Working Holiday Visa
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Working Holiday Visa

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

14-21 days

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Varies

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Youth mobility program allowing young adults to work and travel in Japan for 12 months. Available to citizens of 48 eligible countries with age restrictions (18-30, some countries 18-25).

The Working Holiday Visa is a bilateral agreement allowing young adults to work and travel in Japan. The program is available to citizens of 48 countries with country-specific age restrictions: most countries 18-30, Australia/Canada/South Korea 18-25, Ireland 18-26. Since December 1, 2024, nationals of Canada, UK, New Zealand, Denmark, and Austria can participate twice in lifetime.

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Requirements

Eligible Nationalities

This visa is available to citizens of: AU, NZ, CA, KR, FR, DE, GB, IE, DK, TW, HK, NO, PT, PL, SK, AT, HU, ES, AR, CL, IS, CZ, LT, SE, EE, NL, UY, FI, LV, LU, IL, IT, MT, PE

Documentation

Applicant Documents

Valid passport

At least 6 months validity after departure

Passport photos

2 recent photos

Application form

Completed working holiday visa application

Proof of funds

Minimum 5,000 AUD equivalent or local currency

Return ticket

Or proof of funds to purchase return ticket

Health insurance

Recommended but not mandatory

Optional

Police certificate

Required for some nationalities

Optional

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Advantages

  • No advance job offer required
  • Can work unlimited hours
  • Can travel throughout Japan
  • Opportunities to extend (2-3 years total)
  • Affordable visa with minimal fees
  • Great cultural and work experience

Considerations

  • Age restricted (18-30, some countries 18-25)
  • Limited to eligible countries
  • 6-month work limit per employer
  • Regional work required for extensions
  • No pathway to permanent residency
  • Cannot apply while already in Japan

Application Process

1

Check eligibility

Confirm citizenship from eligible country and age requirements

2

Prepare documents

Gather passport, photos, proof of funds, health certificate

3

Apply at embassy

Submit application at Japanese embassy or consulate

4

Await approval

Processing typically 2-3 weeks

5

Receive visa

Passport returned with working holiday visa stamp

Application Forms

Working Holiday Visa Application

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