Working holiday in Japan
Japan has working holiday programmes with 32 countries and regions. The visa is applied for at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your own country, and most agreements require you to live there when you apply. Work is meant to supplement the holiday and is banned in bars, nightclubs and gambling venues.
Working holiday visa
- Funds
- The Ministry asks for reasonable funds for the first period and a return ticket or the money to buy one, without setting a figure; each embassy gives its own.
Common requirements
- Be aged 18 to 30 when you apply, except where the table says otherwise.
- Under most agreements, live in your country of nationality when you apply.
- Not be accompanied by dependants or children.
- Be in good health and not have held a Japanese working holiday visa before, except for countries that now allow two participations.
- Register your address at the municipal office within 14 days of settling.
Eligible passports (32)
| Passport | Age | Places a year | Country-specific conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 18 to 30 | 400 | The 400-place quota applies from Argentina to Japan. Official page |
| Australia | 18 to 25 | No limit | Aged 18 to 25, unless both governments agree to extend it to 30. Official page |
| Austria | 18 to 30 | 200 | Official page |
| Canada | 18 to 25 | 6,283 | Aged 18 to 25, unless both governments agree to extend it to 30. Official page |
| Chile | 18 to 30 | 200 | Official page |
| Czech Republic | 18 to 30 | 400 | Official page |
| Denmark | 18 to 30 | No limit | Official page |
| Estonia | 18 to 30 | 100 | Official page |
| Finland | 18 to 30 | 200 | Official page |
| France | 18 to 30 | 1,800 | Official page |
| Germany | 18 to 30 | No limit | Official page |
| Hong Kong | 18 to 30 | 1,500 | Official page |
| Hungary | 18 to 30 | 200 | Official page |
| Iceland | 18 to 30 | 30 | Official page |
| Ireland | 18 to 25 | 800 | Aged 18 to 25, unless both governments agree to extend it to 30. Official page |
| Italy | 18 to 30 | 500 | Official page |
| Latvia | 18 to 30 | 100 | Official page |
| Lithuania | 18 to 30 | 100 | Official page |
| Luxembourg | 18 to 30 | 100 | Official page |
| Malta | 18 to 30 | 100 | Official page |
| Netherlands | 18 to 30 | 200 | Official page |
| New Zealand | 18 to 30 | No limit | Official page |
| Norway | 18 to 30 | No limit | Official page |
| Poland | 18 to 30 | 500 | Official page |
| Portugal | 18 to 30 | No limit | Official page |
| Slovakia | 18 to 30 | 400 | Official page |
| South Korea | 18 to 25 | 10,000 | Aged 18 to 25, unless both governments agree to extend it to 30. Official page |
| Spain | 18 to 30 | 700 | Official page |
| Sweden | 18 to 30 | No limit | Official page |
| Taiwan | 18 to 30 | 10,000 | Common requirements only |
| United Kingdom | 18 to 30 | 6,000 | Official page |
| Uruguay | 18 to 30 | 100 | Official page |
Checked on 29 October 2026. Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (mofa.go.jp): "The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan", updated on 1 April 2026, with the 32 countries and regions, the maximum number of visas per year and the general requirements. Checked on 29 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.