Working Holiday Visa Japan: Your Ultimate Preparation Guide

Thinking about getting a working holiday visa that Japan has?

With this working holiday visa Japan guide, you've come to the right place to learn about everything you need to know. 

What is a working holiday visa?

A work holiday visa is a part of working holiday programmes that allows young adults to live in another country for up to one year. The working holiday programme promotes mutual understanding and cultural exchange while allowing young people to support themselves through part-time work.

Working holiday participants must be 18-30 (with some exceptions).

How to get a working holiday visa for Japan

1) Be from a working holiday agreement country with Japan.

First, you need to see if Japan has Working Holiday Agreements with your home country. It is up to each country's government to organize these agreements with other countries. 

Here are all 29 countries where Japan has a working holiday visa:

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

• The Republic of Korea

• France

• Germany

• The United Kingdom

• Ireland

• Denmark

• Hong Kong

• Norway

• Portugal

• Poland

• Slovakia

• Austria

• Hungary

• Spain

• Argentina

• Chile

• Iceland

• Czech

• Lithuania

• Sweden

• Estonia

• Netherlands

• Uruguay

• Finland

• Latvia

• Luxembourg

Depending on the country, you’ll need to be a resident and have a valid passport to apply. Also, each country has a limited number of working holiday visas to be given out for Japan. 

2) Be between 18-30 years old.

Generally, you should be between 18-30 at the time of the visa application. There are some exceptions, such as:

• Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea, and Ireland: applicants should be between 18 and 25 years old

• Iceland: applicant should be between 18 and 26 years old

The reason for this age restriction is geared toward young adults to explore different cultures while working part-time to fund their travels. 

Think of this visa as a culture exchange and life experience before an individual settles down long-term. As such, you can not have any accompanying dependents or children with you.

3) Be truthful with your purpose.

The primary purpose of a working holiday visa for Japan is to spend the holiday there while being allowed to work part-time. If work is your intended purpose, consider a work visa for Japan. 

For part-time work, you are prohibited from working at bars, nightclubs, cabarets, gambling establishments, or any similar category. Violating this restriction can result in deportation.

You must not have been issued one before to qualify for a Japanese Working Holiday Visa.

4)  Have enough funds.

Since Japan's working holiday visa only allows those to work part-time, you'll also need to demonstrate that you have enough or reasonable funds to maintain your stay in Japan.

It includes money for:

• Accommodation

• Daily expenses

• Transportation

• Food

• A return flight ticket (or have enough to buy such a ticket)

How to apply for Japan’s working holiday visa

Here are the general step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a working holiday visa for Japan. 

Each country will have specific documents you need to submit, so follow your country's guidelines.

1) Download, print, fill out the application form.

Sample visa application

If your country has working holiday agreements with Japan, then you can download and fill out their respective application form:

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

• The Republic of Korea

• France

• Germany

• The United Kingdom

• Ireland

• Denmark

• Hong Kong

• Norway

• Portugal

• Poland

• Slovakia

• Austria

• Hungary

• Spain

• Argentina

• Chile

• Iceland

• Czech

• Lithuania

• Sweden

• Estonia

• Netherlands

• Uruguay

• Finland

• Latvia

• Luxembourg

See if your country qualifies for Japan’s eVisa for an easier application process.

2) Submit the necessary documents to Embassies or Consulates-General of Japan.

For the most part, you'll need to submit:

• Valid passport

• Visa application with passport photo

• Flight details with your name on it

• Resume with educational and employment details

• Proposed schedule

• Statement of purpose (signed and dated)

• Proof of sufficient funds (usually up to 3 months of a bank statement)

Consult your country's working holiday visa with Japan for other required documents.

3) Wait for the visa approval.

It takes about one week for your visa to be approved, at most 6-8 weeks. For most working holiday visas, there is no priority processing service.

Once your working holiday visa is approved, there are a couple of things you need to know:

• Most are valid for 1 year, meaning you must enter Japan within that year

• A working holiday visa can only be issued once

• No application fee for a working holiday visa

4) Receive your visa and enter Japan.

When your visa is ready, you'll need to pick it up at the embassy or consulate where you've submitted your materials. 

You have about one year to enter Japan with a working holiday visa. 

Once you arrive in Japan, you'll receive a residence card, which you'll carry at all times. 

How do you extend a working holiday visa for Japan?

Certain country's citizens, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, will only receive 6 months. But you can extend it for another 6 months for a maximum stay of one year. 

To extend your working holiday visa for Japan, visit your nearest immigration office with your passport, residence card, and money to pay the extension fee. 

Can you leave Japan on a Working Holiday Visa?

You must have a re-entry permit to leave Japan without losing your visa status.

There are two types of re-entry permits, though only the special re-entry permit will apply:

• Regular re-entry permit: apply at your local Immigration Office when you want to be away for more than a year. 

• Special re-entry permit: received at the airport, and you must return within a year.

Can a US citizen get a working holiday visa in Japan?

Unfortunately, the US does not have a working holiday visa agreement with Japan. So, American citizens can not obtain a working holiday visa for Japan.

Frequently asked questions

Is Japan accepting working holiday visas?

Japan accepted working holiday visas from 29 countries. However, some countries will have a limited amount of visas to give. 

How long does a Japanese working holiday visa last?

A working holiday visa for Japan lasts for 12 months or one year. Certain countries like Australia and Canada will initially have working holiday visas for 6 months. However, they can apply for an extension. 

What jobs can you do on a Working Holiday Visa in Japan?

The most popular jobs for those with working holiday visas are ski resorts, hotel cleaning, English language teaching, and waiting for staff at restaurants and cafés.

In closing 

The working holiday scheme is all about promoting mutual understanding and having this cultural exchange. So, getting a working holiday in Japan is an incredible opportunity to experience life and culture while being able to support your stay.

Always check your country and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs requirements for specific details and eligibility criteria to ensure a smooth application process.