New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for Italian Citizens: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is one of the most popular options for Italians who want to live abroad for several months while working and travelling at the same time. It allows you to stay in the country for up to one year, with the possibility of working legally to help fund your trip.
That said, it is not an “automatic” visa and it should not be handled improvisationally. There are clear rules, upfront costs, minimum funds to prove, and an online application process that must be followed carefully. Some aspects—such as insurance or checks at the border—are often underestimated and can cause issues if not managed properly.
In this guide you will find practical and up-to-date information on the New Zealand WHV for Italian citizens: who can apply, how much it really costs, which documents are required, and what to expect once you arrive. The goal is simple: help you leave well prepared, without surprises.
🇮🇹 Who: Italian citizens, 18–30 years old
🛂 Application: online only on the Immigration New Zealand website
💴 Cost: from NZD 770 + NZD 100 (IVL) → minimum total NZD 870
💰 Minimum funds: NZD 4,200 (to prove with a bank statement)
🏥 Insurance: required (medical + hospital cover for the full duration)
⏳ Duration: up to 12 months
💼 Work: allowed, but max 3 months per employer
🎓 Study: up to 6 months
🔁 Extension: possible +3 months with 3 months of work in horticulture/viticulture
Is the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa available for Italians?
Yes. Italy is among the countries that have a bilateral agreement with New Zealand for the Working Holiday Visa. This agreement allows Italian citizens to apply for a WHV and stay in the country for up to 12 months, working legally to cover travel expenses.
Applications are open to anyone with a valid Italian passport who meets the programme requirements—especially the age limit and initial financial resources. You do not need dual citizenship or residence abroad: Italian nationality is the key requirement.
However, it is important to distinguish between eligibility and automatic approval. Being allowed to apply does not mean the visa will be granted without checks. The application is reviewed by New Zealand authorities and can be refused if requirements are not fully met or if the file is incomplete.
New Zealand Working Holiday Visa rules always depend on nationality. Age limits, costs and conditions may be different for citizens of other countries.
One of the areas that requires the most attention is travel insurance, which must be suitable for a long stay and compliant with WHV requirements. To compare the different options, you can use tools such as HelloSafe to identify recognised coverage, ready-to-use certificates and conditions designed for this type of visa.
Get your Working Holiday insurance certificate in 2 minutes
What are the requirements to obtain the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?
To apply, you must meet specific requirements, which are checked during the online procedure. They are not complicated, but they must be prepared carefully: mistakes or unclear documents can slow down the review process.
Requirement | Details | Useful information |
|---|---|---|
🎂 Age | 18–30 years old | Age is checked on the date you apply, not on the departure date |
🇮🇹 Nationality | Italian passport | Must be valid for the entire stay |
💰 Minimum funds | Required amount | Must be proven with a recent bank statement |
🏥 Insurance | Mandatory | Must cover the full WHV period |
🛂 Criminal record | No serious offences | Usually a self-declaration is enough |
Incomplete or unclear applications are the #1 reason for delays. Having organised, readable and up-to-date documents makes the process much smoother.
How much does the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa cost for Italians?
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is not free. The fee must be paid online at the time of application and includes the visa itself plus a mandatory tourism and environmental levy.
In addition to the visa fee, you should plan for other costs before leaving, especially insurance and the minimum funds you must prove.
Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
🛂 WHV visa | NZD 770 |
🌿 IVL (tourism levy) | NZD 100 |
🏥 WHV insurance (12 months) | €300 – €700 |
💰 Minimum required funds | NZD 4,200 (≈ €2,300 – €2,400) |
👉 In practice, the minimum amount to pay immediately for the application is NZD 870 (visa + IVL), to which you must add insurance and available funds in your bank account.
Payment for the visa and IVL is made online only during the application process. The IVL is not refunded even if the application is refused.
To limit costs in case of unexpected issues, it is useful to know that some WHV insurance policies refund the premium if the visa is refused.
Through HelloSafe, you can compare WHV insurance options for New Zealand selected from major insurers, with immediate certificates, negotiated rates and refund options in case of visa refusal.
Compare the best WHV insurance plansHow much money do you need for the New Zealand WHV and what is checked at the border?
For the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, you must prove a minimum level of financial resources. The goal is simple: to ensure you can support yourself at the beginning of your stay, even if you do not find a job immediately.
Required amounts (New Zealand)
- Official minimum funds: NZD 4,200 (to be proven with a recent bank statement)
- Return ticket: not mandatory, but you must have equivalent funds to buy one.
Application vs entry: what changes
- During the online application: you enter your details and may be asked to provide proof of funds.
- On arrival in New Zealand: immigration officers may ask to see your bank statement, onward ticket or proof you can purchase one. Checks are not systematic, but possible.
Item | Checked |
|---|---|
💳 Bank statement | ✔️ |
💰 Minimum amount (NZD 4,200) | ✔️ |
✈️ Return ticket | ❌ (or equivalent funds) |
🛂 Border checks | Possible |
Showing more than the minimum required (e.g. NZD 5,000–6,000) reduces the risk of extra questions or additional checks at the border.
How to apply for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa from Italy
To apply for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa as an Italian citizen, you do not need to visit an embassy: the entire process is done online, directly on the official New Zealand immigration website.
🔍 Check the requirements
Before starting the process, make sure you meet all requirements: age 18–30, valid Italian passport, minimum funds available (at least NZD 4,200), insurance valid for the entire stay, and no previous New Zealand Working Holiday Visa granted in the past.
💻 Online application on the immigration website
The application must be submitted only through the official Immigration New Zealand portal.
- Go to https://onlineservices.immigration.govt.nz/?WHS= to start the process.
- Create an account or log in with RealMe.
- Fill in the online form with personal details, passport data, information on funds and travel plans.
- Some fields may require supporting documents (e.g. bank statement or proof of insurance).
💳 Visa payment
At the end of the application, you will be asked to pay online:
- the WHV visa fee, and
- the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), mandatory and non-refundable. Payment is made by credit or debit card.
⏳ Waiting for approval
After submission and payment, your application is processed by New Zealand authorities. In most cases, a decision arrives within 1–2 weeks, but timelines may vary depending on the time of year and the number of applications being processed.
✈️ Getting ready to travel
Once approved (“visa granted”), the visa is electronically linked to your passport. Before leaving, it is recommended to carry:
- visa approval confirmation
- details of insurance valid for the WHV
- proof of available funds
- These documents may also be requested upon entry into New Zealand.
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa application is online only, not through the Italian embassy or consulate. All steps must be completed through the official Immigration New Zealand system.
Is travel insurance mandatory for the New Zealand WHV?
Yes. For the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, insurance is required. It proves that, in case of illness or emergencies, costs will not fall on the local healthcare system. It must cover the full duration of your stay without interruption. The WHV allows a long stay in the country and permission to work. New Zealand authorities therefore require appropriate cover for medical expenses and hospitalisation, as well as assistance in case of early return.
Best insurance offers (our expert selection)
What they actually check
During the application (or at the border), they may check that:
- the policy covers the entire WHV period
- benefits are clear and sufficient
- a formal certificate is available with readable dates and coverage details
An unclear policy may lead to requests for additional documents.
What is not accepted
- short-term insurance policies
- coverage limited to emergencies only
- insurance included with bank cards
- policies without an official certificate
Coverage | Recommended minimum limit |
|---|---|
🏥 Medical expenses | ≥ €500,000 |
🏨 Hospitalisation | Included |
✈️ Repatriation | Included |
📄 Certificate | Mandatory |
For WHV, it is best to choose a 12-month insurance policy with immediate certificate issuance and refund in case of visa refusal.
It is recommended to select insurance that provides an immediate certificate (useful during the application process) and refunds the premium if the visa is refused. This allows you to submit a complete file without risking losing the insurance cost in case of a negative outcome.
What jobs can you find in New Zealand with a WHV?
With the Working Holiday Visa, you can work legally in New Zealand, mainly in temporary jobs suited to travellers. No special qualifications or previous experience are required: many roles are accessible even for first-time arrivals.
The most common sectors are those with high staff turnover and seasonal demand. Job availability varies greatly depending on the time of year and the region of the country.
Seasonality plays a major role:
- in summer (November–March), opportunities increase in tourism, hospitality and outdoor activities
- in other periods, it is easier to find work in agriculture or fruit picking
One of the key advantages of the WHV is the ability to find work without previous experience, often with on-the-job training. Basic English is generally enough to get started.
Sector | Typical jobs | Estimated pay |
|---|---|---|
🌱 Agriculture | Fruit picking, harvest, packhouse, pruning | NZD 23–26/hour |
🍷 Viticulture | Vineyards, wineries, bottling | NZD 23–27/hour |
🏨 Tourism & hospitality | Hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, hostels | NZD 23–28/hour |
🧹 Services | Cleaning, housekeeping, laundry | NZD 23–25/hour |
📦 Logistics | Warehouses, picking & packing, loading/unloading | NZD 24–30/hour |
🛒 Retail | Supermarkets, shops, service stations | NZD 23–26/hour |
🏗️ Construction (entry-level) | Labouring, site support | NZD 25–32/hour |
🏕️ Outdoor & seasonal | Camping, parks, tourism activities | NZD 23–27/hour |
👶 Childcare / au pair | Families, childcare support | NZD 200–300/week (with board & lodging) |
The legal minimum wage in New Zealand is NZD 23.15/hour (reference level for many WHV jobs).
Many jobs are paid hourly, others are paid per piece (especially in agriculture).
With the WHV you can work up to 3 months for the same employer, but changing jobs is common and easy.
Can you extend or renew the New Zealand WHV?
Yes, in some cases you can stay longer, but the options are limited and clearly defined. It is important to understand them before leaving, because New Zealand does not work like Australia.
Second WHV: what is actually possible
For Italian citizens, there is no real “second Working Holiday Visa” like in Australia. You cannot apply for a brand-new WHV after the first one expires.
The only extension available is a 3-month extension, bringing the maximum duration to 15 months.
“Specified work” conditions
To obtain the 3-month extension, you must have completed:
- at least 3 months of work
- in horticulture or viticulture
- in New Zealand
- during your WHV period
The work does not need to be continuous or with the same employer, but it must be documented (payslips, employer letters, tax records).
Difference compared to Australia
This is where most confusion comes from. In Australia, you can obtain:
- a second WHV
- and even a third, under specific conditions
In New Zealand instead:
- no full second WHV
- only a 3-month extension
- only with specific agricultural work
Many travellers plan their journey starting in New Zealand and then moving on to Australia, precisely because renewal options are broader there. Planning ahead helps avoid wrong choices halfway through the trip.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid with the New Zealand WHV?
Many issues related to the Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand are not caused by the procedure itself, but by incorrect or incomplete information. The most common mistakes are often avoidable with a bit of preparation.
Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
❌ Assuming the visa is automatic | The application may be refused if requirements are not met or if the file is incomplete |
❌ Travelling without proper insurance | Extra checks or issues at the border |
❌ Confusing rules with other countries | Application errors and misunderstandings about requirements |
❌ Underestimating the required funds | Requests for clarification or refusal at the border |
❌ Not reading work conditions | Breach of rules (e.g. more than 3 months with the same employer) |
Most mistakes come from outdated information or experiences that apply to other countries. Referring to New Zealand-specific rules almost completely reduces the risk.
FAQ
Yes. The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is available for Italian citizens in 2025. Italy is part of an active bilateral agreement. However, conditions may change over time (fees, quotas, requirements), so it is always best to check the latest information before applying.
The age limit is 18–30 years inclusive.
What matters is the date you submit the online application, not the date you depart or arrive in New Zealand.
Yes. You can apply up to the day before your 31st birthday.
If you turn 31 after submitting your application, this does not affect the outcome.
Yes. Even if you meet the basic requirements, your application may be refused in case of:
- incorrect or incomplete information
- insufficient funds
- non-compliant insurance
- previous immigration issues
The WHV is not automatic.
No. You do not need any job contract to obtain the Working Holiday Visa.
The visa is designed to look for work after arriving in New Zealand.
Yes. For the New Zealand WHV, medical and hospital insurance is required for the full duration of the stay.
Short-term insurance or coverage included with bank cards is not considered sufficient.
On arrival, immigration may ask for:
- proof of minimum funds (NZD 4,200)
- an onward ticket or proof you can purchase one
- valid insurance
- details about your stay
Checks are not systematic, but possible.
Yes. The New Zealand WHV allows multiple entries and exits during the visa validity period, as long as it has not expired.
No. For Italians, there is no full second WHV.
Only a 3-month extension is possible, provided you have completed at least 3 months of work in horticulture or viticulture.
It depends on your goal. The WHV is worth it if you want to:
- live abroad for several months
- work legally without sponsorship
- travel and change jobs easily
It is not designed as a long-term career visa. For many Italians, it remains one of the most complete and accessible international experiences.
