Working Holiday Visa
All important information about visas for working holiday in Germany
Here you learn ...
what a Working Holiday Visa is and who can apply for the visa
all requirements of the Working Holiday Visa
how to apply for the Working Holiday Visa
everything about converting your Working Holiday Visa into a residence permit
Author
Attorney
Reading Time
9 Min.
Release Date
10.02.2025
Table of Content
1 . Working holiday in Germany
2 . Working Holiday Visa Requirements
3. With which countries do we have working holiday agreements?
4 . Apply for Working Holiday at the Embassy
5 . Residence permit Working Holiday Berlin
6 . FAQ Working Holiday
1. Working Holiday in Germany
Germany has concluded bilateral agreements with various countries on working holiday programs. There is also a special Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada . These programs allow young adults from participating countries to stay in Germany for up to 12 months to explore the country and at the same time finance their stay through holiday jobs. In order to obtain a working holiday visa, a national visa must usually be applied for at the German diplomatic mission in the home country.
2. Working Holiday Visa Requirements
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) allows young travelers to explore Germany for up to 12 months, work and gain valuable experience. Work and Travel offers the opportunity to try out different jobs, improve your German language skills and get to know the culture in depth.
To apply for a working holiday visa, applicants must be at least 18 years old and generally no older than 30. An exception applies to the Youth Mobility Program, where the maximum age is 35. Furthermore, for the working holiday visa, proof of valid health and accident insurance that covers the entire stay in Germany must be provided. Applicants must also have financial reserves of around 2,000 euros to secure their livelihood. While basic knowledge of the German language is not a formal requirement for a working holiday visa, it can still be advantageous. The following applies particularly to more demanding jobs: the higher the demands of the job, the better the German language skills should be.
The exact requirements may vary depending on the country of origin. It is therefore recommended to check the websites of the German embassy in the respective country for the specific conditions.
3. With which countries do we have working holiday agreements?
To apply for a Working Holiday Visa, you must be a citizen of a country with which Germany has a Working Holiday Agreement . There are Working Holiday Agreements with the following countries:
Working Holiday with Best Friends countries:
Australia : The Working Holiday Program with Australia allows stays of 12 months for people between 18 and 30 years of age. One-time participation is possible and the application can be made both abroad and domestically.
Israel : (since February 29, 2016): Stays of up to 12 months. Application required before expiry of visa-free stay. Passport must be valid for 18 months.
Japan : The Working Holiday Program with Japan allows one-time participation for people between 18 and 30 years of age. The application can be submitted domestically.
Canada (“Youth Mobility Agreement” since April 6, 2017): Stays of up to 12 months, second participation possible under certain conditions. Applications can be made at foreign representations as well as at domestic authorities.
South Korea : Visa required, application in exceptional cases also possible domestically if a residence permit for other purposes already exists.
New Zealand : The Working Holiday Program with New Zealand allows stays of up to 12 months for people between 18 and 30 years of age. The application can be submitted domestically.
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Working Holiday mit anderen Staaten:
Argentinien (seit 02.06.2016): Aufenthalte bis zu 12 Monaten, Beschäftigung maximal 6 Monate beim gleichen Arbeitgeber, Antrag nur bei deutscher Auslandsvertretung.
Brasilien (seit 19.09.2019): Aufenthalte bis zu 12 Monaten, Beschäftigung maximal 6 Monate pro Arbeitgeber, Antrag nur bei deutscher Auslandsvertretung.
Chile (seit 20.02.2014): Aufenthalte bis zu 12 Monaten, Ferienjobs zur Finanzierung erlaubt. Antrag nur bei deutscher Auslandsvertretung.
Hongkong: (seit 01.07.2009): Aufenthalte bis zu 12 Monaten mit Kontingent von 100 Visa pro Jahr. Ferienjobs zur Finanzierung erlaubt. Antrag nur beim deutschen Generalkonsulat in Hongkong.
Taiwan: (seit 11.10.2010): Aufenthalte bis zu 12 Monaten mit Kontingent von 200 Visa im ersten Jahr. Antrag nur beim Deutschen Institut in Taipeh, keine Aufenthaltserlaubnis im Inland möglich. Beschäftigung maximal 3 Monate pro Arbeitgeber.
Uruguay (seit 09.02.2017): Aufenthalte bis zu 12 Monaten, Beschäftigung maximal 6 Monate pro Arbeitgeber. Antrag nur bei deutscher Auslandsvertretung.
In principle, the relevant Working Holiday Visa must be applied for at the relevant embassy . Exceptions only apply for the Best Friends states, which can apply for the Working Holiday stay after entering Germany. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada and New Zealand can therefore apply for a Working Holiday residence permit in Germany. You can find further information on the subject of applying for a residence permit for certain citizens in our VISAGUARD country guides .
4. Apply for Working Holiday at the Embassy
In most cases, the application for a Working Holiday Visa is made at the embassy (see above for exceptions). The first step is usually to register on the waiting list for an appointment to apply for a visa. The following documents must then be submitted at the visa appointment:
Visa application (VIDEX) – fill out online and sign two printouts
Passport – original with at least two blank pages & two copies
Biometric passport photos
proof of first accommodation in Germany
Proof of financial means (at least 2,000 euros)
Proof of valid health insurance (required upon collection)
The processing fee is 75 euros , payable in cash when submitting the application. Additional costs may be incurred for sending the passport by post. The fee cannot be refunded, even if the application is rejected.
5. Residence permit Working Holiday Berlin
Anyone who wants to apply for a residence permit for a working holiday in Berlin must meet a number of requirements. These include a valid passport, a current biometric photo and international travel health insurance with a minimum term of one year. In addition, proof of financing of at least 2,000 euros is required, for example in the form of a bank statement. The applicant must also prove that their main residence is in Berlin - either with a registration confirmation or a rental agreement with confirmation of move-in from the landlord.
The application for the Working Holiday residence permit is submitted to the State Office for Immigration (LEA) on Friedrich-Krause-Ufer. The fees are between 56 and 100 euros; there is no fee for Japanese nationals. The application is usually processed directly during the personal interview and the residence permit is issued.
6. FAQ Working Holiday
Can I also work as a self-employed person with a Working Holiday Visa?
Yes, thanks to the amendment to Section 35 No. 4 of the Residence Ordinance, self-employment is now possible in addition to dependent employment. However, the details always depend on the respective working holiday agreement.
Can the Working Holiday Visa be extended?
No, the Working Holiday Visa cannot be extended or converted into a residence permit for the same purpose.
How long is the Working Holiday Visa valid?
Working holiday visas are usually issued with a validity of 12 months.
What is the legal basis of the Working Holiday Visa?
The Working Holiday Visa is issued in accordance with Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 29 Paragraph 3 of the Employment Ordinance.
Do Working Holiday Visas require approval from the Federal Employment Agency?
According to Section 29 Paragraph 3 of the Employment Ordinance in conjunction with the respective agreements, taking up holiday employment does not require the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
What is the correct condition for a Working Holiday Visa?
The residence permit is issued with the additional conditions “Holiday work stay. Employment permitted.” if the applicant complies with the age limit and a residence permit is issued for a holiday work stay for the first time. Visas are issued according to the visa manual with the additional condition “Employment as part of a working holiday stay in accordance with Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 29 Paragraph 3 of the Employment Ordinance permitted.”
When is the livelihood considered secure on a Working Holiday Visa?
The requirements of Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 of the Residence Act are met by proven own funds of 2,000 euros and one year of foreign travel health insurance.
Can I apply for family reunification with the Working Holiday Visa?
No, family reunification is generally not possible with a Working Holiday Visa.
What age limits are there for the working holiday?
The age limit for applying for a Working Holiday Visa is usually between 18 and 30 years. In the case of the Canadian Youth Mobility Agreement, the age limit is 35 years.
