Ireland working holiday visa for Australian citizens

This page is for Australian citizens interested in a working holiday in Ireland. The data shows the key requirements for the Working Holiday Authorisation program. To be eligible, you must be between 18 and 35 years old. This authorisation allows a stay of up to 12 months after entry. You must activate it within 12 months of the date it is issued.

To apply, you need proof of sufficient funds: at least AUD$5,000, or AUD$2,500 if you also have a return ticket to Australia. Applications are made by post to the Embassy of Ireland in Canberra. If you plan to stay more than 90 days, you are required to register with immigration and pay an Irish Residence Permit fee of €300.

Passport

Australia

Age range

18 to 35

Stay

Up to 12 months after entry; must be activated within 12 months of issue

Funds

At least AUD$5,000, or AUD$2,500 with a return ticket to Australia

Conditions for Australian citizens

• Apply by post to the Embassy of Ireland in Canberra (or the Embassy in London if resident in the UK). Usual processing is 15 working days; an expedited option targets 5 working days.
• Maximum of six months with any one employer. One authorisation per person; it cannot be extended.

General rules of the program

• You apply from outside Ireland, through the Irish embassy or office listed for your country.
• Non-EU participants staying more than 90 days must register with immigration; the Irish Residence Permit fee is €300.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs notes that short-term casual work in Ireland is highly competitive and a WHA does not guarantee a job.

What stands out

The age range for Australian citizens, 18 to 35, is broader than the 18 to 30 range offered by several other destinations available to Australians, such as Japan, Germany, and Hong Kong. Another point is that the authorisation limits you to a maximum of six months with any single employer. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs also notes that finding short-term casual work is highly competitive and this authorisation does not guarantee employment.

How to apply, step by step

1. Find the Irish embassy, consulate or office that handles your nationality (listed by the Department of Foreign Affairs).
2. Check that office's dates, places and document list, since each agreement works differently.
3. Apply from outside Ireland and pay any fee the office lists.
4. After arriving, register with immigration if you stay more than 90 days (Irish Residence Permit fee €300).

Other programs open to Australian citizens

From the programs in this directory. Status is shown only where the official page stated it.

Full list: working holiday visas for Australian citizens.

All passports for this program: Ireland working holiday authorisation by country.