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Working Holiday Visa
All important information from a specialist lawyer on the subject of visas for working holidays in Germany (working holiday visas).
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About this Page
what a Working Holiday Visa is and who can apply for it
all requirements of the Working Holiday Visa
how to apply for a Working Holiday Visa
everything about converting a Working Holiday Visa into a residence permit
Table of Contents
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
7. Conclusion
1. Working Holiday in Germany
Germany has concluded bilateral agreements with various countries regarding 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 simultaneously finance their stay through summer jobs. To obtain a working holiday visa, a national visa must generally 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 their German language skills, and gain in-depth knowledge of the culture.
To apply for a Working Holiday visa, applicants must be at least 18 years old and normally no older than 30. There is an exception for the Youth Mobility Program, where the maximum age is 35. Furthermore, proof of valid health and accident insurance that covers the entire stay in Germany must be provided for the Working Holiday visa. Applicants must also have financial reserves of approximately 2,000 euros to secure their livelihood. While basic knowledge of the German language is not a formal requirement for the Working Holiday visa, it can still be advantageous. Especially for 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 your country of origin. It is therefore recommended to check the website of the German embassy in your country for specific requirements.
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 . Working Holiday Agreements exist with the following countries:
Working Holiday with Best Friends countries:
Australia : The Working Holiday Program with Australia allows stays of 12 months for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. One-time participation is possible, and applications can be submitted both abroad and within the country.
Israel : (since February 29, 2016): Stays of up to 12 months. Application required before the visa-free period expires. Passport must be valid for at least 18 months.
Japan : The Working Holiday Program with Japan allows one-time participation for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. Applications can be submitted within the country.
Canada (Youth Mobility Agreement since April 6, 2017): Stays of up to 12 months; a second participation is possible under certain conditions. Applications can be submitted to both foreign diplomatic missions and domestic authorities.
South Korea : Visa required, application in exceptional cases also possible in the country if a residence permit for other purposes already exists.
New Zealand : The New Zealand Working Holiday Program allows stays of up to 12 months for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. Applications can be submitted within the country.
Working Holiday with other countries:
Argentina (since June 2, 2016): Stays of up to 12 months, employment with the same employer for a maximum of 6 months, application only at the German diplomatic mission abroad.
Brazil (since September 19, 2019): Stays of up to 12 months, employment of a maximum of 6 months per employer, application only at the German diplomatic mission abroad.
Chile (since February 20, 2014): Stays of up to 12 months; holiday jobs to finance the stay are permitted. Applications must be submitted to a German diplomatic mission abroad.
Hong Kong : (since July 1, 2009): Stays of up to 12 months with a quota of 100 visas per year. Holiday jobs for financial support are permitted. Applications must be submitted to the German Consulate General in Hong Kong.
Taiwan : (since October 11, 2010): Stays of up to 12 months with a quota of 200 visas in the first year. Applications can only be made at the German Institute in Taipei; no residence permit is available in the country. Employment is limited to a maximum of 3 months per employer.
Uruguay (since February 9, 2017): Stays of up to 12 months, employment for a maximum of 6 months per employer. Applications must be submitted to a German diplomatic mission abroad.
Generally, the relevant Working Holiday visa must be applied for at the respective embassy . Exceptions apply only for the Best Friends countries, which can apply for the Working Holiday permit after entering Germany. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand can therefore apply for a Working Holiday residence permit in Germany. Further information on applying for a residence permit for specific citizens can be found in our VISAGUARD country guides .
4. Apply for a working holiday at the embassy
In most cases, applications for a Working Holiday visa are submitted at the embassy (see above for exceptions). The first step is usually to register on the waiting list for a visa application appointment. The following documents must then be submitted at the visa appointment:
Visa application (VIDEX) – complete 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 resources (at least 2,000 euros)
Proof of valid health insurance (required upon collection)
The processing fee is €75 , payable in cash upon application. Additional charges may apply for mailing the passport. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
5. Residence permit Working Holiday Berlin
Anyone wishing to apply for a residence permit for a working holiday in Berlin must meet certain requirements. These include a valid passport, a recent biometric photo, and international travel health insurance with a minimum term of one year. Additionally, proof of financial resources of at least €2,000 is required, for example, in the form of a bank statement. The applicant must also provide proof of their primary residence in Berlin—either with a registration certificate or a rental agreement with a move-in confirmation from the landlord.
The application for a Working Holiday residence permit is submitted to the State Office for Immigration (LEA) on Friedrich-Krause-Ufer. Fees range from €56 to €100; Japanese nationals are exempt. Typically, the application is 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 specific 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 for 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 ancillary conditions "Holiday work stay. Gainful employment permitted" if the applicant meets the age limit and a residence permit is being issued for the first time for a holiday work stay. Visas are issued according to the visa handbook with the ancillary condition "Employment as part of a working holiday stay permitted pursuant to Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 29 Paragraph 3 of the Employment Ordinance."
When is a 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 international travel health insurance.
Can I apply for family reunification with a 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 generally between 18 and 30 years. For the Canadian Youth Mobility Agreement, the age limit is 35.
7. Conclusion
A working holiday visa for Germany allows young people from certain countries (e.g. Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand) to stay in Germany for up to 12 months for the purpose of travel and work (Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 29 Paragraph 3 of the Employment Ordinance). The visa must usually be applied for at the German embassy in the home country (see guide to applying for a visa ). For so-called Best Friends countries, applications can also be made after entering Germany. The requirements are a minimum age of 18, a maximum age of 30 or 35 (depending on the agreement), proof of health insurance , and personal funds of at least 2,000 euros. An extension is not possible. Employment and self-employment are permitted within the framework of the program.