Latvia Working Holiday Visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Latvia Working Holiday Visa
Stay	Up to 12 months
Cost	From NZD $770
Processing	80% within 2 weeks
Eligibility timing	Apply aged 18–30
Citizenship	Republic of Latvia citizens
Annual places	100 each year
Work rights	Temporary work up to 12 months
Employer limit	Maximum 3 months each
Study	Up to 6 months
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Medical insurance	Required for full stay
Travel facility	Multiple entries before expiry
Citizenship pathway	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	Family need separate visas
Visa record	No prior NZ working holiday
Funds required	At least NZD $4,200
Job offer	Not required
Application method	Apply online in English

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Purpose

This visa allows Latvian citizens aged 18 to 30 to holiday, work and study in New Zealand.

You can stay for up to 12 months.

Eligibility

You must:

• Be aged 18 to 30.
• Be a citizen of Latvia with a valid Latvian 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 entire stay.
• Have onward travel arrangements or enough additional money to buy a ticket.

Money for leaving New Zealand must be separate from the NZD $4,200 living-expense requirement.

Previous working holiday visas for other countries do not prevent eligibility.

Work and Study Rights

You may:

• Work in temporary jobs for up to 12 months.
• Work for any one employer for up to 3 months.
• Study or train for up to 6 months total.
• Travel in and out of New Zealand until the visa expires.

You do not need a job offer.

You must not:

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

Work must be under an employment contract or contract for services.

If working in New Zealand, you need an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number and must pay tax on earnings.

Family Provisions

Partners and children cannot be included in this visa application. They must each 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.
• Proof of at least NZD $4,200.
• Proof of full medical insurance.
• An onward ticket or proof of funds to buy one.

Acceptable financial 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 certificates and chest X-rays 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 require certified English translations.
• Submit scanned copies of original documents.

How to Apply

1. Gather passport and supporting evidence.
2. Create or log in to an online account.
3. Complete the application in English.
4. Upload documents and pay applicable fees.
5. Check application status online.
6. Wait for Immigration New Zealand’s decision.

Apply online: Immigration New Zealand online services

If approved, Immigration New Zealand issues an eVisa and emails a copy.

Cost and Processing

• Fee: from NZD $770.
• Processing: 80% completed within 2 weeks.
• Annual allocation: 100 visas.

Visa Validity and Arrival

You must arrive in New Zealand within 12 months of visa issue.

You cannot delay or cancel this working holiday 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 you are outside New Zealand; or
• On the date granted, if approved while already in New Zealand.

Entry Obligations

All travellers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration:

• Air travellers: from 24 hours before travel begins.
• Sea travellers: 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 biometric collection, or cannot show onward travel or funds to leave.

Staying Longer

If you complete 3 months of seasonal work in viticulture or horticulture, you may be eligible for another 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 to allow lawful stay.