New Zealand is a popular destination for young adults from Germany who want a working holiday. The rules differ from Australia, especially for accident cover and access to healthcare. This guide shows what you should check about the visa, how protection works in New Zealand, and how to plan the costs.
Short answer: A working holiday in New Zealand is based on a program between Germany and New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand generally names an age range of 18 to 30, in some countries 18 to 35, and a stay of up to twelve months for travel, work and study. Permanent jobs are excluded. Check the values for Germany, the fee and the insurance requirements on the country page. ACC covers accidents, not illnesses. Last updated: October 2026.
The Most Important Points at a Glance
- The working holiday is tied to a program between Germany and New Zealand.
- Immigration New Zealand generally names 18 to 30 years, in some countries up to 35, and usually up to twelve months. Check the values for Germany, the fee and the insurance requirements on the country page for Germany.
- ACC accident cover applies to accidents, not to illnesses.
- Travel health insurance with repatriation closes the gap for illnesses.
- The largest cost blocks are accommodation, flights and living costs in the first weeks.
Which Requirements Apply to the Visa?
The working holiday visa for New Zealand is aimed at young adults from Germany within a set age range. Immigration New Zealand states in general terms that applicants are usually 18 to 30 years old, in a few countries 18 to 35, and that the visa normally allows up to twelve months of travel, work and study. The specific values for Germany are on the authority’s country page. We do not repeat a figure for Germany here, because it can change. Be careful with older guides: an earlier instruction from the authority on the German program (effective 2009, no longer in force from 29 November 2010) named twelve months, up to six months of courses, an insurance requirement and 4,200 New Zealand dollars in funds. These are historical values that may no longer apply.
What you encounter after arrival is described clearly by the authority: with the working holiday visa you may take short-term, seasonal or casual jobs, but not a permanent position. The working conditions depend on your country of origin. Before you start, you need a New Zealand bank account and an IRD number for tax.
What Does Immigration New Zealand Check?
| Point | What you should check | What to look out for |
|---|---|---|
| Age limit | Generally 18 to 30, in some countries 35. Check the value for Germany on the country page | Immigration New Zealand, retrieved October 2026 |
| Length of stay | Generally up to twelve months of travel, work and study | Immigration New Zealand, retrieved October 2026 |
| Fee | Amount in New Zealand dollars, not verified here | Country page for Germany on the application date |
| Health | Whether a medical certificate or insurance is required is stated in the application documents | Especially for longer stays or pre-existing conditions |
| Financial means | Proof of sufficient funds on entry | The authority sets the amount |
How Does Accident Cover Work in New Zealand?
New Zealand has ACC, a state accident scheme that can also protect visitors and visa holders in the event of accidents. It pays for injuries, not for illnesses. For illnesses, doctor visits without an accident and repatriation costs, you need your own insurance. Check the benefits for your case on the ACC website.
Your statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) from Germany pays only to a limited extent outside the EU. Travel health insurance with repatriation is therefore the usual route, and you should coordinate it with your health insurer. You will find guide values by region in travel health insurance per month.
Which Costs Should You Plan For?
The following calculation is an assumption for twelve months. It shows the order of magnitude and does not replace your own research. Vehicles, equipment and trips are not included and should be budgeted separately.
| Item | Assumption | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 12 months at 800 euros | 9,600 euros |
| Living costs | 12 months at 350 euros | 4,200 euros |
| Flight | Return flight | 1,500 euros |
| Visa fee | Assumption, check the current amount with Immigration New Zealand | 400 euros |
| Travel health insurance | Assumed for 12 months | 1,000 euros |
| Total | 16,700 euros |
How Do You Plan Work and Income?
Many participants look for work in agriculture, hospitality or tourism. This is an option, not an obligation. Wages are subject to the statutory minimum wage, whose level is adjusted regularly. Employment New Zealand provides information on working conditions.
For taxes you need an IRD number as soon as you work for pay. Get your contracts in writing before you start.
How Does the Working Holiday Fit with Studies and Insurance in Germany?
Your insurance status in Germany depends on whether you remain enrolled and how long you are abroad. Ask your health insurer before you leave. If you study in Germany, also clarify whether you need to take a leave of absence. The background is explained in health insurance during a leave semester (in German). For a comparison with Australia, working holiday Australia is helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can everyone do a working holiday in New Zealand?
No. You must meet the age limit and the requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. If you narrowly miss the limit, check before booking whether another category fits.
Is my German health insurance enough in New Zealand?
Usually not. Your statutory insurance pays only to a limited extent outside the EU, and ACC accident cover does not include illnesses. Travel health insurance with repatriation is the usual route.
May I study or do an internship in New Zealand?
The working holiday visa is designed for work and travel. For a course or an internship as part of your studies you may need another category. Clarify this with Immigration New Zealand and with your degree program.
Do I have to undergo a health check?
The authority can request a medical certificate, especially for longer stays or certain pre-existing conditions. Whether this applies to you is stated in the application documents. Plan any examinations early.
How do I report an accident to ACC?
Report the accident promptly and have it documented by a doctor. ACC assesses the claim based on how the accident happened. Your travel health insurance may cover costs that ACC does not pay.
What to Do Now
- Check the age limit, the length of stay and the fee of the working holiday visa with Immigration New Zealand.
- Clarify with your health insurer what your insurance status looks like during the stay.
- Compare travel health insurance by repatriation, pre-existing conditions and coverage of illness costs.
- Plan a budget with a buffer for the first weeks, and book flights and accommodation only after the visa is granted.
Related Articles
- Working holiday Australia: visa, insurance and costs
- Internship abroad in Australia: visa, insurance and funding
- Travel health insurance per month: guide values by region
- Health insurance during a leave semester: what applies to you (in German)
- Funding Study Abroad: BAföG, Erasmus and Scholarships
Sources: Immigration New Zealand, Finding short-term work when on a working holiday (retrieved October 2026, copyright 2026); Immigration New Zealand, archive: Germany Working Holiday Scheme WI4.25 (effective 27 July 2009, no longer in force from 29 November 2010); ACC, accident cover for visitors (home page, retrieved October 2026); Employment New Zealand, working conditions and minimum wage (home page); SGB V, section 13 cost reimbursement (status October 2026)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information and not individual advice.
