Important information:

• Please make sure that your travel insurance covers you for Covid-19

The Working Holiday Visa Programme (WHP) is based on a bilateral agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, SAR Hong Kong, Taiwan and Uruguay, as well as a Youth Mobility Programme (YMP) with Canada. These programmes aim at enabling young people to gain insight into culture and daily life in the Federal Republic of Germany. The intention is to promote increased mutual understanding and the applicant’s primary aim should be to visit Germany. The duration of the work permit depends on the nationality of the participant.

Where and How to apply?

Visa applications can only be lodged with the German Embassy in Wellington. Honorary Consuls do not handle any visa applications. Appointments have to be booked via our online appointment system. You have to submit your application in person in Wellington. Please note that you can not apply more than 3 months before your entry to Germany.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Israel can apply for the WHV directly at the local aliens’ authority (Ausländerbehörde) after having entered Germany.

New Zealand citizens may work for up to one year for the same employer. Both fulltime and part-time employment are allowed. Self-employment or freelance work are not allowed.

Important information (except Australian and New Zealand citizens):

You will have to provide evidence that you are legally in New Zealand until the day of your departure (visa extensions etc.)

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the Working Holiday Visa you must:

• Be aged between 18 – 30 (inclusive) at the time of application. Please be aware that you cannot apply more than 3 months in advance of entry into Germany.
• Be a citizen of New Zealand. Citizens of Argentina, Australia, Chile, Israel, Japan and Uruguay, with which Germany also has bilateral agreements, may also apply at the Embassy in Wellington. Please see the specific conditions for these countries below.
• Not be accompanied by any children
• Be in good health
• Not have had a German Working Holiday Visa before

Conditions for citizens of other countries:

Argentina:

As for New Zealand citizens, however employment is only allowed for a total of 6 months, either of one or serveral employers. Visa can only be applied for at the Embassy in Wellington by prior appointment. Supporting documents must be in English or German.

Please note - You cannot apply with the German Embassy in Wellington if:

• you are travelling to your home country first, before going to Germany
• you are on an NZETA or vistor visa
• you have been in New Zealand for less than 6 months on your New Zealand working holiday visa

Australia:

As for New Zealand citizens

Canada (Youth Mobility Scheme):

For the requirements and specific conditions please refer to the following website:

https://canada.diplo.de/ca-en/consular-services/visa/yma

Chile:

• Employment for a maximum duration of 6 month with the same employer . Employment may be continiued after 6 months for a different employer.
• Visa can only be applied for by prior appointment at the German Embassy Wellington
• Self-employment allowed

Please note - You cannot apply with the German Embassy in Wellington if:

• you are travelling to your home country first, before going to Germany
• you are on an NZETA or vistor visa
• you have been in New Zealand for less than 6 months on your New Zealand working holiday visa

Israel:

• Employment for a maximum duration of 3 months only with the same employer. After 3 months employment can be continued with a different employer.
• Self-employment allowed

Japan:

As for New Zealand citizens

Uruguay:

• Employment for a maximum duration of 6 month with the same employer . Employment may be continiued after 6 months for a different employer.
• Visa can only be applied for by prior appointment at the German Embassy Wellington
• Self-employment allowed

Please note - You cannot apply with the German Embassy in Wellington if:

• you are travelling to your home country first, before going to Germany
• you are on an NZETA or vistor visa
• you have been in New Zealand for less than 6 months on your New Zealand working holiday visa

What do I need to fill out and provide?

1. Please print our your completed Visa application form

Please have your complete application ready for your appointment and do not include staples, post it notes, paperclips and folders of any kind.The photograph(s) is/ are not allowed to be stapled, glued or blue tacked to the form.

2. required documentation according to our checklist

3. Please read the data protection regulation

and print out the data protection regulation signature sheet

4. Visa fee

What happens after your application
The Embassy reserves the right to request further documents or information deemed necessary for processing your application at any time and assumes no responsibility for applications submitted too close to your planned departure.
Applying for a visa does not guarantee that a visa will be issued! Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application.
Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.

For the time being, it is not possible to pick up your passport in person. As soon as your application has been processed, the passport will be sent to you, using the prepaid and self-addressed courier envelope provided by you at the time of your application.

Helpful links:

Make it in Germany

your guide for the first weeks: Arrival App

helping you finding a job : Bundesagentur für Arbeit