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New Zealand work and holiday visa for Mexicans: Complete guide

Did you know that Mexicans can easily access a New Zealand work and holiday visa for Mexicans? Here’s what it’s all about.

belengrima

Published: November 2, 2025

New Zealand offers a Working Holiday visa for Mexicans, which allows you to take a holiday and work in the oceanic country for a specified period legally.

In an agreement made between the two countries, the rules were made clear so that you, as a Mexican, can go to New Zealand to experience its culture and lifestyle while working and taking a holiday for up to 1 year. This adds to your CV and provides a great personal experience.

Here, we will explain how it works, the steps to follow, how to apply for this visa, and the requirements you must meet to travel to New Zealand with the possibility of vacationing and working. Stay tuned to find out even how much money you will need to obtain this visa.

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for Mexicans

What work and holiday visas does New Zealand offer for Mexicans?

New Zealand offers a Working Holiday visa for Mexicans, which not only allows you to vacation but also work and study for up to one year. Keep in mind that the studies you choose must not exceed this time.

Also, you need to plan ahead as this visa is applied for in March each year, and only 200 spots are available to grant it, so it’s crucial to stay alert to all the requirements and ensure you have them ready when it’s time to apply.

To guarantee your application, it’s ideal to keep yourself updated on any changes that may occur in the visa application process. Remember, there are limited spots available.

Working Holiday Visa

This visa is one of the newest and offers great opportunities to young people who, after finishing their studies or even still undecided about what to study, want to have a different personal and professional experience.

With the Working Holiday visa, you can find temporary jobs in New Zealand and earn money either for your savings or to continue exploring the country.

This visa allows you to have jobs lasting a maximum of 3 months per contract. You cannot have the same employer for more than that period, giving you an excuse to move around New Zealand, exploring and looking for job offers that match your goals and experience.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is aimed at young Mexicans between 18 and 30 years old who want to go on holiday, work, or study in New Zealand.

Requirements and documentation

Note down the requirements and documents you need to meet in order to be approved for this visa:

  1. Be a Mexican citizen: Your identity documents must confirm your Mexican nationality, and that’s all you need to apply for this visa, regardless of whether you’re in Mexico or not. The only thing to remember is that you can’t apply for this visa directly in New Zealand.
  2. Be between 18 and 30 years old: These visa programs are for young people in that age range, so if you’re outside these ages, don’t attempt to apply, as you will be rejected immediately.
  3. Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in New Zealand: Your passport must have at least one year of validity when you enter New Zealand.
  4. Enough funds for your expenses: It is estimated that you will need a budget of 4,200 NZD (around €2,300 ($2,500)) for your initial living expenses.
  5. Return ticket from New Zealand once your Working Holiday visa expires: You must prove you have the intention to leave the country once your legal stay ends. They’ll ask you to show a reasonable amount of money for this purchase.
  6. International health insurance: To avoid overloading the New Zealand healthcare system, this requirement is essential, as it will cover your medical expenses in case of emergencies or illnesses.
  7. Criminal background check: You must have a clean criminal record with Mexican authorities or those of your current country of residence.
  8. Medical exams (optional): During the application process, you may be asked to take a medical exam to confirm your physical health.

Steps to Obtain the Working Holiday Visa for Mexicans

Now, let’s go over the steps you need to follow to obtain the Working Holiday visa. This process includes several aspects, such as the possibility that they may ask for medical exams at any point, proving you have enough funds for living expenses, and also the money to purchase your return flight.

Here are the steps to follow in order to apply for the visa:

1. Check if you’re eligible

Based on the requirements we mentioned, do you think you’re eligible? Verify that you meet all the criteria for the visa, gather all the necessary documents, and keep them stored digitally. We also recommend having a financial budget available to handle any extra requests that may come up during the process.

2. Create your profile on the New Zealand Immigration website

On the New Zealand government immigration websiteyou must create an account where you can progress with the application process virtually. The process begins in March each year, so before that, you won’t be able to do this step. Stay alert for communications from the New Zealand Embassy.

3. Complete the visa application form

Once your profile is created, you must complete the visa application form, which is available on the New Zealand immigration website. It will only be enabled when the application period begins. The information you provide must be clear and concise.

Taking a holiday and working in New Zealand as a Mexican.
Taking a holiday and working in New Zealand as a Mexican. Source: Shutterstock.com.

4. Pay the required visa fee

The application fee for the Working Holiday visa for Mexicans is 770 NZD (around €440 ($480)). This fee includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. You can pay it via an online transfer using a debit or credit card.

5. Verify everything is correct before submitting your documents

This step is important, as any mistakes in the details, documents, or payment could delay or even result in the rejection of your application due to the changes falling outside the application deadlines. Double-check every piece of information and document you uploaded. Ensure the payment went through correctly, then submit your application.

6. Wait for the result

Finally, wait for a response via email: If approved, they’ll inform you how to proceed. If not, they’ll notify you with the reason for the decision. However, you can reapply the following year if you still meet the age requirement. The response can take 2 to 3 weeks.

Internet While Working, Resting, or Studying in New Zealand

To avoid being without internet during your stay in New Zealand, we recommend Holafly’s monthly subscription plans, which allow you to travel across the country and over 170 countries without changing your SIM and without roaming charges.

These plans offer 25 GB up to unlimited data with the option to share your data with multiple devices like a tablet or laptop, which will be useful for work or study if needed.

If you decide your stay will be short, the Holafly eSim for New Zealand offers unlimited data for the days you need, with no SIM swaps, no bills, and no hidden costs. Just select the days you want internet, install the eSim before travelling, and once you arrive in the oceanic country, activate it and you’re ready to go.

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! 🚀🌍

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Costs and Expenses to Obtain the Working Holiday Visa for Mexicans

Within the costs and expenses you should keep in mind are all those payments you make before and during the visa application process. We show you what these expenses are and how much money you should have available to issue this visa and even for travelling to New Zealand once it’s approved:

If you want to better understand the cost of living in New Zealand, click here to read the article we’ve also prepared for you.

Visas for vacationing and working in New Zealand as a Mexican
Visa for vacationing and working in New Zealand as a Mexican. Source: Shutterstock.com.
  • Visa cost: This amount must be ready when you apply, as once you’ve uploaded all documents and information, you’ll need to pay the equivalent fee of €440 ($480).
  • Medical tests if requested: It’s estimated that tests for the chest, X-rays, and other exams may cost between €65-110 ($70-120), depending on the hospital or clinic you visit.
  • Travel insurance: The cost for one year of medical coverage may range between €380-650 ($410-710).
  • Funds to show for living expenses: You need at least €2,300 ($2,500). While this amount doesn’t need to be used directly, you must have it in an account and prove it to the New Zealand immigration authorities. That’s why we’ve included it in the list.
  • Document translation: Translating documents into English will cost between €15-30 ($17-33).
  • Flights to New Zealand and back to Mexico: Flights are estimated to cost between €1,530-1,620 ($1,660-1,750). Remember, you don’t need to buy the return ticket immediately, nor for the visa application, nor for travel. However, you must have the funds ready in your account when the time comes to return.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Working Holiday Visas for Mexicans

How long does it take to process the Working Holiday visa for Mexicans?

According to the official Immigration New Zealand website, the visa processing time is between 2 and 3 weeks for 80% of cases.

How many spots are available for the Working Holiday visa in New Zealand?

For Mexico, 200 spots are available each year for the Working Holiday visa.

Is it mandatory to know English to apply for this visa?

No, there is no explicit language requirement for the Working Holiday visa application. However, it is essential to have a basic/intermediate level of English, as you will be vacationing and working in New Zealand and need to communicate in English.

Is there another visa that allows me to work in New Zealand as a Mexican?

Yes, there are work visas for employees with specific skills and regular workers. For either of these, you need to have a contract or a formal job offer in New Zealand.

What can’t I do with the Working Holiday visa in New Zealand as a Mexican?

New Zealand immigration authorities specify that you cannot work for a single employer for more than 3 months, you cannot offer commercial sexual services, and you cannot work in illegal roles.