Japan working holiday visa: partner countries and quotas

This page is for citizens of partner countries who want to apply for a Japanese working holiday visa. Japan has agreements with 32 countries and territories, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The program allows you to stay in Japan primarily for a holiday, with work being an incidental activity to fund your travels.

To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 30 at the time of application. You will need a valid passport, sufficient funds for the initial part of your stay, and either a return ticket or enough money to buy one. You cannot bring dependants or children, and you must be in good health. A previous Japanese working holiday visa will make you ineligible, with some exceptions.

Program

Working Holiday Programmes

Passports listed

32

Age ranges

18 to 30

General rules

• Mainly intending to holiday in Japan; aged 18 to 30 at application (see notes); no accompanying dependants or children; a valid passport plus a return ticket or the money to buy one; reasonable funds for the first part of the stay; good health; and no previous Japanese working holiday visa (except where the twice-in-a-lifetime rule applies).
• Work is allowed as an incidental activity to supplement travel funds. Working at bars, cabarets, nightclubs, gambling establishments and other premises affecting public morals is strictly prohibited and can lead to deportation.
• Within 14 days of settling, register your address at the local municipal office.
• MOFA warns that no organization in Japan works with it to run the programmes, so be wary of paid 'help' offers.

Passports accepted: Working Holiday Programmes

What stands out

Unlike some other working holiday schemes, Japan’s general rules do not specify a minimum amount for the ‘reasonable funds’ you must have. The program also has a specific restriction against working in establishments like bars, nightclubs, or cabarets, noting this can lead to deportation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) explicitly warns applicants that no third-party organizations are officially affiliated with it to assist with the application process.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that your country or region is on the MOFA list and how many visas it gets each year.
2. Read the Japanese embassy or consulate page in your country for the document list and dates.
3. Apply there in person or as instructed; Taiwan residents use the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.
4. Register your address at the municipal office within 14 days of settling in Japan.