New Zealand working holiday visa for Malaysian citizens

This page is for citizens of Malaysia who want to apply for a working holiday in New Zealand. The data shows the main requirements for the Working Holiday Visa, Malaysia scheme. To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 30. The visa allows a stay of up to 6 months. The application fee starts from NZD $770, and you must have proof of at least NZD $2,250 in available funds.

With this visa, you can take on temporary work but not a permanent job. You are also permitted to study or train for a total of up to 6 months. You must enter New Zealand within 12 months of the visa being granted. This specific working holiday visa can only be granted once.

Passport

Malaysia

Age range

18 to 30

Stay

Up to 6 months

Fee

From NZD $770

Funds

NZD $2,250

Status when checked

Closed for 2026

Conditions for Malaysian citizens

• No extra country-specific conditions are listed on the official page beyond the general rules below.

General rules of the program

• Temporary work for an employer under an employment contract or contract for services; no permanent job, and you cannot operate a business as an owner.
• Study or train for up to 6 months in total.
• You must arrive within 12 months of the visa being issued; the visa cannot be delayed or cancelled.
• You can only get a working holiday visa for New Zealand once, even if you do not use it.
• Apply online, in English, and only while the visa for your country is open for applications.
• Doing 3 months of seasonal work in horticulture or viticulture can make you eligible for a 3-month Working Holiday Extension Work Visa.
• Visa waiver nationals should tick 'I hold a temporary entry class visa' in the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, or the working holiday visa can be replaced by a visitor visa at the border.

What stands out

The New Zealand working holiday scheme for Malaysian citizens was, when checked, Closed for 2026. A key point is the length of stay, which is up to 6 months. This is shorter than the 12 months offered to Malaysian citizens by Australia’s similar program. However, completing 3 months of specific seasonal work in New Zealand could make you eligible for a 3-month visa extension.

How to apply, step by step

1. Open the page for your country's scheme and confirm it is open for applications (applications sent before the opening date are deleted).
2. Check you meet the age, funds, insurance and any country-specific education or English conditions.
3. Create an Immigration New Zealand online account, then apply online in English and pay the fee.
4. Answer the health and character questions; an X-ray, medical or police certificates may be requested.
5. Arrive within 12 months of the visa being issued.

Other programs open to Malaysian citizens

From the programs in this directory. Status is shown only where the official page stated it.

Full list: working holiday visas for Malaysian citizens.

All passports for this program: New Zealand working holiday visas by country.