Part of 特定活動 (Designated Activities). The Working Holiday visa is officially 特定活動告示第 5 号 (ワーキング・ホリデー) — one of 20+ sub-types under Japan's catch-all Designated Activities residence status. See the Designated Activities hub for the full list of sub-types.
The Working Holiday visa (ワーキング・ホリデー) allows young adults from eligible countries to live, travel, and work in Japan for up to one year, experiencing Japanese culture and daily life in a way that short-term tourism does not allow. The program exists under bilateral government agreements and offers one of the most accessible and flexible ways to live in Japan long-term without the requirements of a formal work or student visa.
Important: Citizens of mainland China (People's Republic of China) are currently not eligible for Japan's Working Holiday program, as no bilateral agreement exists between Japan and China. Eligible territories include approximately 27 countries and regions such as South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and numerous other European and South American countries.
Working Holiday visa holders may engage in part-time work across a wide range of industries to supplement their travel funds, though the visa's primary purpose is travel and cultural experience, not employment. There are some restrictions — notably on working in adult entertainment establishments. Work in agriculture, hospitality, teaching English, and retail are common among Working Holiday participants. This is typically a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as the visa cannot be renewed, making the experience all the more memorable.
Who Is This For
- ✓Young adults (typically 18–30, some countries up to 35) from eligible countries
- ✓Travelers who wish to experience life in Japan for an extended period while supplementing funds through part-time work
- ✓Language learners and culture enthusiasts seeking immersive living experience
Validity Periods
Single Residence Period: Up to 1 year
Requirements
- •Citizenship of one of the approximately 27 eligible countries or regions (see below)
- •Age between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application (some countries allow up to 35)
- •Valid passport from an eligible country
- •Sufficient funds to cover initial expenses upon arrival (typically ¥250,000 or equivalent)
- •Return or onward air ticket (or sufficient funds to purchase one)
- •No dependent children accompanying the applicant
- •Good health
- •No prior Working Holiday visa for Japan
- •Clean immigration record
Costs & Fees
Single-entry 15,000 JPY, multiple-entry 30,000 JPY, transit 3,500 JPY (new rates from July 1, 2026; India exempt under a bilateral agreement).
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Completed Working Holiday visa application form
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of financial means (bank statement showing sufficient funds)
- Round-trip or onward ticket reservation (or proof of funds to purchase)
- Statement of purpose explaining plans for the working holiday
- Health certificate or self-declaration of good health (if required by Embassy)
Where to Apply
Application Process
- 1Confirm that your nationality is listed among Japan's eligible working holiday partner countries
- 2Apply directly at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country
- 3Submit all required documents (no COE required for most eligible countries)
- 4Wait for processing (typically a few days to 2 weeks)
- 5Receive your Working Holiday visa
- 6Enter Japan within the visa's validity period and begin your stay
- 7Work part-time as needed to supplement your travel funds
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you've chosen your visa, your Japan-side sponsor (employer / school / family) files the COE with Immigration — then you exchange it for a visa at the embassy.
Residence Status (COE) Review Time
Average processing days as of Jun 2026, based on official Ministry of Justice statistics.
Figures include waiting time for supplementary documents. Denied and withdrawn applications are excluded.
Renewal and change-of-status 'notice' figures include the wait between review completion and pickup at Immigration Bureau.
Work Restrictions
Family & Dependents
Renewal & Extension
Common Visa Transition Paths
These are the most common paths — many other transitions are possible if you meet the eligibility criteria for another residence status.
Important Notices
- ⚠Age restrictions are strict; must be 18-30 years old (25 for some countries) at the time of application; cannot apply if overage
- ⚠Can only be applied for once in a lifetime; cannot reapply even if rejected
- ⚠Must leave Japan on time if a formal job for visa change has not been found before expiry
- ⚠Do not engage in full-time work on a Working Holiday visa while ignoring the travel purpose
Practical Tips
- →It is recommended to travel and acclimatize first after entry, while working part-time to learn about the Japanese workplace
- →If planning to stay in Japan long-term, start looking for formal employment for visa change from the moment of entry
- →Work experience accumulated during the stay helps with subsequent changes to an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visa
- →The higher the Japanese proficiency, the better the job options available; it is recommended to reach at least N3 level before departure