Working in another country is an adventure of a life time. It does require patience, a lot of adaptability and stepping out of your comfort zone. But if you’re willing to do that, a working holiday visa could be for you! Trust me, you will not regret it.
What is a working holiday visa (WHV)?
A working holiday visa is a type of visa that allows you to work and vacation in a country for a set amount of time. Rules are depending per country. Some countries have specific rules that don’t allow you to take up full-time employment, only part-time. A WHV can be 1 year, but up 3 years!
How do I qualify for this type of visa?
Most of these countries have similar (ish) requirements, for example, age limits, ability or not to bring dependents with you, and a certain amount of money in savings to support yourself while there.
Each country is a little different on these requirements so keep reading to see the differences!
How can I apply for this visa?
The first step is to decide which country you want to holiday/work in and make sure you meet the requirements listed.
Several countries have their application platform online (e.g. Australia) that can be completed relatively quickly. Another way is to visit the countries embassy in your country. Waiting times for an application answer will depend on the country.
There are dozen of countries that offer working holidays. Depending on your nationality, you’ll be able to find a program that will allow you to work and travel and have cultural experiences abroad — while earning an income.
Note: many of these working holidays offer visas for citizens of Asian and American countries as well
Australia
- Age limit = 18-30 years old. Although they’re changing the age to 35 years (woohoo!)
- The visa is valid for 1 year, but you can extent it for another year if you worked in a remote location.
- Application fee + a minimum of $5000 AU in savings to support yourself while there
- The application can be completed online
New Zealand
- Age limit=18-30 years old.
- The visa is valid for 1 year, but you can extent it for 3 months if you worked in the agricultural sector for 3 months
- Application fee + a minimum of NZ $ 4200 in savings to support yourself while there
- The application can be completed online
Canada
- Age limit=18-30 years old.
- The visa is valid for 1 year, but you may be able to participate twice
- Application feeCAN$172 + a minimum of CAN$2,500 in savings to support yourself while there
- The application can be completed online
Japan
- Age limit=18-30 years old.
- The visa is valid for 1 year, but you may be able to participate twice
- Application fee+ a minimum of 1800 euro in savings with a return flight or 3600 euro in savings without a return flight to support yourself while there
- The application must be completed at the embassy of japan in your country
Are you looking for other countries besides the ones I just mentioned and do you like the idea of remote working? A digital nomad visa might be for you! There are around 25 countries outside the EU that offers digital nomad visa’s.
Getting the opportunity to live and work abroad is life-changing. It will open your eyes to new experiences and perspectives that you never thought you would get to be a part of. I hope this EU citizen’s guide to working holiday visas gives you some idea of where to start and also gives you the push to get some great international experience!
Check out my experience living abroad in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa.
Go and get out there!
