Immigration to Germany for New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand citizens have privileged access to Germany. As nationals of a country listed in § 41 of the Residence Ordinance, they can enter without a visa and apply for a residence permit after arrival, and young New Zealanders can use the Germany–New Zealand Working Holiday programme. This page outlines the main pathways.

Visa-free entry and applying from within Germany (§ 41 AufenthV)

New Zealand is one of eight “privileged” nations listed in § 41 of the Residence Ordinance (Aufenthaltsverordnung – AufenthV), alongside Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. In practice this means:

• You may enter Germany on your New Zealand passport alone, without applying for a visa at a German mission beforehand.
• If you intend to stay longer than 90 days or to take up work, you apply for your residence permit directly at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) — and you must do so within 90 days of entering Germany.

The Working Holiday programme

Under the Germany–New Zealand Working Holiday arrangement, New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 30 can stay in Germany for up to 12 months. The programme is for cultural exchange, with holiday jobs permitted to help finance the stay. New Zealand’s privileged status also makes it straightforward to arrange the stay after arrival.

Working and living in Germany

Beyond the Working Holiday route, the full range of German work and residence options is open to New Zealanders:

• EU Blue Card (§ 18g AufenthG) for university-qualified professionals.
• Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, § 20a AufenthG) to move to Germany and look for skilled work via a points system (usually applied for as a visa before entering Germany).
• Skilled-worker permits for university graduates (§ 18b) and vocationally qualified professionals (§ 18a).
• Job-seeker visa (§ 20 AufenthG), self-employment and freelance permits (§ 21), and student and language-course permits (§§ 16b, 16f).

Family, permanent residence and citizenship

New Zealanders can bring family members through family reunification, progress to permanent residence (the settlement permit, § 9 AufenthG, or EU long-term residence, § 9a) and — once the requirements are met — apply for German citizenship, which since the 2024 reform generally no longer requires giving up New Zealand citizenship.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa before flying to Germany?

No. New Zealanders can enter visa-free and apply for the residence permit within 90 days of arrival. You should not begin work until the permit has been issued.

I’m over 30 — can I still work in Germany?

Yes. The Working Holiday age limit does not apply to the skilled-worker, EU Blue Card, Opportunity Card or self-employment routes.

Can I switch from a Working Holiday to a work permit?

Often yes, depending on your qualifications and a job offer. Plan the change before the Working Holiday period ends.

Book a consultation →