Working holiday in Netherlands
The Netherlands has a working holiday programme for people aged 18 to 30 from nine countries and territories. The residence permit lasts up to one year, the application costs EUR 85 and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has 90 days to decide. Argentina, Uruguay, Hong Kong and Taiwan have 100 places a year each, and Japan and South Korea 200.
Working Holiday Programme or Scheme (WHP or WHS)
- Stay
- 12 months
- Fee
- 85 EUR
- Funds
- The IND does not set an amount. You must estimate how much money you will need for your stay and show that you have it.
- Health insurance
- Required for the whole stay
Common requirements
- Be 18 to 30 when you apply and live in the country of your nationality.
- Not have lived in the Netherlands before on a regular residence permit.
- Have a return ticket or the money to buy one, and insurance that covers healthcare costs in the Netherlands.
- You cannot receive public benefits. The aim is to get to know Dutch society and culture, and you can take a short course.
Eligible passports (9)
| Passport | Age | Places a year | Country-specific conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 18 to 30 | 100 | You need a provisional residence permit (MVV). You apply for it together with the residence permit, by appointment at a Dutch mission in your country, and then send the application to the IND within three weeks. |
| Australia | 18 to 30 | · | You do not need an MVV. You can apply online, by post or at an IND desk if you are already in the Netherlands; from abroad, no earlier than 90 days before travelling. |
| Canada | 18 to 30 | · | You do not need an MVV. You can apply online, by post or at an IND desk if you are already in the Netherlands; from abroad, no earlier than 90 days before travelling. |
| Hong Kong | 18 to 30 | 100 | You need a provisional residence permit (MVV). You apply for it together with the residence permit, by appointment at a Dutch mission in your country, and then send the application to the IND within three weeks. |
| Japan | 18 to 30 | 200 | You apply online directly, without an MVV. The 2026 quota was filled on 7 April 2026, and you can apply again from 1 January 2027. |
| New Zealand | 18 to 30 | · | You do not need an MVV. You can apply online, by post or at an IND desk if you are already in the Netherlands; from abroad, no earlier than 90 days before travelling. |
| South Korea | 18 to 30 | 200 | You apply online directly, without an MVV. |
| Taiwan | 18 to 30 | 100 | You need a provisional residence permit (MVV). You apply for it together with the residence permit, by appointment at a Dutch mission in your country, and then send the application to the IND within three weeks. |
| Uruguay | 18 to 30 | 100 | You need a provisional residence permit (MVV). You apply for it together with the residence permit, by appointment at a Dutch mission in your country, and then send the application to the IND within three weeks. |
Checked on 31 October 2026. Sources: Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (ind.nl): "Residence permit Working Holiday" (last updated 9 October 2026), with the countries, quotas, requirements, procedure, EUR 85 fee and 90-day decision period. 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.