book ticket
WORKING HOLIDAY · JAPAN

Working Holiday — Japan

Live, work and explore Japan for up to 12 months.

Explore other programmes

At a glance

TypeWorking Holiday Visa
DestinationJapan
DurationUp to 12 months
Funding & minimum fundsSelf-funded · minimum funds: €4,950, or €3,100 with a purchased return ticket
LanguageJapanese strongly recommended
Official sourceOfficial programme information ↗

Programme highlights

✓ Age 18–30✓ Up to 12 months✓ €4,000–€6,000 starting budget✓ Japanese strongly recommended

About Working Holiday — Japan

Japan offers a more immersive and less work-focused Working Holiday experience than Australia or Canada. Most participants use a city as their base, stay in a share house and combine temporary jobs with travel. English-speaking work exists in hospitality, tourism, ski resorts and language services, but opportunities are more limited without Japanese. Japan is highly rated for cultural immersion, safety and quality of life, although transport, initial accommodation and the language barrier can make the experience challenging.

Eligibility criteria

  • AudienceYoung adults using temporary work to support an extended stay abroad
  • Age limit18–30
  • NationalityAustria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom
  • QualificationNo formal qualification required
  • Language requirementJapanese strongly recommended

Important to know

Belgian and Swiss passport holders are not eligible. Residence requirements, quotas and previous-participation rules vary by nationality. Minimum-funds rules and accepted evidence can change; confirm the current amount and document format on the official government page before applying.

Official practical guide

Last checked: August 2026

Check my eligibility