🇳🇿 New Zealand: 2026 Working Holiday Quota Opening Dates confirmed

Volare Editorial | April 11, 2026

New Zealand immigration authorities have officially confirmed the opening calendar for the Working Holiday Visa (WHS) schemes for the 2026 cycle. This announcement establishes the precise dates on which each nationality with an agreement will be able to access the online application system, which will remain active continuously from the opening until the annual quota of vacancies assigned to each country is filled.

2026 Opening Dates and Quotas Dashboard

The following table details the opening dates and the number of places available for each nationality participating in the program:

Country / Nationality	2026 Opening Date	Available Quotas
Malaysia	February 11	1,150
Portugal	February 19	50
Mexico	February 26	200
Estonia	March 4	100
Philippines	March 12	100
Hong Kong	March 19	400
Slovenia	April 1	100
Spain	April 9	2,000
Hungary	April 23	100
Slovakia	May 5	100
Austria	May 12	100
South Korea	May 14	3,000
Israel	May 21	200
Taiwan	May 28	600
Singapore	June 3	300
Czech Republic	June 18	1,200
United Kingdom	June 25	15,000
China	July 2	1,000
Luxembourg	July 8	50
Poland	July 15	100
Latvia	July 22	100
Thailand	August 5	100
Malta	August 12	50
Lithuania	August 19	100
Turkey	August 27	100
Croatia	September 10	100
Argentina	September 24	1,000
Peru	October 1	100
Brazil	October 8	300
Chile	October 15	940
Vietnam	November 3	200
Uruguay	November 17	200

Cultural exchange and academic offer

This program is designed under the premise of cultural exchange, allowing participants to engage in incidental work activities for the sole purpose of financing their stay. Additionally, the visa allows access to the local academic offer to carry out studies or short-term courses, such as language workshops or technical specializations, provided these activities do not exceed the validity period of the permit. This possibility of combining work with educational training is a fundamental pillar for fostering greater integration into New Zealand society.

Mandatory transportation requirement

Regardless of the trip's reason, it is mandatory to present a return flight ticket reservation or, failing that, to prove the possession of additional and sufficient economic funds that guarantee the purchase of said ticket to return to your country of origin once the permitted stay has concluded. This proof is an essential element for visa validation before the immigration authorities. For specific details on the online application process and requirements for each country, you can consult the official New Zealand Working Holiday Visa section.