Working Holiday VISA

Every year the Embassy of Italy can issue up to 250 working-holiday visas to young New Zealand citizens between the ages of 18-30 inclusive.

The following requirements apply. The applicant must:

• be a New Zealand citizen resident in New Zealand;
• satisfy the visa officer that his/her primary intention is to holiday in the Italian Republic, with employment being an incidental rather than a primary reason for the visit;
• be aged between 18 and 30 years inclusive at the time of application;
• not be accompanied by children;
• be the holder of a valid New Zealand passport;
• hold a return ticket or have additional sufficient funds to purchase same;
• have sufficient funds for his/her maintenance for the period of the one year stay in Italy, ie in accordance with Italian national laws in force;
• pay the prescribed working holiday visa application fee;
• have a full insurance policy with unlimited medical and hospital cover valid for the entire duration of stay.

The visa will be issued for a maximum of one year during which time the applicant may work for a total of six months but no more than three months with the same employer. On arrival in Italy, upon presentation of the visa to the “Questura” (Police) the relevant Italian Authorities will issue the relative work permit.

The applicant is required to complete a visa application form, signing same in the presence of an Italian Consular Agent or a JP and then return same to this Embassy (Embassy of Italy – 34 Grant Road – Thorndon – Wellington) at least three weeks prior to departure together with:

• a passport size photograph (to be signed on the front by the applicant and endorsed on the reverse by the Consular Agent or JP);
• letter and policy confirming full unlimited medical and hospital cover for the entire validity of the visa;
• international bankdraft made payable to the applicant in Euro for an amount equivalent to NZ$ 5500.00. Please add an extra NZ$ 1000.00 if return ticket has not been purchased;
• copy of airline ticket and complete itinerary including point of entry to Italy;
• bank cheque for NZ$ 65.40 payable to the Italian Embassy to cover the visa consular fee;
• valid passport;
• confirmation of hotel reservations or of alternative accomodation (with addresses);
• self addressed courier envelope for the safe return of the passport;
• contact telephone number and home address.

(it is important when completing the visa application form to be sure to complete the section indicating the place of entry into Italy)

IMPORTANT NOTE: The applicant must enter Italy within 3 months from the date of issue of the visa; if not, it will automatically expire and will no longer be able to be used.

For further clarification the applicant may either contact this Embassy direct at the visa section on (04) 474 0951, e-mail address visaoffice@ambwell.co.nz.