Working holiday in Germany
Germany has working holiday programmes with twelve countries and territories. They let you spend up to a year in the country and take temporary jobs to help pay for the trip. As a rule you must be 18 to 30 when you apply, and each German embassy publishes its own requirements for funds, insurance and fees.
Working Holiday visa
- Stay
- 12 months
Common requirements
- Be 18 to 30 when you apply. South Koreans can apply up to age 34.
- The trip is mainly a holiday; jobs must be temporary and help pay for it.
- Funds, documents, processing times and fees are published by the German mission where you apply.
Eligible passports (12)
| Passport | Age | Country-specific conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | 18 to 30 | You can apply at any German embassy or consulate. |
| Argentina | 18 to 30 | You can apply at any German mission. The embassy in Buenos Aires gives appointments through a waiting list and asks for funds of EUR 442 a month for the first three months (EUR 1,326) plus accommodation for those months, a return ticket or EUR 1,000 in your account, and medical and accident insurance of at least EUR 30,000 including repatriation. It decides within one month at most. Official page |
| Australia | 18 to 30 | You can apply at any German mission or, once in Germany, at the competent foreigners authority. |
| Brazil | 18 to 30 | You can only apply at the German missions in Brazil. |
| Chile | 18 to 30 | You can apply at any German embassy or consulate. |
| Hong Kong | 18 to 30 | You can only apply at the German Consulate General in Hong Kong, and you must live in Hong Kong. |
| Israel | 18 to 30 | You can apply at any German mission or, once in Germany, at the competent foreigners authority. |
| Japan | 18 to 30 | You can apply at any German mission or, once in Germany, at the competent foreigners authority. |
| New Zealand | 18 to 30 | You can apply at any German mission or, once in Germany, at the competent foreigners authority. |
| South Korea | 18 to 34 | You can only apply at the German Embassy in Seoul. |
| Taiwan | 18 to 30 | You can only apply at the German Institute Taipei. |
| Uruguay | 18 to 30 | You can apply at any German embassy or consulate. |
Checked on 31 October 2026. Sources: German Federal Foreign Office (auswaertiges-amt.de): FAQ "What exactly is the Working Holiday programme?" and its German version, with the list of countries, age, length of stay and where to apply; German Embassy in Buenos Aires: "Working Holiday Programm" (updated 11 June 2026). Checked on 31 October 2026. Places and dates change every year, so confirm on the official page before paying.
Informational only. Always verify requirements with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.