Working Holiday Visa

For anyone young enough, the working holiday visa is far better than the nomad visa: twelve months instead of six, a residence card, the ability to register an address, open a bank account, get a phone contract and take local work. Japan has agreements with around 30 countries and regions, and the age limit is generally 18 to 30. Some partner countries have annual quotas, and the visa is normally available only once in a lifetime.

29 nationalities are on the eligible list. Anyone not listed applies through a different route.

• Passport from a partner countryRequiredJapan has working holiday agreements with around 30 countries and regions.
• Aged 18 to 30RequiredThe standard age range is 18 to 30 inclusive at the time of application. A few partner countries extend this to 25 or 35; check yours.
• Roughly USD 2,000-3,500 in savingsRequiredMost embassies require evidence of around JPY 300,000 to 500,000, or more if you do not hold a return ticket.
• Once in a lifetime, with quotasInfoMost partner countries allow the working holiday visa only once per person, and several apply annual quotas that fill early in the cycle.
• Comes with a residence cardInfoUnlike the nomad visa, this grants a residence card and address registration, so a Japanese bank account, phone contract and normal apartment lease all become possible.

• Passport
• Proof of funds
• Planned itinerary and reasons for applying
• Curriculum vitae
• Insurance certificate
• Passport photograph

1. Check quota availability

   ~1 day

   Several partner countries operate annual quotas that open on a fixed date and fill quickly.

   1

2. Apply at the embassy

   ~21 days

   Submit in your country of nationality with your itinerary, funds evidence and reasons for applying.

   2

3. Enter and register

   ~14 days

   Receive a residence card on arrival and register your address at the local city office within 14 days.

   3

Generally not extendable. Some nationalities, notably Australians and Canadians, may have differing arrangements; check with your embassy.

• If you are under 31, this is comprehensively better than the nomad visa: twice the duration and a residence card
• The residence card is what makes a Japanese bank account and a normal lease possible
• Usually available only once in a lifetime, so timing matters
• Quotas for popular partner countries can close within weeks of opening

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - working holiday programmesMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan2026-07-27