Uruguay Working Holiday Visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Uruguay Working Holiday Visa
Purpose	Holiday, work and study
Stay	Up to 12 months
Cost	From NZD $770
Processing	80% within 2 weeks
Eligibility timing	Opens 10:00, 17 November 2026 NZST
Age	18 to 35 years
Annual places	200 visas each year
Nationality	Citizens of Uruguay
Work rights	Temporary work; no permanent jobs
Study	Up to 6 months
Medical insurance	Required for entire stay
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel facility	Multiple travel until visa expiry
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	Family must apply separately
Visa record	eVisa issued if approved
Job offer	Not required
Living funds	At least NZD $4,200
Extension	Possible after qualifying seasonal work

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Purpose

This visa allows eligible Uruguayan citizens to holiday in New Zealand while doing temporary work and limited study or training.

The visa is currently closed and opens at 10:00 on 17 November 2026 (NZST).

Eligibility

You must:

• Be aged 18 to 35.
• Be a citizen of Uruguay with a valid Uruguayan passport.
• Hold a passport valid for at least 3 months after visa expiry.
• Not have held a New Zealand working holiday visa before, 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 plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.

You may still apply if you have held working holiday visas for countries other than New Zealand.

Stay and Travel

You may stay for up to 12 months.

You must enter New Zealand within 12 months of visa issue. If you do not arrive within that period, the visa expires and you cannot apply for another New Zealand working holiday visa.

After arrival, you may travel in and out of New Zealand as often as you like before the visa expires.

Work Rights and Conditions

You may work in any legal job if:

• You work under an employment contract or contract for services.
• You do not take a permanent job.
• You do not operate a business as an owner.
• You do not provide commercial sexual services.
• You do not invest in a business providing commercial sexual services.

A job offer is not required to apply.

If you work in New Zealand, you need an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number to pay tax.

Study

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

Family

A partner or child cannot be included in your application. They must apply for their own visa.

Evidence and Documents

When applying, provide your passport details.

Immigration New Zealand may later request:

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

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

Your onward-travel money must be additional to the NZD $4,200 required for living costs.

Medical insurance evidence may include an insurance certificate or approval letter. Insurance may need to cover hospital stays.

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.
• Police and medical certificates not in English require certified English translations.
• Submit scanned copies of original documents.

How to Apply

1. Gather your passport and supporting evidence.
2. Apply online in English through the Immigration New Zealand online system.
3. Create or log in to your account.
4. Complete the application, upload documents and pay applicable fees.
5. Check your account for updates and respond to information requests.
6. Immigration New Zealand will email its decision.

If approved, you will receive an eVisa.

Arrival Requirements

All travellers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

You can submit it:

• By air: from 24 hours before your journey begins.
• By sea: from 24 hours before your 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 sufficient funds to leave New Zealand.

Staying Longer

You may be eligible for a further 3 months through a Working Holiday Extension Work Visa if you complete 3 months of seasonal work in New Zealand’s viticulture or horticulture industries.

If your temporary visa expires while an extension application is being decided, Immigration New Zealand will normally issue an Interim Visa to let you remain lawfully.