Spain and New Zealand have signed an important update to their bilateral agreement that allows young people from both countries to live, travel, and work abroad. As of April 23, 2025, a new Exchange of Notes has entered into force, increasing the annual visa quota to 2,000 per country and easing the conditions of stay and employment.
This initiative, known as the Working Holiday Visa, is designed for young people aged 18 to 30 who wish to experience life abroad for a year, combining travel, training, and temporary work.
⏺️ What’s new in the agreement?
With the latest changes, participants will now benefit from:
- A multiple-entry visa valid for 12 months.
- The right to work legally throughout their entire stay, with no restrictions on duration or sector.
- The ability to study for up to 6 months during their stay.
- An expanded annual quota of 2,000 visas, available for both Spanish and New Zealand citizens.
One of the most significant updates for applicants coming to Spain is that this type of visa does not depend on the national employment situation, simplifying the process and removing many of the usual restrictions related to the Spanish job market.
⏺️ Who is this visa for?
This visa is aimed at young people between 18 and 30 years old, holding Spanish or New Zealand citizenship, who are looking to:
- Improve their language skills.
- Enjoy a cultural immersion abroad.
- Combine work and education without a prior job offer.
- Travel freely during their 12-month stay.
⏺️ Interested in applying for the Spain–New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?
At ARC Legal, we guide you through every step of the process to make your stay in New Zealand or Spain smooth and stress-free.
If you want to learn more about the Working Holiday programme, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.