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WHA — Working Holiday Authorisation
VisasIrelandWHA — Working Holiday Authorisation
IrelandIreland•Europe
Open

WHA — Working Holiday Authorisation

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

Up to 2 years

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Youth mobility scheme allowing eligible young adults from 11 partner countries to work casually in Ireland for up to 12 months (24 months for Canadians).

Ireland's Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) is a reciprocal youth-mobility scheme run by the Department of Foreign Affairs, letting young citizens of eleven partner economies — Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA — fund extended travel in Ireland through casual work, without an employer sponsor.

Authorisations run 12 months from entry (24 months for Canadians) and most schemes are open to ages 18-30 (18-35 for Australians). Fees vary by nationality (USD 295 at Irish consulates in the US) and stays over 90 days need a EUR 300 Irish Residence Permit. Applicants show proof of funds, insurance and a clean record; the scheme is once-in-a-lifetime and non-renewable.

This visa is ideal for graduates and students from one of the eleven eligible countries who want a year of casual work and travel in Ireland without employer sponsorship or a study programme.

Eligible Nationalities (11)

AndorraAndorraArgentinaArgentinaAustraliaAustraliaCanadaCanadaChileChileHong Kong SAR ChinaHong Kong SAR ChinaJapanJapanSouth KoreaSouth KoreaNew ZealandNew ZealandTaiwanTaiwanUnited StatesUnited States

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of a country with a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement with Ireland (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.).

Must meet the specific age criteria for their nationality (typically 18-30, or 18-35 for certain countries).

Must not have previously participated in the Irish Working Holiday programme.

Must have sufficient funds to support the initial stay (typically €3,000, or €1,500 if a return ticket is held).

Must have comprehensive medical and accident insurance for the duration of the stay.

Must have a clean criminal record.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Savings

3,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed Working Holiday Authorisation application form.

Valid passport (valid for at least 30 months from the date of entry).

Two recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements).

Proof of return flight or additional funds for a return ticket.

Evidence of medical/travel insurance.

Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Educational certificates or a letter from a college (if applicable).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No job offer or employer sponsor required — work casually anywhere in Ireland
  • Up to 12 months stay (24 months for Canadian citizens)
  • Open to citizens of 11 partner economies including USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and Argentina
  • Low financial threshold — proof of around USD 1,500 to EUR 3,000 is sufficient
  • Self-applied: no employer petition needed
  • Allows multiple short-term jobs and travel across Ireland during stay

Worth Knowing

  • Most schemes capped at ages 18-30 (18-35 for Australians)
  • Stays over 90 days require a EUR 300 Irish Residence Permit registration
  • Comprehensive medical and accident insurance is mandatory
  • Fees and required funds differ by country of citizenship
  • Once-in-a-lifetime — second WHA application is not accepted
  • Not available to citizens outside the 11 reciprocal partner countries
  • Does not lead to permanent residency in Ireland

Application Process

1

Check eligibility: Confirm country is on eligible list

2

Apply to DFA: Apply to Department of Foreign Affairs for authorization

3

Receive authorization: Approval letter typically 2-4 weeks

4

Obtain travel insurance: Secure medical insurance before travel

5

Travel to Ireland: Enter Ireland within authorization validity

6

Register with immigration: Register within 3 months of arrival

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Working Holiday Authorization ApplicationFill online

Verified Claims (12)

Last verified May 31, 2026
FeesVaries by country (e.g., USD 295 at Irish consulates in the USA); stays over 90 days require a €300 …ireland.ie
FeesVaries by country (e.g., USD 295 at Irish consulates in the USA); stays over 90 days require a €300 …ireland.ie
FeesVaries by country (e.g., USD 295 at Irish consulates in the USA); stays over 90 days require a €300 …ireland.ie
FeesVaries by country (e.g., USD 295 at Irish consulates in the USA); stays over 90 days require a €300 …ireland.ie
Forms · Working Holiday Authorization Application · optionalfalseireland.ie
Forms · Working Holiday Authorization Application · optionalfalseireland.ie
Forms · Working Holiday Authorization Application · optionalfalseireland.ie
Forms · Working Holiday Authorization Application · optionalfalseireland.ie

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