Working holiday authorisation
Ireland and New Zealand have a reciprocal agreement under which each country allows young citizens from the other to fund a holiday through casual work. Each of the schemes is open to applicants aged 18-30.
New Zealand participants in this scheme are issued with a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) document which they must carry with them when they travel to Ireland and produce upon request. This document allows them to work in Ireland for up to 12 months without the need for a work permit. The holder of a WHA must apply to the Immigration Service Delivery Office 13/14 Burgh Quay for an Irish Residence Permit Card (IRP) as soon as possible after arriving in Ireland.
The Authorisation must be activated within twelve months of issue or it will lapse.
It is not possible to extend the period of validity of the WHA, or to accept a second application from someone who has already been granted a WHA (whether or not they availed of it).
The WHA is activated when the holder arrives in Ireland. The holder is subject to normal border immigration controls upon arrival.
Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves for at least the initial part of the holiday, or should they fail to secure employment. Immigration officials may request evidence of sufficient funds at the point of entry to Ireland (details below).
How to apply
Applications can be made through the Embassy of Ireland in Wellington. New Zealand citizens resident in the UK or Australia may direct their application to the Embassy of Ireland in London, or the Embassy of Ireland in Canberra respectively.
To make an application please provide the following:
- Completed application form
- Processing Fee of $120 NZD to be paid directly to the Embassy.
- Payment details:
- Paid by bank (EFT) transfer to the bank details given below. Please print off a copy of the receipt and attach it to your application:
- Bank Account Name: Embassy of Ireland
- Bank Address: Westpac Bank, 318 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011
- Account number: 03 0502 0501059 000
- Description: Applicant full name and date of birth (e.g. John Murphy 14/01/2005).
- (If space is limited in the reference field, delete punctuation and shorten name e.g. J Murphy140105)
- Paid by bank (EFT) transfer to the bank details given below. Please print off a copy of the receipt and attach it to your application:
- Payment details:
- Two recent passport photographs (35mm wide and 45mm high), each with your name on the reverse side.
- Your original passport, which should be valid to a date at least three months after you are due to depart Ireland.
- Evidence of Funds: You must be able to show that you have personal access to at least NZ$2,500.00 (or equivalent) plus a return ticket; or NZ$5,000.00 (or equivalent);
- Return Self-Addressed Track and Trace envelope available from New Zealand Post.
The completed form, with supporting documents, fee and photos, should be sent to the Embassy of Ireland, PO Box 11498, Manners Street, Wellington 6142.
The usual processing time is 15 working days from when we receive all required documentation.
Information for Irish citizens
Irish citizens wishing to apply for a Working Holiday visa to New Zealand can make their application online through the New Zealand Immigration website.