How to apply for a working holiday! (Including country-specific tips)
As we approach 2025, more and more people are planning working holidays.
For those in their 20s and 30s who want to gain overseas experience before preparing for employment or want to try a new life, a working holiday is a great opportunity.
However, for those preparing for the first time, there are many things that are confusing, from visa application to preparation.
So today, I'm going to give you a very detailed explanation of how to apply for a working holiday visa as of 2025, along with some must-know tips for each country!
What is a working holiday?
Simply put, it is a visa program for young people who can pursue both ‘travel and work’.
A working holiday visa allows you to stay and work in the country for one to three years.
South Korea currently has working holiday agreements with more than 25 countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Japan, France, etc.)
How to apply for the 2025 Working Holiday (Common Preparation Procedure)
- Choose your country of choice - Decide after considering language, environment, jobs, visa conditions, etc.
Popular countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Japan - Check your visa application eligibility – Most people are between 18 and 30 years old (varies by country), have sufficient deposits, and have no criminal record.
- Preparing for a visa application
– Passport (check expiration date!)
– Recent passport photo
- Financial certificate (usually 3 million won or more)
– Health check-up (required depending on the country)
– Airline ticket or plan
– Proof of insurance coverage (required in some countries) - Submitting a Visa Application – Apply at each country’s immigration office or embassy website (mostly online)
- After approval, prepare for departure – Book accommodation, issue airline tickets, prepare checklist upon arrival
Application tips & differences by major country
🇦🇺 Australia
Australia has long been one of the most popular countries for young people seeking a working holiday visa. The reason is simple: beautiful natural surroundings, diverse cultural experiences, and relatively easy visa application procedures.
✅ Why Australian Working Holiday?
- Easy visa application: You can apply for a visa online quickly and easily, and if you're lucky, it may be approved in just 2-3 days.
- Maximum stay of 3 years: After the initial one-year Working Holiday Visa, if you meet certain conditions, you can apply for a second or even third visa to stay in Australia for up to three years and gain diverse experiences.
- A variety of job opportunities: You can find work in a variety of fields, including farms, service industries, and tourism, which will allow you to earn money for your travels and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.
💡 Tips:
- Farm Jobs Alert: When looking for farm work, you should be aware of scams such as non-payment of wages or poor working conditions. We recommend that you use a reliable local working holiday community to get information and find a job safely.
- Prepare in advance: It is recommended that you check and prepare the required documents and information in advance before applying for a visa. It is also important to prepare sufficient initial settlement costs and living expenses.
A working holiday in Australia will give you more than just a part-time job. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about a new culture, meet different people, and create unforgettable memories!
👉 Australia Go to Visa Application
🇨🇦 Canada
A Canadian working holiday is an attractive opportunity to experience beautiful nature and diverse culture, and learn English or French. Unlike Australia, Selection system (lottery system) It operates in this way.
✅ Features of Canada Working Holiday:
- Lottery method: After you register with the pool of eligible applicants, the Government of Canada randomly sends out invitations, so the timing of your application may affect your chances of winning.
- A relatively simple procedure: Although the application process is done online, please be aware that there may be a waiting period before you receive your invitation.
- Diverse experiences: You can enjoy various activities such as hiking and skiing in the vast natural environment, and gain a wide range of experiences in a multicultural society.
💡 Tips:
- Quick Application: Since there is a limited number of draws, if you are eligible, it is best to register for the pool as soon as possible to increase your chances of winning.
- Constant check: It is important to regularly check your account to see if an invitation has been sent.
A Canadian working holiday is a great choice for those who want to experience a variety of cultures along with magnificent nature. Good luck and we wish you a wonderful experience in Canada!
👉 Canada Go to Visa Application
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for its beautiful, unspoiled natural landscapes and is a consistently popular country for nature-loving working holidaymakers. How to apply for a visa First come first served closingTherefore, quick preparation and action to seize the opportunity are important.
✅ Features of New Zealand Working Holiday:
- First come first served: Since visa applications close on a first-come, first-served basis within a certain number of people, it is most important to apply as soon as possible on the opening day.
- Fantastic nature: You can enjoy various activities such as hiking and bungee jumping in breathtaking natural environments such as the Fjord National Park and the Southern Alps.
- Kind people: New Zealanders are known for being friendly and easy-going, which will help you adapt easily to working holiday life.
💡 Tips:
- Fast Internet Environment: On the day of visa application opening, many people will be accessing the site at the same time, so it is essential to have a stable and fast internet environment.
- Enter information in advance: It is important to prepare the personal information required for application in advance and enter it quickly as soon as the application page opens. It is also a good idea to practice in advance to save time.
A New Zealand working holiday will provide you with a special experience in an unforgettable and beautiful nature. We hope you get lucky by preparing quickly!
👉 New Zealand Go to Visa Application
🇩🇪 Germany
The German Working Holiday is an attractive option for young people who dream of traveling around Europe. There are relatively many English-language jobs available, and there is no limit to the number of visas issued, so opportunities are open.
✅ Features of German Working Holiday:
- Easy to travel in Europe: Germany is located in the heart of Europe, making it convenient for travel to neighboring countries.
- A variety of English jobs: There are many opportunities to work in English, especially in international cities.
- No limit on the number of visas: Unlike other countries, there is no limit on the number of visas issued, so you can apply for a visa relatively easily.
💡 Tips:
- Insurance Subscription Notice: It can be a bit tricky to get insurance that is recognized in Germany. Rather than preparing in advance in Korea, it is recommended to get insurance through a local insurance company. Find out about reliable insurance companies through local information or communities.
A working holiday in Germany will be a great opportunity to experience European culture, meet different people, and grow yourself.
👉 Germany Go to Visa Application
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan is a popular working holiday destination for many Koreans because it is geographically close and has a unique culture that is similar to Korea but different. If you have basic Japanese skills, you can adapt to local life more easily.
✅ Features of Japan Working Holiday:
- Nearby: It is a short flight from Korea, so it is not a burden.
- Familiar culture: There are many cultural elements that are familiar to Koreans, such as animation and food, so it is easy to adapt.
- Opportunities to use Japanese: This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn or improve their Japanese.
💡 Tips:
- Prepare your documents carefully: There are a lot of documents that need to be submitted when applying for a Japanese working holiday visa. In particular, it is important to carefully prepare the plan, proof of balance, and Japanese resume. Please prepare the documents in advance with sufficient time.
A working holiday in Japan is a great opportunity to experience a unique culture, learn Japanese, and create special memories in a nearby country.
👉Japan Go to Visa Application
Summary of tips for applying for Warhol
- passport: Minimum validity period of 6 months or more
- Bankbook: Prepare your balance certificate in advance (issued within 1-2 weeks before application)
- insurance: It varies by country, so check if it is required
- picture: Prepare several passport photos
- Plan: If it is sloppy, it may be rejected (especially in Japan and Germany)
2025 Working Holiday Visa Application Fee
| nation | Fee (local currency) | Korean Won Conversion | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| australia | AUD $650 | About 570,000 won | No refunds on fees after application |
| New Zealand | NZD $770 | About 620,000 won | First come first served, closing quickly |
| Canada | CAD $261 | About 260,000 won | Apply within 20 days after accepting the invitation |
| germany | €75 | About 110,000 won | When applying for a visa, the exchange rate on the day is applied. |
| japan | free | doesn't exist | How to submit documents |
2025 Working Holiday Visa Country-Specific Eligibility Requirements and Eligible Ages
| nation | Age for application | Basic Qualifications | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| australia | Age 18 to 30 | English speaking, proof of funds, valid passport | 2nd and 3rd visa extensions possible |
| New Zealand | Age 18 to 30 | Proof of funds, insurance required, apply online | Early closing on a first-come, first-served basis every year |
| Canada | Age 18 to 30 | Create an IEC account, apply after receiving an invitation (ITA) | Random draw, high competition |
| germany | Age 18 to 30 | Submit proof of funds, insurance, and visa application | Apply directly at the German Embassy in Seoul |
| japan | Age 18 to 30 | Self-introduction, travel plan, proof of funds | No fees, document review method |
In conclusion
2025 is a great year to start a working holiday. Many countries are opening their doors to young people, and online systems are becoming more streamlined and easier to apply. Of course, each country has slightly different requirements and conditions, so careful preparation is essential.
Even if it seems daunting right now, if you prepare step by step, you will soon find yourself with your visa approved and a plane ticket in hand.
Challenges in new environments become lifelong assets. Don’t hesitate, start your 2025 off great abroad!
Three line summary
Working Holiday is a visa system that allows young people aged 18 to 30 to work and travel abroad.
In 2025, the conditions and procedures for popular countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand will be somewhat different.
Anyone can easily apply for a working holiday visa if they know how to prepare documents and apply for each country!
*TOP 5 Working Holidays Shortcut
EN 
KO