (Write N/A on sections that are not applicable) Note: Certificate of Eligibility No. not required. Guarantor/Inviter not required, if not applicable to you Date and sign the second page Signature must be the same as the signature on your passport |
| 3 | Photo |
|
| 4 | Cover letter |
Letter stating reasons for applying for a working holiday visa |
| 5 | Curriculum Vitae |
Detailing your personal, educational and employment history. Must be up-to-date. |
| 6 | Itinerary |
Download the Stay Programme template The schedule must be completed in detail, without remarks such as “unknown”, “as above” or just "sightseeing" Note: Each box represents a month, so please make sure it matches with the duration of stay on your application form The schedule must indicate that you have thought about your proposed trip and have done some research on areas that are of interest to you |
| 7 | Bank statement |
Proof of sufficient funds to support initial stay in Japan - Please provide an official bank statement (on letterhead and/or stamped) Must be recently issued and show residential address in NZ. Shows at least 3 months transaction Must have sufficient balance as proof of funds for your trip, at least NZ$3,000 (or NZ$4,500 for a married couple) Provide multiple statements if not on a single account Statement of overseas bank, records of credit cards or loans are NOT accepted. |
| 8 | Flight details |
|
| 9 | Travel insurance |
- Please use the checklist below to ensure that your visa application can be submitted without any missing documents and to avoid unnecessary delays. Incomplete applications will significantly increase processing time.
- If you wish to nominate another person to collect your passport on your behalf, please complete the official authorisation form with your handwritten signature. Your nominated person must provide this authorisation form and a photo ID.
NOTE: Application procedure
- Only your passport will be returned to you
- Additional documentation may be required
- Some applicants may require an interview
- Applications from agents or group applications will not be accepted
- Please allow at least ten working days for the processing of the application
- Where to lodge your application: Please deal directly with the office that has jurisdiction over your area.
- Residents of Northland, Auckland, Ruapehu District, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions should apply to the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland
- Residents of Taranaki, Manawatu-Wanganui (excluding Ruapehu District), Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Wellington, Marlborough, Tasman, West Coast, Otago & Southland regions should apply to the Embassy of Japan in Wellington
- Residents of Canterbury region should apply to the Consular Office of Japan in Christchurch
|
Consulate-General of Japan |
Embassy of Japan |
Consular Office of Japan |
NOTE: After Visa issue
- Life and Health Insurance – Foreigners who reside in Japan for more than 3 months must have Japanese National Health Insurance. This should be instigated when you receive your residence card. It is also highly recommended that private insurance is arranged before leaving New Zealand. National health insurance 4-3 at: http://www.clair.or.jp/tagengorev/en/f/index.html
- Validity of Visa – Applicants must enter Japan within one year of the date of issue of the visa.
- Visit Japan Web – This is a service that allows you to perform arrival procedures "immigration ", "customs", and "Tax-free shopping service". Please see the Visit Japan Web for further information. ( https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/)
- Period of Stay – Stay permission is for one year only. This may not be extended.
- Residence Card – Medium to long-term residents newly entering Japan will be issued a residence card at 4 major airports (Narita, Haneda, Chubu and Kansai). In case of arrival at other airports and seaports, a residence card will be mailed to the place of residence from the municipal office.
- Re-entry permit – The Working Holiday visa is only valid for a single entry. Therefore, if you have to leave Japan for any reason and wishes to return under the same status, he/she may obtain a special re-entry permit at the airport before leaving.
For more information:https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/immigration/procedures/minashisainyukoku_00001.html - Notification (change) of place of residence – Those arriving in Japan for the first time must report one’s place of residence within 14 days of finding a place to live. Notification is made at the municipal office bringing and showing a residence card, if issued at the airport. Those who move into a new residence must report one’s new residence within 14 days of moving to the new residence.
- Regional Immigration Bureaus will help with the above Immigration procedures.For more information:https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/consultation/center/index.html
- Useful tips regarding living in Japan can be found at Guide to Living in Japan. (https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/guidebook_all.html)
- JNTO (Japan National Tourist Organisation) – A Government organisation established to promote international exchange through tourism. Provides up-to-date information on travel, and operates Tourist Information Centres for foreign visitors to Japan Website: www.jnto.go.jp/eng/index.html