Planning a work and travel trip? Great! With the Working Holiday Visa, you can perfectly combine travel and work. Here you'll find out which documents you need and what needs to be translated – so your adventure is guaranteed to be a success!
What is a Working Holiday Visa and who can get it?
A Working Holiday Visa is your ticket to a unique stay abroad, where you can combine travel and work. Unlike a traditional work visa, the focus here isn't on the job itself, but on the overall experience: getting to know new cultures, improving your language skills, and earning money for further travel.
This special visa was designed for young people between 18 and 30 years old (up to 35 in some countries). It allows you to live, travel, and take on various jobs in the host country for up to a year – sometimes even longer. It's perfect for anyone who wants to explore the world after completing their education, studies, or during a gap year.
What's so special about it? Adventure and career combined!
- Flexible job choices: From farm work to office jobs, everything is possible. You can find an overview of available jobs and industries here: Jobs abroad.
- No prescribed minimum qualification is required.
- You don't need an employment contract for the application.
- Usually only possible once in a lifetime - seize the opportunity!
- Limited working time 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 (up to 35 in some countries)
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
- Finances: Starting capital for the first few weeks (country-specific)
Basic documents (for all countries):
- passport
- Birth certificate (certified)
- Police clearance certificate (usually certified)
- Bank statements/credit card statements as proof of financial circumstances
- Passport photo (biometric)
- CV
- Proof of international health insurance for the entire stay
The most popular working holiday countries:
- 🦘 Australia: The classic with a chance for 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 starting capital
Required translations:
- certified birth certificate
- Certificate of good conduct (certified)
- Optional: Qualification certificates for better job opportunities
🍁 Canada - IEC Working Holiday
Special features:
- Application via pool system
- Proof of at least 2500 CAD
- A medical examination may be necessary.
Required translations:
- certified birth certificate
- Certificate of good conduct (certified)
- CV/Resume in English (no certification required)
🥝 New Zealand - Working Holiday Visa
Special features:
- Online application via the NZETA system
- Proof of at least 4,200 NZD (approx. 2,500€) starting capital
- Visas available for 12 or 23 months
- English language skills must be demonstrated.
- Medical check required for stays longer than 12 months
Required translations:
- certified birth certificate
- Police clearance certificate (certified)
- English CV
- Health certificate (for longer stays)
🎌 Japan - Working Holiday Visa
Special features:
- A detailed itinerary is required for all cities and/or activities you wish to undertake during the trip.
- A letter of motivation is required.
- Proof of approximately €2000 starting capital
- Basic Japanese language skills are an advantage
-
Flight ticket available (at least for the outbound flight)
Required translations:
- certified birth certificate
- CV in special format (経歴書)
- Diplomas (certified)
- A letter of motivation is required (in English or Japanese).
- Detailed itinerary required (in English or Japanese)
Each country offers different job opportunities – from agriculture in Australia to seasonal jobs in Canada. Learn more about the best jobs for your working holiday year in the overseas job guide.
✈️ Working Holiday Visa Checklist
🎯 The most important documents:
Passport (valid for at least 6 more 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 of return travel costs/return flight ticket
Optional: Travel insurance
📄 Other important documents:
International CV (English)
Completed visa application form
International Driving Permit
Digital copies of all documents
💡 Pro tip: Start gathering your documents at least 3 months before departure. Certificates of good conduct and certified translations take time!
Your dream awaits - start now!❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When should I start preparing?
At least 3-4 months before your planned trip. While the translations themselves only take a few days, some documents, such as the police clearance certificate, can take several weeks to process.
2. Do I need to already have a job to get the visa?
No! That's precisely what's so special about the Working Holiday Visa. You can take your time finding a job once you're there.
3. How long are the translated documents valid?
Certified translations do not have an expiration date. However, the original documents (e.g., certificate of good conduct) should not be older than 3-6 months upon entry.
4. Can I also study with a Working Holiday Visa?
Yes, short-term studies or language courses are usually permitted. However, the focus should be on travel and work.
5. What happens if I turn 31 during my stay?
Don't worry! The only important thing is that you haven't reached the maximum age when you apply. Your age won't matter during your stay.
6. How quickly will I receive the certified translations?
Standard turnaround time is 3-5 business days. Express service allows for translations within 24 hours.
Sources of our information:
- Federal Foreign Office: Working Holiday Programme
- Australia: Department of Home Affairs - Working Holiday Maker
- Canada: International Experience Canada
- New Zealand: Immigration New Zealand
- Japan: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
