What Visa Do I Need to Volunteer in New Zealand?

1. Work Exchange or Volunteer Programs Visa (for short-term work):

• If you plan to volunteer through Workaway, you’ll likely need a visitor visa or a working holiday visa, depending on the type of work and the duration of your stay.

Visitor Visa:

• For short-term volunteering (up to 6 months), you can apply for a Visitor Visa.

• The visa allows you to volunteer in exchange for food, accommodation, and experiences (but not for monetary compensation).

• Be aware that volunteering cannot replace paid employment under a Visitor Visa.

• Make sure the Workaway project does not violate visa conditions (e.g., paid work).

Working Holiday Visa:

• If you're under 30 years old (or 35 for some countries), you might be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa.

• This visa allows you to work and volunteer in New Zealand while traveling, with the added flexibility of earning money.

• However, if the Workaway program is purely volunteering, it still falls within the allowable activities.

2. Conditions for Volunteering under Workaway:

• Workaway typically involves exchange-based arrangements, where volunteers receive food, accommodation, and experience, but no monetary compensation.

• New Zealand immigration authorities have strict rules about working for pay vs. volunteering, so make sure that your Workaway project is consistent with New Zealand’s visa policies for volunteering.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Duration of Stay: Your visa must cover the entire duration of your Workaway volunteer work. If you plan to stay longer, you might need to apply for a different visa.

• Legal Requirements: Ensure the volunteer work doesn’t violate visa conditions. For example, you cannot substitute volunteer work for paid employment under a visitor visa.

Summary:

• Visitor Visa: If volunteering for up to 6 months.

• Working Holiday Visa: If you're eligible (under 30 or 35) and want the flexibility to volunteer and work during your stay.