The permit is available to New Zealand passport holders, single or married, in the 18-30 (inclusive) age group who meet the following criteria:
· Is a citizen of New Zealand
· Possesses a return travel ticket or sufficient funds with which to purchase a ticket
· Possesses the required financial means
· Agrees to hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance for the duration of his/her stay in Norway
· Intends primarily to holiday in Norway for a specific period
· Is not accompanied by dependent children
· Has not previously taken part in this specific Working Holiday Maker scheme
General permit information
This is a multiple-entry permit valid for 12 months. This permit may be extended for an additional 12 months at the discretion of the Norwegian immigration authorities.
Employment is restricted to a maximum of 6 months with each individual employer. There is no restriction on the type of employment which may be taken, however permit holders will be required to comply with the laws and regulations of the country and not to engage in employment that is contrary to the purpose of the Working Holiday arrangements.
Knowledge of the Norwegian language is not a requirement for this permit. Although there is no direct assistance available for finding jobs, the Government of Norway will encourage youth, cultural and community organisations within the country to provide appropriate counseling facilities for New Zealand citizens who have entered Norway on Working Holiday permits.
Working Holiday permit holders are permitted to study or train for up to 3 months during their stay.
Applicants may break their Working Holiday and depart Norway temporarily within the 12 months from the date of initial entry. However, if you depart Norway during this period you will not be able to recover the period spent outside Norway.
Applicants may apply simultaneously for Working Holiday permits in other countries.
Application process
Applications can be lodged at any of the Norwegian Consulate offices within New Zealand or posted directly to the Embassy in Canberra. The form to be used is called "Application for a residence permit or work permit". These forms are available on-line or from any Norwegian Embassy or Consulate office throughout the world.
Please Note: Applications mailed directly to the Embassy must include a Money Order made payable to "The Royal Norwegian Embassy Canberra". The Embassy accepts Money Orders in Australian dollars only.
Applications are processed by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Canberra and generally take no more than 4 weeks to finalise. However, it is important that correct documentation is submitted if delays are to be avoided.
Due to the large number of applications, the Embassy will not be able to confirm receipt of your documents. If you would like acknowledgement that your application and or supporting documents have been received, please use a delivery service that enables you to track your letter/email.
Please note that the Embassy will return passports and send notifications by regular post only. If you wish for these to be sent by a faster or more secure method, you must either provide a pre-paid self-addressed envelope of your choice, or a confirmation that you will book and pay for a courier company when needed. The same applies for postage from the Consulate to the Embassy if the application and or supporting documents are lodged with one of our Consulates.
Applicants are provided with an official Embassy letter which must be taken to the police in Norway within 7 days of arrival in the country in order to have the permit sticker stamped into their passports. For this reason applicants must be sure to state the city/town where they will be located during their initial days in Norway so that permit particulars can be forwarded to the appropriate police district.
Applicants have up to 6 months to enter Norway from the date the permit is approved. If you are unable to enter Norway within the required six month period after the permit has been approved you must contact the Embassy in Canberra to cancel the original permit in good time before the given final date of entry, otherwise it will not be possible to reapply for the permit at a later time.
Please note that you will as a general rule not be permitted to enter Norway until your permit has been granted.
Applicants will be advised if an interview is deemed necessary in order to determine eligibility.
The following application documentation must be provided:
· Application for a residence permit or work permit.
· One passport photograph.
· Certified copy of the bio-data page (containing photo/personal details) of the New Zealand passport.
· Supporting financial documentation.
· A personally written and signed statement agreeing to take out medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance for the duration of the stay in Norway.
· Application fee
Please Note: All photocopied documentation must be certified by a qualified authority as a true copy of the original document. The following persons are qualified to certify documents: Medical Practitioner, Legal Practitioner, Pharmacist, Police Officer, Justice of the Peace, A Notary Public, Member of Parliament.
Financial Documentation:
Evidence must be provided showing that the applicant has available funds of no less than NZ$7,500 in his or her own name at the time of application. This amount is intended to include approx. NZ$2,000 airfare and $5,500 for initial subsistence in Norway. If the airfare has been paid for at the time of application, a bank statement showing a minimum of $5,500 together with a certified copy of the paid-for airline ticket will be accepted.
Bank statements must be either originals or certified copies of originals. Over-the-counter statements of balance can also be accepted if they bear a bank stamp, date and signature. Internet statements and ATM balance statements cannot be accepted unless they bear the applicant's name and have been certified correct by the relevant bank.
Please note that this Permit does not allow for guarantees of accommodation or financial support from other people as a part of the financial requirement of the application.
Credit card limits or balances are not acceptable as proof of available funds.
Option of Renewal of Working Holiday permit:
The opportunity exists for holders of this permit to apply for a 12 month renewal, which should be lodged before the original permit expires. The Working Holiday permit allows for a maximum period of consecutive 2 years, however extensions can only be approved by the Directorate of Immigration in Norway and conditions will apply.