New Zealand work and holiday visa for Argentinians: Complete guide

Living and working in one of the world’s most stunning destinations is possible thanks to the New Zealand work and holiday visa for Argentinians. This visa lets you stay in the country for up to 12 months, combining temporary jobs with the chance to explore mountains, fjords, and lively cities.

With this experience, you’ll fund your stay by working, improve your English, meet people from everywhere, and dive into New Zealand’s fascinating culture. Moreover, many job offers match the season, which makes switching between work and travel much easier. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to get your visa, from requirements and documents to the step-by-step application process, fees, and practical tips to boost your chances of approval.

What Working Holiday visas does New Zealand offer for Argentinians?

New Zealand has a single Working Holiday Visa agreement for Argentinian citizens, designed for those who want an extended travel experience while working to cover their expenses.

Unlike other countries that offer various schemes, New Zealand focuses this programme on one clear category with limited places. As an Argentinian citizen, the Working Holiday Visa lets you stay in the country for up to 12 months. You can leave and re-enter as often as you wish, work legally in temporary jobs, and study for up to six months.

As you can see, the benefits of the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for Argentinians are many, which explains its high demand. After all, no one wants to miss the chance to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world while earning income through temporary jobs.

If you’re interested, keep in mind that due to its popularity, the available places sell out in minutes each year. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare in advance for the application opening day. The opening date is set for 23 September 2025 at 19:00 (Argentina time), so you’ve got just over a month to gather all your documents and apply.

What are the benefits and features of the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for Argentinians?

We’ve already told you a bit about what you’ll gain with a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, but let’s look more closely at what this incredible opportunity offers.

As you already know, it lets you combine travel, work, and learning in one of the planet’s most spectacular destinations. With a 12-month validity, you’ll explore the country at your own pace while taking temporary jobs to fund your stay.

One of its most appealing aspects is job flexibility. This means you can work in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, tourism, retail, or events without being tied to a single employer or location. In addition, the visa allows you to study for up to six months, perfect for improving your English or taking specialised courses.

The visa is also multiple-entry, meaning you can enter and leave the country as often as you wish during its validity. That’s ideal if you plan to explore other Oceanian regions like Australia or the Pacific Islands. By the way, if you plan to cross several borders, a Holafly monthly plan can be your best travel ally, as it gives you unlimited data in over 170 countries, including New Zealand and many destinations across Oceania and Asia. Holafly monthly plan

Additionally, living in New Zealand grants you access to world-class natural landscapes, from mountains and glaciers to beaches and fjords. It also lets you become part of a society known for being safe, open, and welcoming to foreigners, while joining an international community of travellers who arrive every year with the same adventurous spirit.

Who is the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for?

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is aimed at young Argentinians (and citizens from other partner countries) who want an experience beyond traditional tourism. It’s not just about visiting a country but living it from the inside—working, studying, and travelling all at once.

If you identify with any of the following profiles, applying for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa should be your next move:

• Adventurous travellers who want to explore from the South Island’s mountains to the North Island’s vibrant cities without a rigid plan.
• Young people looking to improve their English, either through formal courses or daily interaction with Kiwis and fellow travellers.
• Those seeking international work experience, especially in sectors like hospitality, tourism, agriculture, or events.
• People wanting an authentic cultural immersion, living with locals, sharing customs, and adapting to the relaxed “Kiwi” lifestyle known for its warmth and hospitality.
• Nature lovers eager to enjoy landscapes and outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, skiing, or kayaking while working to fund their stay.

In short, it’s the perfect visa for those who value freedom, adapt easily to temporary jobs, and want a year full of experiences and personal growth.

What requirements must Argentinians meet to apply for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

Argentinians who wish to apply for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa must meet a set of conditions established by Immigration New Zealand. Remember, since places sell out very quickly, it’s best to prepare everything in advance and have your documents ready for the opening day.

Take note, these are the essential conditions you’ll need to meet to apply for your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa:

• Age: You must be between 18 and 35 when applying. This means that if you turn 36 during the approval process or before entering the country, there’s no issue.
• Passport: You must hold an Argentinian passport valid for at least 15 months from your intended entry date to New Zealand. This is key, as the system won’t let you continue if your passport doesn’t meet this requirement.
• Financial funds: You must show at least $2,500 (€2,320) to cover initial expenses. This amount is total, not monthly. You’ll need to prove these funds upon entering New Zealand, not during the application. You may show cash, a recent bank statement with sufficient balance, or an international credit card with enough limit.
• Health insurance: You must purchase medical insurance covering your entire stay, including repatriation and emergencies. Besides being a visa requirement, keep in mind that healthcare costs in New Zealand can be very high, so travelling without insurance isn’t a wise choice.
• Criminal record: You must submit a criminal record certificate issued by Argentina’s National Registry of Recidivism, translated into English by a sworn translator.
• Usual residence: You must live in Argentina when submitting your application.
• Return ticket: You must have a return flight to Argentina or enough additional funds to purchase one.
• First-time applicant: You must not have previously held a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa.

Common documents to submit

• Valid passport (colour scan, all pages with data and stamps).
• Updated bank statement showing the required funds (recent extracts or a bank letter).
• Medical insurance policy in English, including coverage details and validity dates.
• Criminal record certificate with English translation.
• Copy of your return flight ticket or proof of extra funds to buy it.
• Completed online application form, available on the official Immigration New Zealand website.

What steps should you follow to get the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

Before applying, organise your “digital folder” carefully. Places go fast, and the application is 100% online, so being prepared makes a big difference. Below, you’ll find the step-by-step guide to ensure a successful application:

1. Create your account and get everything ready: Register on the Immigration Online portal and verify your email. From there, you’ll access the Working Holiday Visa for Argentina once applications open. Keep your valid passport, payment card, and scanned files ready. The whole process is online.
2. Gather and digitise essential documents: Scan your passport, proof showing at least $2,500 (€2,320), your health insurance policy for your entire stay, and, if applicable, medical or police certificates. These requirements are set by Immigration New Zealand.
3. Be ready for the opening date: The visa offers 1,000 annual spots for Argentinians and opens on a specific date and time (23 September at 19:00 Argentina time). Log in a few minutes early and refresh the page at the exact time.
4. Complete your application and pay the fee: Log into your account, select the Argentina Working Holiday scheme, fill in the form, and pay the fee (from $460 (€425). Payment is made online. In most cases, the IVL (International Visitor Levy) of $21 (€19) is already included in the total visa cost. Save your receipt.
5. Respond quickly if asked for extra documents: During the review, they may request a chest X-ray, a medical exam, or a police certificate. Upload everything requested within the deadline to avoid delays.
6. Track your application and decision time: Once you’ve submitted your application, you can check its progress from your account. As an official reference, 80% of applications are processed within two weeks.
7. Visa approval (validity and conditions): If approved while you’re outside New Zealand, you’ll have 12 months to enter. The visa runs for 12 months from your first arrival, allows multiple entries, lets you work in temporary jobs, and study for up to six months. You don’t need a job offer beforehand.
8. Initial procedures upon arrival in New Zealand: One of your first steps should be to apply for your IRD number to get paid and pay taxes. The process is online and should be done as soon as you find a job.

Final tip to save time: Create your account early, pre-fill your details, test your payment method, and check the time difference between NZST and Argentina to log in at the right moment. With everything ready, your application takes just minutes.

How to stay connected while working, relaxing, or studying in New Zealand

Whether you’re in Auckland, exploring the South Island, or working remotely from a lakeside cabin, having a stable connection is essential to make the most of your time in New Zealand. With the Holafly eSIM , you’ll enjoy unlimited data without worrying about usage, with plans ranging from just a few days to longer options depending on your itinerary.

Now, if you’re planning a long stay and want to stay connected not only in New Zealand but also in other countries, Holafly’s monthly plans with unlimited data are ideal. They let you browse at high speed, share internet with other devices, and travel stress-free knowing your connection will work in over 160 destinations without changing SIM cards or configuring new plans.

Whether you need to send documents, make smooth video calls, or simply upload your travel photos, Holafly offers a quick, convenient, and cost-effective solution without unexpected roaming charges.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

How much does it cost to get the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

As an Argentinian, one of your main concerns about this visa probably involves expenses. As you might expect, applying for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa means covering not only the visa fee but also other costs linked to the process and travel preparation. The good news is that by understanding the full process in advance, you can plan your budget properly. Once your visa is approved, you’ll also have time to travel to New Zealand.

Below, we’ve listed an estimate of the main expenses you should consider:

Approximate costs of the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for Argentinians

Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season, airline, and exchange rate changes. So, it’s best to start planning early and book essential services in advance.

In short, getting the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa requires a significant initial investment. However, the effort translates into a unique experience of travel, work, and personal growth. Planning ahead, calculating real costs, and ensuring you meet the financial requirements are key steps to starting your adventure on the right foot.

Frequently asked questions about the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for Argentinians

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