Malaysia Working Holiday Scheme

Working Holiday Scheme details for those with Malaysian passports.

Malaysia Working Holiday Scheme

Every year, 1150 places are allotted for 18 to 30 year olds holding a Malaysian passport. With this visa you can live, work, study, travel and play here for up to six months.

Online application service available

Applications can be made online for this scheme. You will need a valid Visa or Mastercard credit card.

Qualifying for Acceptance

You must:

• Have a passport that’s valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand
• Be at least 18 and not older than 30 years old
• Meet our health and character requirements
• Not bring children with you
• Hold a return air ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket
• Hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance for the length of your stay
• Not have previously been approved for a Working Holiday Scheme visa
• Be coming to New Zealand to holiday, with work or study being the secondary intention for your visit

Questions? A few answers...

How much money do I need to bring?

A total of NZ$375 a month, or NZ$2,250 for six months is the minimum needed to meet your living costs while you are here. A copy of your current bank statement may suffice as evidence of available funds.

Do I need to pay tax if I take up work?

Yes. If you do accept temporary employment under this visa, you’ll need an IRD number so that your employer can deduct tax from your earnings at the correct rate. For more information see Inland Revenue’s Travelling to New Zealand webpage.

Can I take up permanent work and/or study while in New Zealand on a Working Holiday?

• You cannot take up permanent employment (unless you apply for and are granted an ordinary work visa while you’re here)
• You can enrol in one or more courses of training or study of up to three months’ duration in total during your visit.

How do I find out the complete eligibility and requirements for Malaysian passport holders?

Head directly to Immigration New Zealand to find out more.

Hopefully, we’ll see you here soon!