A working holiday visa is a type of program that allows young people to work and at the same time, explore another country. The main purpose of working holiday visas is to promote a partnership between two or more countries through youth exchange. With a working holiday visa, young people can experience and appreciate other cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
Working Holiday Visa Requirements
Working holiday visas have the following criteria:
| Nationality | Your country of citizenship must have an active exchange program with another country. |
| Age | In most cases, you must be between the ages of 18-30. However, Canadian and New Zealand citizens can apply for working holiday visas up to 35 years old. |
| Employment | You can usually work for the same employer for only six months with working holiday visas – sometimes three depending on the country of origin and where you are working. Some countries also limit the type of employment working holiday visa holders can have. |
| Number of visas | Most countries have an annual quota for working holiday visas. It is a first-come, first-served basis. |
| One-time visa holder | Most countries issue a working holiday visa only once per person, with the exception of Australia, which allows participants to receive the visa more than once due to its second and third-year work and holiday programs. |
Best Countries to Get a Working Holiday Visa
Some of the best countries that issue working holiday visas include the following:
- Australia.
- Ireland.
- Japan.
- France.
- Argentina.
- Austria.
- New Zealand.
- Germany.
- Israel.
- Italy.
- South Korea.
- Hong Kong.
Australia
Australia has one of the most popular working holiday visas; in 2019/20, around 150,000 working holiday visas were granted in total. What makes Australia’s working holiday visa so popular is that there are two subclasses of the visa you can apply for based on your country of origin, Subclass 462 and Subclass 417:
| Subclass 462 | Subclass 417 |
| Argentina | Belgium |
| Austria | Canada |
| Chile | Republic of Cyprus |
| China | Denmark |
| Czech Republic | Estonia |
| Ecuador | Finland |
| Greece | France |
| Hungary | Germany |
| Indonesia | Hong Kong |
| Israel | Republic of Ireland |
| Luxembourg | Italy |
| Malaysia | Japan |
| Peru | Republic of Korea |
| Poland | Malta |
| Portugal | Netherlands |
| San Marino | Norway |
| Singapore | Sweden |
| Slovakia | Taiwan |
| Slovenia | The UK |
| Spain | |
| Thailand | |
| Turkey | |
| Uruguay | |
| USA | |
| Vietnam |
As a result, there are diverse countries that have signed the work and holiday agreement with Australia.
In addition to this, there are second and third-year working holiday visas allowing you to apply for the visa more than once. However, keep in mind that Australia regulates the visa by limiting the type of work you can do, mostly farming or construction.
Canada
You can apply for one of the best working holiday visa programs in Canada. However, you must be a citizen of one country that has a visa agreement with Canada. Still, lucky for you, Canada has a working holiday visa agreement with plenty of countries worldwide.
Here is a list of eligible countries for the Canadian working holiday visa:
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- Portugal
- Austria
- Ireland
- San Marino
- Belgium
- Italy
- Slovakia
- Chile
- Japan
- Slovenia
- Costa Rica
- South Korea
- Spain
- Croatia
- Latvia
- Sweden
- Czech Republic
- Lithuania
- Switzerland
- Denmark
- Luxembourg
- Taiwan
- Estonia
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- France
- New Zealand
- USA
- Germany
- Norway
- Greece
- Poland
The application process for a Canadian work and holiday visa can be overwhelming since you need to be invited to participate in the program. But if you follow the instructions, you should be able to apply without issues. Keep in mind that this visa is valid for a year, and during this time, you can work the vast majority of jobs in Canada.
Ireland
Ireland’s working holiday visa is perfect if you are a student or a recent graduate interested in a gap year. This program is aimed mainly at students/graduates between 18 to 35, but you still need to be a citizen from an eligible country. For example, if you are from one of the following countries, you can apply for this visa:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- Chile
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- USA
Ireland’s work/holiday permit is valid for 12 months, but you can stay up to 24 months if you are from Canada.
Japan
Suppose you always wanted to see the famous Cherry Blossoms in Japan, attend a traditional tea ceremony, or visit a Japanese hot spring inn but never had the financial opportunity to do so. In that case, you may be eligible for a working holiday visa in Japan. To qualify for this type of visa, you have to be a national of any of the following countries:
- Argentina
- Germany
- Poland
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- Portugal
- Austria
- Hungary
- Republic of Korea
- Canada
- Iceland
- Slovakia
- Chile
- Ireland
- Spain
- Czech
- Lithuania
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Taiwan
- Estonia
- New Zealand
- The United Kingdom
- France
- Norway
Please keep in mind that it’s illegal for you to work at bars, cabarets, nightclubs, or gambling centers with this visa.
France
If you’ve always wanted to go to “the city of love” in France- here’s your chance by applying for the work and holiday scheme. With this visa, you can enjoy your French holiday and still afford your expenses by working during your stay. The work and holiday visa for France is valid for a year, and you won’t need the authorization to work before you travel.
The countries that have an agreement with France for their work and travel scheme include:
- Australia.
- Argentina.
- Brazil.
- Canada (agreement on youth mobility).
- Chile.
- Colombia.
- South Korea.
- Japan.
- New Zealand.
- Hong Kong.
- Mexico.
- Peru.
- Russia.
- Taiwan.
- Uruguay.
Argentina
Argentina is one of the best countries to spend a holiday in. The best part about the country is that you can work and earn money while enjoying your holiday. This is because Argentina offers an excellent working holiday visa program. However, you have to be a citizen of the following countries to qualify for a working holiday visa in Argentina:
- Germany
- Australia
- Denmark
- France (limited quota)
- Ireland
- Japan (limited quota)
- Norway (limited quota)
- New Zealand (limited quota)
- Netherlands (limited quota)
- Poland (limited quota)
- Portugal (limited quota)
- Republic of Korea (limited quota)
- Sweden
The Argentinian working holiday visa is valid for six months up to a year. During this time, you can work in different services such as tourism, hospitality, retail, local companies, etc.
Austria
Austria issues a working holiday visa for the citizens of the following countries:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- Chile
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Republic of Korea
- Taiwan
You can apply for the Austrian working holiday visa and stay there for one year while financially supporting yourself. Moreover, you can visit any other country in the Schengen area while your visa is valid. You can do a wide range of jobs for this visa type while you stay in Austria; some of the most common work types include waitressing, event crews, instructors, teaching assistants, and hotel staff.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty and green spaces. But, if you want to be active and earn money while you enjoy New Zealand, you can apply for its work and holiday scheme. New Zealand has a working holiday partnership with several countries, which include the following:
- Argentina
- Hong Kong
- Philippines
- Austria
- Ireland
- Poland
- Belgium
- Israel
- Portugal
- Brazil
- Italy
- Singapore
- Canada
- Japan
- Slovakia
- Chile
- Korea
- Slovenia
- China
- Latvia
- Spain
- Croatia
- Lithuania
- Sweden
- Czech
- Luxembourg
- Taiwan
- Denmark
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Estonia
- Malta
- Turkey
- Finland
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- France
- Netherlands
- USA
- Germany
- Norway
- Uruguay
- Hungary
- Peru
- Vietnam
If you qualify for this visa, you can stay in New Zealand for up to 23 months, depending on your country of citizenship. During the time you are in New Zealand, you can work any job you qualify for.
The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is home to one of the most expensive cities for tourists; London. So, if you are looking for a low-budget visit, then you can use UK’s youth exchange scheme and work during your visit. This program is valid for two years, and during this time, you can enjoy several benefits, such as taking part in short-term study programs or launching your own business.
To apply for this visa, you have to be a national of any of these states:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Hong Kong
- Republic of Korea
- Taiwan
- British nationals
- British Overseas Citizens
- British Overseas Territories Citizens
Germany
Germany also issues a working holiday and youth mobility visa to help you fund your holiday. You can apply for this visa if you are a citizen of one of these countries:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- The Republic of Korea
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Chile
- Brazil
Most young people prefer to go to Berlin and get a job in a start-up or high-tech company- it all depends on your qualifications and interests. But, please keep in mind that the visa is valid only for 12 months.
Israel
If you’ve wanted to see Tel Aviv, Holy Jerusalem, Tiberias, Safed and Nazareth, the Dead Sea, but you could never afford to, you can apply for Israel’s working holiday scheme. You can apply for the visa only as a citizen of the following countries:
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Germany
- Austria
- Australia
This visa is valid for 12 months, but your passport must have 18 months of validity at the time of application.
Italy
Italy is one of the most visited countries worldwide. When you go to Italy, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the world’s oldest and most attractive sights, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and many more. You must be from one of these countries to apply for Italy’s working holiday visa:
- Australia
- Canada
- South Korea
- New Zealand
You can use the country’s work and travel visa program to visit for up to a year while financing your trip. Depending on the season, you can work all kinds of jobs such as service staff in ski resorts/summer resorts, campsites, or even English teaching if you have TEFL qualifications. In addition to this, you can also do some farm work such as strawberry picking or grape harvesting.
South Korea
South Korea is definitely a country you must have on your “to-visit” list. It’s a country with a rich cultural heritage and some extraordinary sights to see. However, if you are concerned about the financial aspect of traveling to South Korea, then you don’t have to worry because it has a very popular working holiday scheme. To qualify for the South Korean work and holiday visa, you have to be from these countries:
- Australia
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
Some of the most popular jobs for the South Korean working holiday visa include tourism, translation, voice acting, and English teaching.
Spain
There are many spots to explore in Spain between Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, and Valencia. Moreover, with great weather and famous beaches Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. For those interested in visiting Spain without breaking the bank, the country offers one of the best work and holiday opportunities.
To qualify for the Spain working holiday visa, you have to be a passport holder from one of the countries listed here:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- South Korea
- New Zealand
You can stay for 12 months working as a language teacher, waiter, barista, model, cook, kitchen assistant, and similar service, tourism, and hospitality jobs.
Chile
The Chilean youth mobility visa allows you to work and explore the country for up to one year. During this time, you can stargaze in the famous Atacama desert, explore some of the best vineyards, and hike the best trails in South America. But, to apply for the visa, you must be a citizen in:
- Canada
- Germany
- Australia
- Czech Republic
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Colombia
- New Mexico
Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a work and holiday scheme that allows you to stay there for 12 months and work. To qualify for the scheme, you need to be an official citizen from one of the countries listed below:
- Australia
- Austria
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Japan
- Korea
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Please note that Hong Kong issues working holiday visas with a limited quota. If the quota has been reached for your country of residence, you won’t get a visa.
Netherlands
The Netherlands provides a working holiday visa for citizens of these countries:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- New Zealand
- South Korea
You can get the visa and stay for a year while exploring the culture and lifestyle in the country. But, unfortunately, with the Netherlands ’ youth exchange program, you can’t do full-time work or study and must work for an employer for only 12 weeks at a time.