The Spanish and New Zealand governments have reached an agreement to issue a larger number of *working holiday visas for Spain for NZ citizens.
Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the plans to expand the Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) on June 28, 2022.
The expansion to the Working Holiday Scheme, also known as the Youth Mobility scheme, will allow approximately 2,000 citizens of New Zealand and 2,000 Spanish citizens to participate per year. This number was previously limited to just 200 per country.
NZ Prime Minister Arden warmly welcomed the news, saying that the expansion will create new opportunities for young New Zealanders to develop their skills and work experience while being able to enjoy living and traveling in Spain.
She additionally emphasized that the agreement reflects the strength of the relationship between Spain and New Zealand, and expressed her hope that a Free Trade Agreement would be next on the agenda. This would vastly expand business opportunities between the 2 countries.
Can New Zealand citizens work in Spain?
Citizens of New Zealand can travel to Spain visa-free for purposes of tourism, business, short-term study, or medical treatment for stays of up to 90 days. However, as of [date_etias], they require an approved ETIAS for New Zealanders to visit Spain for the same period of time.
An ETIAS for Spain is a multiple-entry electronic travel authorization being implemented to strengthen European borders. An approved ETIAS not only permits a New Zealander to visit Spain, but also any of the European Schengen countries during its 3-year validity.
However, an ETIAS does not permit New Zealanders to work or study long-term in Spain. In order to do so, it is necessary to obtain a visa for Spain for NZ citizens, whether a work visa or a working holiday visa.
Working holiday visa for Spain requirements
To participate in the Working Holiday visa program for Spain, NZ applicants must:
- Be between the age of 18 and 30
- Not have participated in the program before
- Have a holiday as the primary motive, with working a secondary interest
- Obtain suitable accomodation in Spain
- Have sufficient financial means (at least NZ $4,200) to cover the stay in Spain
- Obtain a work permit for Spain (NIE card)
- Prove they do not have any dependant children
It’s not possible to bring children along on a working holiday visa. If an applicant has a partner they wish to bring with them on their working holiday in Spain, then they will need to apply for their own individual visa.
Under the mutual agreement between the 2 countries, the same requirements apply to citizens of Spain who wish to participate in the program in New Zealand.
Jobs you can do with a Spanish Working Holiday visa
Some of the jobs that New Zealanders can undertake with a Spanish Working Holiday visa include:
- Service industry jobs such as waiter, barista, cook, etc.
- Language teaching
- Jobs in the tourism industry
- Jobs in information technology
It is important to follow the employment conditions set by the Working Holiday visa program. These stipulate that the participant must not work for the same employer for more than 3 months.
Additionally, working visa holders cannot undertake an initial job that could be filled by a Spaniard. The initial employer must also meet the requirements for hiring foriegn workers under the WHS.
How to get a Working Holiday visa for Spain from New Zealand
To get a working Holiday Visa for Spain for NZ citizens, it is necessary to contact the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate in New Zealand to find out how to submit an application.
As processing for a consular visa can often be lengthy, New Zealanders are advised to submit an application well in advance of their intended departure date for Spain.
Note: Working Holiday visa applications for Spain for 2022 have now closed. They will resume again for the 2023 season with the increased number of participants, as stipulated by the new agreement.
How long NZ Citizens stay in Spain with a Working Holiday visa?
An approved Working Holiday visa allows participants from New Zealand to stay in Spain for up to 1 year.
However, working holiday visas for Spain for NZ citizens only permits the holder to work in the country for up to 6 months, and study or travel for the remaining 6 months. As noted above, the maximum time the participant can stay in one job is 3 months.
Can New Zealanders extend a working holiday visa for Spain?
No, it is not possible to extend a working holiday visa for Spain once the 1-year validity has run out. Participants in the program are not allowed to accept a permanent job in Spain. The maximum amount of time they can stay in one job within the country is 3 months.
If a New Zealander wishes to return to Spain to work after their Working Holiday visa has expired, they will need to apply for a Schengen visa. This will also need to be requested at a Spanish embassy or consulate.
Remember that if New Zealanders want to visit Spain for tourism, business, or to study for under 90 days, they do not need a visa. They simply need to submit a ETIAS application for Spain in advance and obtain an approved travel authorization.
