45 Countries Offering Working Holiday Visas: Rules, Costs, and Smart Application Steps

Working Holiday Visas, Explained

A working holiday visa (WHV) lets young adults live and work abroad for a limited period—usually 6 to 24 months—so they can fund their travels and gain international experience. Most programs are bilateral, which means eligibility depends on your nationality and age (commonly 18–30 or 18–35). Work rights can be full-time but sometimes have limits per employer or sector. Unlike digital nomad visas, WHVs are designed for cultural exchange and casual or seasonal employment, not long-term remote work.

Typical rules include holding travel health insurance, showing proof of savings, passing biometrics and (sometimes) a medical exam, having a clean police record, and not bringing dependants. Many countries also set annual quotas or use lottery-style ballots that open once or twice a year.

How to Choose the Right Country

• Language and culture: If you want an English-first landing, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, and the UK are the easiest starts; France, Germany, Japan, and Korea reward learners with deeper immersion.
• Job market fit: Hospitality, retail, farm/harvest work, ski resorts, and temp office roles are classics; creative and tech hubs offer more skilled gigs if your visa permits.
• Wages vs. costs: Australia and parts of Canada pay higher hourly wages but have higher rents; southern Europe and some Latin American countries are cheaper but pay less.
• Climate and lifestyle: Surf towns, wine regions, ski resorts, or megacities—pick where you’ll actually thrive outside work.
• Visa flexibility: Check employer/time limits, extension options, and whether you can study part-time or return for a second or third year.

Application Timeline and Smart Steps

• Confirm eligibility by nationality and age. Many schemes close at 30; others allow 35. Some require tertiary study or English tests.
• Track release windows. Canada IEC often opens around Dec–Jan; some UK Youth Mobility places run by ballot; other programs stay open year-round until quotas fill.
• Gather documents early: passport (6–12 months validity beyond your stay), bank statements for savings, police certificate(s), medical/X-ray if required, CV, and passport photos.
• Budget realistically: include fees, travel health insurance, flights, initial housing deposit, and living costs for 4–8 weeks while job-hunting.
• Apply online, attend biometrics, and complete any medicals. Watch your email for additional document requests and deadlines.
• Before you fly: arrange travel insurance to cover your full stay, book at least initial accommodation, and carry all documents for border checks.
• On arrival: get your tax number (TFN/IRD/SIN/NIN), open a bank account, register your address (where required), and start the job hunt.

Documents and Typical Costs (What Most Programs Ask For)

• Passport: valid for the entire stay (plus extra months).
• Proof of funds: commonly about AUD 5,000 (Australia), NZD 4,200 (New Zealand), CAD 2,500 (Canada), GBP 2,530 (UK), or local equivalent.
• Insurance: comprehensive medical/travel cover for the full duration.
• Police certificate: recent and from every country where you lived long-term.
• Medical exam/X-ray: required by some countries based on residence history.
• Fees (typical ranges, confirm current rates): Australia ~AUD 600–700; Canada ~CAD 250–360 all-in; UK ~GBP 298 plus Immigration Health Surcharge; New Zealand ~NZD 400–500; many EU countries ~EUR 60–120; East Asia often modest consular fees.

45 Countries with Working Holiday Visas (Quick Facts and Tips)

1. Australia

Australia’s Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) are among the most popular, with strong wages and abundant seasonal work. Many nationalities can extend to a second or third year by completing specified regional work.

• Typical age: 18–30 or 18–35 (varies by nationality)
• Stay: 12 months, with potential 2nd/3rd year via specified work
• Quota: Some nationalities capped
• Funds: About AUD 5,000
• Fee: About AUD 600–700
• Notes: Health checks may apply; 417 vs 462 have different partner lists and evidence requirements

Tip: Lock seasonal jobs early—harvest, hospitality, and ski resorts fill fast around peak seasons.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand’s WHV offers breathtaking outdoor living and a friendly job market in hospitality and agriculture. Requirements vary slightly by nationality.

• Typical age: 18–30 or 18–35 (some nationalities)
• Stay: Up to 12 months (up to 23 for UK passport holders)
• Quota: Some nationalities capped annually
• Funds: About NZD 4,200
• Fee: About NZD 400–500
• Notes: Medical/X-ray may be required

Tip: Get an IRD number and NZ bank account within your first week to get paid without delays.

3. Canada

Under International Experience Canada (IEC), the Working Holiday category grants an open work permit. Cities like Vancouver and Toronto offer diverse jobs, while mountain towns hire seasonally.

• Typical age: 18–30 or 18–35 (depends on partner country)
• Stay: Commonly up to 12–24 months
• Quota: Yes, by nationality, often via seasonal draws
• Funds: About CAD 2,500
• Fee: Around CAD 250–360 total (incl. biometrics/open permit)
• Notes: Insurance required for full stay; biometrics mandatory

Tip: Create your IEC profile early; invitations to apply can arrive in rounds over several months.

4. United Kingdom (Youth Mobility Scheme)

The UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) provides flexible work options across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Some nationalities enter via ballots; others apply year-round.

• Typical age: 18–30 or 18–35 (varies by nationality)
• Stay: Usually 2 years (up to 3 years for some nationalities)
• Quota: Yes, for many countries; some use ballots
• Funds: GBP 2,530 (held for 28 days)
• Fee: ~GBP 298 plus Immigration Health Surcharge
• Notes: No dependants; full-time work allowed with limited exceptions

Tip: If your country uses ballots, prepare documents and funds before results so you can submit quickly.

5. Ireland (Working Holiday Authorisation)

Ireland combines a thriving tech scene with welcoming towns and vibrant culture. Eligibility and lengths vary by nationality under bilateral agreements.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (by nationality)
• Stay: Up to 12 months (some partners longer)
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Proof of maintenance required
• Fee: Modest, varies
• Notes: Registration on arrival may be required

Tip: Dublin rents are high—consider Galway, Cork, or Limerick for better value.

6. France

France’s Working Holiday (Vacances-Travail) is popular for language learning, food culture, and travel within the Schengen Area.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (by nationality)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Usually generous or none
• Funds: Proof of savings and insurance
• Fee: About EUR 99 (long-stay visa reference)
• Notes: Work is generally unrestricted; register as required after arrival

Tip: Seasonal work in Alps ski resorts and coastal towns offers housing options with jobs.

7. Germany

Germany’s WHV offers strong infrastructure, good wages, and vibrant cities like Berlin and Munich. English-speaking roles exist, but German helps.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Typically none for many partners
• Funds: Proof of maintenance
• Fee: Around EUR 75 (visa) or residence permit fee
• Notes: Health insurance required; register residence promptly

Tip: Bring a simple German CV; it increases call-backs even for English-first roles.

8. Netherlands

The Netherlands’ Working Holiday Scheme pairs well-paid jobs with cycling culture and high English proficiency.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Sometimes capped by nationality
• Funds: Proof of savings
• Fee: Residence permit fees may apply
• Notes: Some nationalities register locally after arrival

Tip: Secure a BSN (citizen service number) and Dutch bank account early to start work.

9. Belgium

Belgium offers a central European base with multilingual workplaces and easy travel.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: May apply
• Funds: Proof of maintenance
• Fee: Consular/residence fees apply
• Notes: Insurance and address registration required

Tip: Brussels and Antwerp have more English-friendly roles than smaller towns.

10. Denmark

Denmark’s WHV provides strong work protections and excellent quality of life. English is widely spoken, especially in cities.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often none for key partners
• Funds: Proof of savings
• Fee: Application fee applies
• Notes: CPR number and NemID setup needed to work and access services

Tip: Arrive with an address plan; registration systems depend on it.

11. Norway

Norway pairs high wages with stunning nature and a strong seasonal tourism market.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: May apply
• Funds: Proof of maintenance
• Fee: Residence permit fees apply
• Notes: Registration and insurance required

Tip: Save aggressively—Norway’s high pay helps offset living costs if you budget.

12. Sweden

Sweden’s WHV offers an egalitarian work culture and excellent public services.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often none for core partners
• Funds: Proof of funds
• Fee: Residence permit fee
• Notes: Register for a personal identity number when eligible

Tip: Learn basic Swedish phrases—small effort, big impact on hiring.

13. Finland

Finland’s WHV is usually available to limited partner nationalities, with a calm lifestyle and pristine nature.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (partner-dependent)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Limited
• Funds: Proof of maintenance
• Fee: Residence permit fee
• Notes: Agreements are selective—check partner lists

Tip: Target summer hospitality and Lapland winter seasons for steady work.

14. Austria

Austria’s WHV suits mountain lovers and those seeking German practice with a relaxed pace.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Proof required
• Fee: Visa/residence fee
• Notes: Registration within days of arrival

Tip: Winter in Tyrol and Salzburg offers plentiful hotel and resort jobs.

15. Spain

Spain’s WHV means sunshine, language learning, and hospitality gigs, especially along the coasts and islands.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Proof required
• Fee: Consular fee applies
• Notes: Local registration and insurance required

Tip: Off-season in cities like Madrid and Barcelona can still offer barista and retail roles.

16. Italy

Italy’s WHV is ideal for culture seekers wanting flexible work while exploring historic cities and regions.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Proof of means
• Fee: Visa/residence permit fees
• Notes: Register for a codice fiscale to work

Tip: Smaller tourist towns can offer better rent-to-wage balance than major hubs.

17. Portugal

Portugal’s WHV offers a mild climate and growing tourism industry, with English fairly common in cities and resorts.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Varies
• Funds: Proof required
• Fee: Visa/residence fees
• Notes: NIF number and bank account help with jobs and rentals

Tip: Algarve and Lisbon hospitality hire in waves—time your arrival to pre-season.

18. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic combines central European access with strong service and tourism sectors, especially in Prague.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Sometimes capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Visa/residence fee
• Notes: Health insurance and address registration are mandatory

Tip: Look for hostel jobs that include staff housing to cut costs.

19. Poland

Poland’s WHV is a value option with growing city economies and lower living costs.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: May apply
• Funds: Proof required
• Fee: Consular/residence fee
• Notes: Partner lists vary—check eligibility

Tip: English-teaching assistant roles are a common bridge job.

20. Hungary

Hungary offers a vibrant capital (Budapest) with hospitality, festival, and start-up opportunities.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Visa/residence fee applies
• Notes: Some restrictions by nationality

Tip: Shared housing is plentiful—book viewings before you land.

21. Slovakia

Slovakia’s WHV offers affordable living with access to the High Tatras and central Europe.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Varies
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Visa/residence fee
• Notes: Insurance and registration needed

Tip: Seasonal mountain tourism is a reliable entry point.

22. Slovenia

Slovenia blends Alps and Adriatic in a compact, outdoorsy destination with growing tourism jobs.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: May apply
• Funds: Proof required
• Fee: Consular/residence fee
• Notes: Check partner eligibility lists

Tip: Lake Bled and coastal towns recruit early for summer.

23. Estonia

Estonia offers a digital-forward environment with increasing seasonal and service roles in Tallinn.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Sometimes
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Visa/residence fee
• Notes: Agreements typically with select partners

Tip: E-residency is separate from visas but useful for freelancers after WHV.

24. Latvia

Latvia’s WHV is available to select partners and offers a low-cost base with Baltic access.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Limited
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular/residence fee
• Notes: Check specific partner agreements

Tip: English-friendly jobs cluster in Riga’s center.

25. Lithuania

Lithuania is an emerging tech and service hub with lower costs and a compact capital, Vilnius.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Limited for some partners
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Visa/residence fee
• Notes: Health insurance mandatory

Tip: Consider call center roles for English-first entry jobs.

26. Croatia

Croatia’s coastal tourism boom makes WHV roles plentiful in summer across hotels, marinas, and restaurants.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Visa/residence fee
• Notes: Newer Schengen member—travel is easy

Tip: Island jobs often include staff accommodation—ask upfront.

27. Greece

Greece offers long summers, island life, and hospitality roles in beach and cruise hubs.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (select partners)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Capped for many partners
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular/residence fee
• Notes: Agreements vary; confirm your nationality’s terms

Tip: Arrive late spring for best hiring windows.

28. Malta

Malta’s WHV (for select partners) combines English usage, Mediterranean weather, and gaming/finance hubs.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (limited partners)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular/residence fee
• Notes: Popular with Australians under bilateral scheme

Tip: Book accommodation early—summer demand surges.

29. Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s WHV is small but appealing thanks to high wages and multilingual workplaces.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (select partners)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Limited
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Residence fee
• Notes: Often open to Australia/New Zealand/Canada nationals

Tip: Cross-border job markets with France/Belgium/Germany widen options.

30. Iceland

Iceland offers dramatic nature and tourism roles, but WHV eligibility is usually limited to specific partners.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (select partners)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Small
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Residence fee
• Notes: Agreements are narrow—confirm nationality eligibility

Tip: Winter northern lights seasons need extra staff—arrive early.

31. Japan

Japan’s WHV is prized for cultural immersion and safe, efficient cities. Hospitality, teaching assistant, and retail roles are common.

• Typical age: 18–30 (some 18–35)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Capped for some partners
• Funds: Proof required and itinerary outline
• Fee: Modest consular fee
• Notes: Health insurance enrollment recommended/required

Tip: A simple Japanese resume (rirekisho) boosts interview chances.

32. South Korea

South Korea’s H-1 Working Holiday allows flexible work while exploring dynamic cities like Seoul and Busan.

• Typical age: 18–30 (some partners 18–25/35)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Proof required; return/onward ticket or extra funds
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Some job-type restrictions apply

Tip: Learn Hangul basics; it opens many more job possibilities.

33. Taiwan

Taiwan’s WHV offers friendly cities, night-market culture, and strong safety ratings.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (by nationality)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Required; insurance too
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Some work-hour limits per employer

Tip: Taipei and Taichung have the broadest English-friendly roles.

34. Hong Kong (SAR)

Hong Kong’s Working Holiday Scheme is popular with finance, hospitality, and events gigs.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (varies)
• Stay: Usually 12 months
• Quota: Yes, by nationality
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Modest application fee
• Notes: Some work/Study time limits apply

Tip: Apply early—many nationalities hit quota caps quickly each year.

35. Singapore

Singapore’s Work Holiday Programme targets students/recent graduates from select universities; an Australia-specific pass offers up to 12 months.

• Typical age: Commonly 18–25 (some 18–30)
• Stay: 6 to 12 months (category-dependent)
• Quota: Yes, capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Pass issuance fee
• Notes: Limited to specific nationalities/universities

Tip: Check if your university is on the approved list before planning.

36. Argentina

Argentina’s WHV pairs rich culture with a low cost of living; availability depends on bilateral deals.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (by nationality)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Popular with European partners

Tip: Buenos Aires offers the widest job market and language schools.

37. Chile

Chile’s WHV provides access to Andean adventures and a stable economy with service jobs in Santiago and tourist hubs.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Agreements span multiple partners

Tip: Patagonia and Atacama tourism hire seasonally—apply ahead.

38. Uruguay

Uruguay’s WHV suits travelers seeking a safe, relaxed base with coastal living.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Availability depends on specific partner treaties

Tip: Montevideo and Punta del Este offer the most opportunities.

39. Brazil

Brazil offers WHV routes with select partners, pairing beach cities and cultural festivals with hospitality roles.

• Typical age: 18–30/35
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Often capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Agreements typically with European partners

Tip: Basic Portuguese greatly speeds up hiring.

40. Peru

Peru’s WHV options exist via specific bilateral deals—great for adventure travelers and hospitality work in Cusco and Lima.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (by nationality)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Capped
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Check nationality-specific terms carefully

Tip: Align your arrival with peak tourism around dry season for more jobs.

41. Israel

Israel’s WHV is available to limited partner nationalities, with roles in tourism, hospitality, and events.

• Typical age: 18–30/35 (select partners)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Limited
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Some job-type restrictions apply

Tip: Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offer the most consistent opportunities.

42. Indonesia

Indonesia’s Work and Holiday scheme with select partners enables cultural exchange amid thriving tourism sectors.

• Typical age: 18–30 (some 18–35)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Yes, limited
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Visa fee applies
• Notes: Typically restricted to certain nationalities

Tip: Look beyond Bali—Java and other islands offer steady hospitality roles.

43. Malaysia

Malaysia’s Work and Holiday arrangements are available to select partners, with English widely used in business and hospitality.

• Typical age: 18–30 (some 18–35)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Limited
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Visa fee
• Notes: Eligibility is nationality-specific

Tip: Kuala Lumpur is the best launchpad for quick hiring.

44. Thailand

Thailand’s Work and Holiday opportunities exist via select bilateral deals, centered on tourism and hospitality.

• Typical age: 18–30
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Limited
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Restricted to certain partner passports

Tip: Island resorts and Chiang Mai recruit ahead of peak seasons.

45. Vietnam

Vietnam participates in Work and Holiday arrangements with select partners, offering roles in hospitality, travel, and education support.

• Typical age: 18–30
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Quota: Limited
• Funds: Required
• Fee: Consular fee
• Notes: Eligibility limited to specific nationalities

Tip: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have the deepest job markets and expat networks.

Finding Work Fast: Where to Look

• Hospitality and tourism: cafés, bars, restaurants, hostels, tour companies, ski resorts, beach clubs.
• Seasonal/agriculture: harvest/packing, vineyards, orchards, fisheries, holiday parks.
• Events and retail: festivals, stadiums, markets, pop-ups, holiday retail staff.
• Office and temp: call centers, admin, customer support; register with multiple agencies.
• Teaching assistant/tutoring: language centers and after-school programs (where allowed).

Pro tip: Prepare a one-page local-style CV with immediate start dates and any hospitality or customer-service experience front and center.

Can You Extend or Return for Another Year?

• Australia: Second and third year possible with specified regional work (document your days carefully).
• Canada: Some nationalities get up to 24 months; others can reapply in later seasons if eligible.
• UK: Generally not extendable (some nationalities now get 3 years); switching routes requires meeting other visa criteria.
• Many EU/Asia programs: Usually a single 12-month term; re-entry may require a different visa class.

Taxes, Banking, and Insurance Basics

• Tax numbers: Get yours immediately (Australia TFN, NZ IRD, Canada SIN, UK NIN, etc.).
• Banking: Open a local account for payroll; bring proof of address and your visa grant letter.
• Insurance: Maintain comprehensive medical cover for your full stay—immigration officers may ask to see it at the border.
• Tax-back: Keep payslips; many WHV travelers receive refunds after filing or on departure.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Missing quotas/ballots: Set calendar alerts for openings and have documents ready to submit the same day.
• Underfunding: Arrive with more than the minimum—deposits and first month’s rent add up fast.
• Incomplete documents: Police checks and medicals can take weeks; start early.
• Overstaying or breaching work limits: Track dates and employer rules to protect future visa options.