Work and travel in prospect? Great! The Working Holiday Visa is the perfect way to combine traveling and working. Here you can find out which documents you need and what needs to be translated - so that your adventure is guaranteed to work!
What is a Working Holiday Visa and who can get one?
A working holiday visa is your ticket to a unique stay abroad where you can combine traveling and working. Unlike a traditional work visa, the focus here is not on the job, but on the overall experience: getting to know new cultures, improving your language skills and earning money for further travel.
This special visa was developed for young people between the ages of 18 and 30 (in some countries up to 35). It allows you to live and travel in the host country for up to a year - sometimes even longer - and take on various jobs. Perfect for anyone who wants to explore the world after training, studying or during a break.
What makes it so special? Adventure and career in one!
- Flexible job choice: From farm work to an office job, everything is possible
- No fixed minimum qualification required
- You do not yet need an employment contract for the application
- Usually only possible once in a lifetime - take the chance!
- Limited duration of work per employer (often max. 6 months)
- Focus on cultural exchange and travel
Basic requirements for your working holiday visa
General requirements:
- Age: 18-30 years (in some countries up to 35)
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay
- Finances: Start-up capital for the first few weeks (country-specific)
Basic documents (for all countries):
- Passport
- Birth certificate (notarized)
- Police clearance certificate (usually notarized)
- Bank statements/credit card statements as financial proof
- Passport photo (biometric)
- Curriculum vitae
- Proof of international health insurance for the entire stay
The most popular working holiday countries:
- 🦘 Australia: The classic with a chance of a 2nd and 3rd year
- 🍁 Canada: a popular destination with high standards
- 🥝 New Zealand: perfect for nature lovers
- 🎌 Japan: a unique cultural adventure
🌎 Country-specific requirements
🦘 Australia - Working Holiday Visa
Special features:
- Option to extend by 88 days of farm work
- Health check and fulfillment of health requirements
- Proof of at least AUD 5000 start-up capital
Required translations:
- notarized birth certificate
- Certificate of good conduct (notarized)
- Optional: Proof of qualifications for better job opportunities
🍁 Canada - IEC Working Holiday
Special features:
- Application via pool system
- Proof of at least 2500 CAD
- Medical examination may be necessary
Required translations:
- notarized birth certificate
- Certificate of good conduct (notarized)
- CV/resume in English (no notarization required)
🥝 New Zealand - Working Holiday Visa
Special features:
- Online application via the NZETA system
- Proof of at least NZD 4,200 (approx. €2,500) start-up capital
- Visa possible for 12 or 23 months
- English language skills must be proven
- Medical check for stays over 12 months
Required translations:
- notarized birth certificate
- Police clearance certificate (notarized)
- English CV
- Health certificate (for longer stays)
🎌 Japan - Working Holiday Visa
Special features:
- Detailed travel plan required for all cities and activities you would like to do during the trip.
- Letter of motivation required
- Proof of approx. 2000€ starting capital
- Basic knowledge of Japanese is an advantage
-
Flight ticket presentable (at least the outward flight)
Required translations:
- notarized birth certificate
- Curriculum vitae in special format (経歴書)
- Graduation certificates (notarized)
- Letter of motivation required (in English or Japanese)
- Detailed itinerary required (in English or Japanese)
✈️ Working Holiday Visa Checklist
🎯 The most important documents:
Passport (still valid for at least 6 months)
Certified translation of the Birth certificate
Police clearance certificate with translation
Biometric passport photos (max. 6 months old)
💰 Financial documents:
Bank statements for the last 3 months
Proof of start-up capital (depending on the country 2.500-5.000€)
International credit card
🏥 Insurance:
International health insurance (12 months)
Proof about return travel costs/return flight ticket
Optional: Travel insurance
📄 Other important documents:
International curriculum vitae (English)
Completed visa application form
International driving license
Digital copies of all documents
💡 Pro tip: Start obtaining documents at least 3 months before departure. The certificate of good conduct and certified translations take time!
Your dream is waiting-start now!
❓ Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1 When should I start preparing?
At least 3-4 months before the planned start of the trip. The translations themselves only take a few days, but some documents such as the certificate of good conduct can take several weeks to process.
2. do I already have to have a job to get the visa?
No! That's the special thing about the Working Holiday Visa. You can look for a job in your own time.
3. how long are the translated documents valid?
Notarized translations do not have an expiry date. However, the original documents (e.g. certificate of good conduct) should not be older than 3-6 months at the time of entry.
4. can I also study with the working holiday visa?
Yes, short-term studies or language courses are usually permitted. However, the focus should be on traveling and working.
5 What happens if I turn 31 during my stay?
Don't worry! The only important thing is that you have not yet reached the maximum age when you apply. Your age no longer matters during your stay.
6 How quickly will I receive the certified translations?
In 3-5 working days as standard. Translations within 24 hours are also possible with the express service.
Sources of our information:
- Federal Foreign Office: Working Holiday Program
- Australia: Department of Home Affairs - Working Holiday Maker
- Canada: International Experience Canada
- New Zealand: Immigration New Zealand
- Japan: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
