Information Sheet Working Holiday Programme

last update: 01.03.2016
WORKING HOLIDAY STAY IN GERMANY
An appointment is necessary to lodge your application with the Embassy.
Please make an appointment online here:
https://service2.diplo.de/rktermin/extern/choose_realmList.do?locationCode=well&request_locale=en
The Working Holiday Scheme is based on a bilateral agreement between the Federal Republic of
Germany and New Zealand, which entered into force on 1 December 2000. It aims to enable
young citizens of New Zealand to gain an insight into the culture and daily life of the Federal
Republic of Germany, allowing them to travel to Germany for a stay of up to 12 months. Since the
Working Holiday Scheme is intended to promote greater mutual understanding, the applicant’s
primary aim should be to visit Germany. However, to help finance the stay, jobs can be taken up
with different employers of the visa holder’s choice as long as the holiday purpose of the stay is
being upheld. There is no time limit for the employment as long as the maximum total stay of one
year is respected.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for a working holiday visa under the German/New Zealand Working Holiday
Scheme, you must:
▫ be aged between 18 and 30 (both inclusive)
▫ be a citizen of New Zealand
▫ not be accompanied by any children on your visit
▫ be in good health
How to apply?
The visa is available from the German Embassy in Wellington. If your current residency is outside
of New Zealand you can also apply with the local German Embassy or Consulate General.
The visa is also available from the local immigration office in Germany after your arrival there.
To apply for a visa in New Zealand you must submit your application in person at this Embassy.
Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
The following are required:
▫ your New Zealand passport, which must be valid for at least three more months after the
expiry date of the visa; plus one copy of passport.
▫ one application form “Antrag auf Erteilung einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis” (Application for a
residence permit) duly filled in and signed; one biometric passport photo. Passport
photos can be taken at any New Zealand Post Shop.
▫ evidence of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Germany during the first 3
months of your stay, i.e. a monthly minimum of € 250. Evidence of funds may be in form of
copies of account statements with your name on it. Credit Card statements are not
accepted.
▫ evidence of health insurance (travel insurance) valid in Germany to remain in force
throughout your stay including details about coverage;
▫ valid travel documents and an aeroplane return ticket or evidence of sufficient funds to
purchase such a ticket.
▫ 100 NZ$ visa fee as cash, by cheque.or by credit card. EFTPOS is not available
Visa fees are based on the current Euro exchange rate and can change frequently. Prices
are updated accordingly on this info sheet
▫ self-addressed courier envelope (if you request return by mail)
Other documents and/or a visit to the German Embassy may be necessary. As processing time for
this type of visa is generally 7 days for complete applications, the Embassy only accepts
applications 3 months before intended travel to Germany at the earliest.
Is the visa valid in other countries?
The working holiday visa allows you to stay and work in Germany only.It does not allow you to
work in any other Schengen Member State.
Working Holiday Visas are also available from most Schengen Member states and must be applied
for individually for each country you intend to work and travel in. Additionally, New Zealand citizens
can travel to Schengen Member states for a maximum stay of 90 days per half year (see also
"short stay visa" information)
Can I apply for another visa in Germany?
You may apply to extend your residence permit or alter its character (e.g. to study or work for a
longer period) by filing the appropriate application with the competent Immigration Department in
Germany. You will find the competent immigration office in the county or city council office
responsible for your intended place of residence.
How or where to find a holiday job in Germany?
In all larger towns you can obtain information (e.g. on available jobs) from the local employment
agency (Agentur für Arbeit). However, this office can only be of assistance if you want to spend at
least several weeks working for the same employer. Otherwise you are advised to establish direct
contact with potential employers. For general information on employment in Germany please
contact:
Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung (ZAV)
der Bundesagentur für Arbeit
53107 Bonn
Tel: +49 (0)228 713-1313 (Infohotline)
Fax: +49 (0)228 270 -1111
Internet: www.zav.de
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.ba-auslandsvermittlung.de
www.arbeitsagentur.de
www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/working/five-steps-to-working-in-germany/
http://www.bund.de/EN/Working-In-Germany/Working-In-Germany_node.html

Download Report