Hong Kong SAR Working Holiday Visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Hong Kong SAR Working Holiday Visa
Stay	Up to 12 months
Cost	From NZD $770
Processing	80% within 2 weeks
Eligibility timing	Aged 18 to 30
Annual availability	400 visas each year
Work rights	Temporary work; no permanent jobs
Employer limit	Maximum 3 months per employer
Study	Up to 6 months
Medical insurance	Required for entire stay
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel facility	Multiple entries before expiry
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	Partner and children need visas
Visa record	No previous NZ working holiday visa
Entry deadline	Enter within 12 months
Application method	Apply online in English

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Purpose

This visa allows eligible Hong Kong SAR residents to holiday in New Zealand while undertaking temporary work, study or training.

You do not need a job offer.

Eligibility

You must:

• Be aged 18 to 30.
• Be a resident of Hong Kong SAR.
• Hold a valid British National (Overseas) passport or Hong Kong SAR passport.
• Have a passport valid at least 3 months after visa expiry.
• Not previously have held a New Zealand working holiday visa, even if unused.
• Be in good health and of good character.
• Have genuine reasons for coming to New Zealand.
• Have at least NZD $4,200 for living costs.
• Hold full medical insurance for your stay.
• Have onward travel arrangements or enough money to buy an onward ticket.

Money for onward travel must be additional to the NZD $4,200 living-cost requirement.

Stay and Visa Validity

You can stay for up to 12 months.

You must enter New Zealand within 12 months after the visa is issued. You cannot delay or cancel the visa. If you do not arrive within 12 months, it expires and you cannot apply for another working holiday visa.

The visa starts:

• On entry to New Zealand, if approved while outside New Zealand; or
• On the issue date, if approved while in New Zealand.

Work Rights and Conditions

You may work in temporary jobs for up to 12 months. You may work for any one employer for up to 3 months.

You must:

• Work under an employment contract or contract for services.
• Perform lawful work.
• Pay tax and obtain an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number.

You must not:

• Take a permanent job.
• Operate a business as an owner.
• Provide commercial sexual services.
• Invest in a business providing commercial sexual services.

Study

You may study or train for up to 6 months in total.

Travel

After arriving, you may travel in and out of New Zealand as many times as you like before the visa expires.

Family

A partner or child who wants to come to New Zealand must apply for their own visa.

Required Evidence

When applying, provide your passport details.

Immigration New Zealand may later request:

• Medical examination or chest X-ray evidence.
• Police certificates.
• Evidence of NZD $4,200 available funds.
• Proof of full medical insurance.
• An onward ticket or evidence you can buy one.

Acceptable funds evidence may include bank statements, credit card statements, bank drafts or traveller’s cheques.

Insurance evidence may include an insurance certificate or insurer approval letter.

If requested:

• Medical examination or chest X-ray evidence must be less than 3 months old when received.
• Police certificates must be less than 6 months old when submitted.
• Non-English police and medical certificates need certified English translations.
• Submit scanned copies of original documents.

How to Apply

1. Gather passport, financial, insurance and onward-travel evidence.
2. Apply online in English through the working holiday application service.
3. Upload documents and pay applicable fees.
4. Respond if Immigration New Zealand requests further information.
5. Check application status through your online account.

If approved, you will receive an eVisa by email.

Arrival Requirements

All travellers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

You can submit it:

• By air: from 24 hours before travel begins.
• By sea: from 24 hours before the ship leaves its last overseas port.

You may be refused entry permission if you are not a genuine visitor, no longer meet character requirements, have changed circumstances, refuse biometrics, or cannot show onward-travel evidence or funds.

Staying Longer

If you complete 3 months of seasonal work in viticulture or horticulture, you may be eligible for a further 3 months through a Working Holiday Extension Work Visa.

If your temporary visa expires while that application is being decided, Immigration New Zealand will normally issue an Interim Visa.