Working Holiday Visa

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PURPOSE OF THE WORKING HOLIDAY SCHEME

The Japan-New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme was established in 1985. The reciprocal arrangement is intended to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries. Visas are issued to young New Zealanders intent on contributing to these purposes.

The Scheme enables visa holders to enter Japan for a long-term holiday, and if necessary, work on a casual/temporary basis to supplement travel funds.

With this visa, New Zealand citizens need not obtain further permission to engage in remunerative activities while in Japan provided these activities do not contravene Japanese law regulating businesses offering food and entertainment as well as any other regulations in force which affect public order and good morals.

To be eligible for the grant of a Working Holiday Visa you must:

1.   Be a New Zealand passport holder residing in New Zealand

2.   New Zealand citizens who are travelling or living abroad will not be eligible

3.   Be aged between 18 and 30 years (inclusive) at the time of application (no exception)

4.   Have no dependent children

5.   Be in good health and have no criminal record

6.   Have NOT previously obtained a Working Holiday Visa for Japan (on a passport of any country)

7.   You must also agree that your main reason for visiting is to holiday and that any work should be casual/temporary to supplement funds.  If your main purpose is to engage in activities for income/remuneration, you will be asked to apply for a WORK VISA.


 

WHERE TO LODGE YOUR APPLICATION

 

The Consulate-General of Japan is closed on weekends, New Zealand public holidays and some Japanese public holidays.  Please see here for a list of our public holidays for this year.

1.   VALID NEW ZEALAND PASSPORT (ORIGINAL)

• please note that we will keep your passports while processing visa applications

2.   APPLICATION FORM

• leave a section blank if you are unsure or if it doesn't apply to you (eg: ID number & guarantor/reference) 
• tick "Single" if you are not legally married
• handwritten signature only

3.   ONE PASSPORT PHOTO

• NZ standard passport size OR 45mm x 35mm size
• must be taken within the last six months
• Do not attach to the application form
• Do not scan and print onto paper

4.   LETTER STATING REASONS FOR APPLYING FOR A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA 

• Typewritten on A4 paper (must be one page in length) and please sign and date

5.   CURRICULUM VITAE

• Detailing your personal, educational and employment history (must be up-to-date)

6.   ITINERARY IN JAPAN

• Use the STAY PROGRAMME form
• The schedule must be completed in detail, without remarks such as “unknown”, “as above” or other such marks
• This schedule will indicate you have thought about your proposed trip and have done some research into the areas that are of interest to you
• Please note you cannot stay in one region for more than 3 months as this visa is intended to travel around Japan with the main purpose being to holiday.

    
7.   PROOF OF SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO SUPPORT INITIAL STAY IN JAPAN 

• Please provide your most recent 3 months transaction records of the bank account (s)
• Must showing your full name and NZ residential address within our jurisdiction
• The statements of overseas banks, credit cards, investment and loans are NOT ACCEPTED
• Your bank statement must show at least NZ $3,000 (or NZ $4,500 for a *married couple) and you are required to provide a copy of PAID RETURN TICKET (to and from Japan)
• If your return ticket is not yet purchased, your bank statement must show at least NZ$4,000

NOTE

• Applications submitted on short notice will not be accepted (no exception)
• All applicants must appear in person at once (no exception)
• The minimum assessment time is 5 working days. Please allow plenty of leeway (it'll take longer; if additional documentation is required due to the nature of the visa application process OR necessary to conduct additional verifications because of the particular circumstances of individual applications
• Only your passport will be returned to you
• Some applicants may require an interview
• Applications from agents or group applications will not be accepted
• Check our FAQ page prior to visiting our office or if you have any questions.  Alternatively, you can call 24/7 Visa Hotline: 09 802 3564 (free, English only) or email us
• Q & A for those who are improting medicines into Japan 

 

AFTER VISA ISSUED

Validity of Visa	Applicants must enter Japan within one year of the date of issue of the visa
Period of Stay	Stay permission is for one year only. This may not be extended.
Life and Health Insurance	Foreigners who reside in Japan for more than 3 months must have Japanese National Health Insurance. This should be instigated when you receive your residence card. It is also highly recommended that private insurance is arranged before leaving New Zealand.
Residence Card	Medium to long-term residents newly entering Japan will be issued a residence card at 4 major airports (Narita, Haneda, Chubu and Kansai). In case of arrival at other airports and seaports, a residence card will be mailed to the place of residence from the municipal office.
Re-entry permit	The Working Holiday visa is only valid for a single entry. Therefore, if the Working Holidaymaker has to leave Japan for any reason and wishes to return under the same status, he/she may obtain a re-entry permit from the local Immigration Authorities before leaving Japan.  Working holiday makers departing Japan with a passport and the above mentioned residence card, who plan to re-enter Japan within one year and before the expiration of their period of stay, will in principle be able to apply for special re-entry permit at the airport before leaving. For more information:  http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyuu/specialre-entrypermit.html
Notification of residence	Those arriving in Japan for the first time must report one’s place of residence within 14 days of finding a place to live. Notification is made at the municipal office bringing and showing a residence card, if issued at the airport. Those who move into a new residence must report one’s new residence within 14 days of moving to the new residence.

 
 

 

Q 1.  I am 30 years old and will be 31 next month. Can I apply?
A.  Yes, but your application must be received before your 31st birthday. The visa will be valid for one year from the date of issue so you may have turned 31 by the time you enter Japan.

Q 2.  What kind of jobs to supplement my travel funds can I do while on a working holiday?
A.  You may do almost any job on a part-time basis as long as the job does not contravene Japanese law regulating businesses offering food and entertainment or affect public order and good morals. For example, some bar work or hostess work will not be allowed.

Q 3.  How long can I stay in Japan with a working holiday visa?
A.  The visa is valid for up to one year. It is a one-time only opportunity and it is up to you whether you wish to return home after 3-4 months or spend one year in Japan.

Q 4.  Is there a quota or best time to apply?
A.  There is NO quota limit or designated time of year to apply. Anyone who is eligible may apply for a Working Holiday at any time.

Q 5.  What are the requirements for a working holiday visa?
A.  Please see the eligibility criteria. Note that your main purpose is to have a long term holiday to travel around Japan. Therefore, your stay programme must show as much detail as possible of all the places you would like to visit and the activities you would like to engage in. It is not for the purpose of full-time work. You must also have sufficient funds, as you may only work part-time if you can find a job in Japan.

Q 6.  What is the difference between a work visa and working holiday visa?
A.  A work visa is for the purpose of going to Japan to live and work full-time. See work visa application information.  A working holiday visa is for a long term holiday travelling around Japan. You may work part-time to help fund your holiday.

Q 7.  I am a New Zealand citizen but I am currently residing in Australia. Can I apply?
A.  No. the guidelines require that all applicants must reside in New Zealand at the time of application.

Q 8.  Is it necessary to go to the office by myself to apply for a visa?
A.  All applicants MUST appear in person when applying for application OR collection of visa.

Q 10.  I am Australian citizen curently living in New Zealand.  Can I appy for a Working Holiday Visa for Australian citizens, while in New Zealand?
A.  No. You can apply for a Working Holiday Visa only at an Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in your home country.

Q 11.  Do you have pripority visa processing service?
A.  No, there is NO priority procerdssing service.  Please allow plenty of leeway.

Q 12.  I have obtained a Working Holiday visa.  Can I enter Japan with a visa waiver before coming to Japan for a Working Holiday?
A.  Because you will not enter Japan for a working holiday at this time, you must explain that you will not be using your working holiday visa during landing inspection at the airport and other ports of entry.

Q 13.  Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a visa?
A.  You do not have to make an appointment to apply. Simply bring in your application sometime during our visa hours
     (Monday to Friday : 9:00-12:00 or 13:00-15:30 only)