For those planning to apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Japan, we are providing information on the new application procedures that will be effective from July 1, 2026.
Eligibility
Starting with Japanese nationals residing in Japan, Austrian nationals can also apply at the Embassy of Japan in Austria. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 25, but in special cases, up to 30 years old is permissible. You should have a passport with at least six months of validity, be in good health, and cannot bring dependents. You must not have participated in a tourist employment program before and have to prove financial stability. It is necessary to possess a return flight or ship ticket, although providing proof of a bank balance exceeding 400,000 yen can exempt you from this requirement. A bank balance certificate should show at least 300,000 yen. You also need to submit a plan for both tourism and employment activities, where the main purpose is tourism and work is considered a secondary activity (limited to 25 hours per week).
Visa Issuance Details
This visa allows you to stay for one year with a tourist employment (H-1) status. The validity of the visa itself is also one year. Only single-entry visas are issued.
Changed Application Procedure
1. Pre-Consultation
Initially, you must receive pre-consultation via email. Fill in the required information and send your message, then wait until a consultant sends you guidance via email.
2. Review of Application Documents
Required documents must be submitted as email attachments, and, for example, you should clearly attach related documents such as a health certificate or balance statement.
3. Visa Application Appointment
After reserving your visa application appointment date, you must visit in person to complete your application.
Application Method
Individual reservations and application through a travel agency are no longer possible. You must conduct all processes through the designated Working Holiday consultation desk. In the case of proxy applications by family members, a power of attorney and a copy of the juminhyo (resident’s card) or family register are required.
Required Documents (Additional Documents as of November 22, 2023)
- Visa Application Form
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Copy of Passport (personal details page)
- Resident’s card
- Photo (3.5 x 4.5, color)
- Criminal Record Certificate (No apostille necessary)
- Health Certificate
- Insurance Certificate
- Certificate of Enrollment or Graduation Certificate
- Copy of Round-Trip Air or Ship Ticket (exempted if submitting a bank balance certificate of over 400,000 yen)
- Tourism and Employment Activity Plan
- Original Bank Balance Certificate (minimum of 300,000 yen)
All documents must be issued within the last three months, and the health certificate and balance certificate must be issued within one month.
Visa Issuance Time
It typically takes about 1-2 weeks.
Notes and Cautions
All applications require prior reservation, and an incomplete application may result in rejection. Additional documents may be required as needed, and whether you submit a flight ticket has no impact on visa issuance. After obtaining the visa, visa-free entry is not possible, and in case of any changes, please check the website for notifications.
The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, so please be careful to avoid any confusion during the application process. For more details, refer to the website of the Korean Embassy.
출처: 하이코리아 · 출입국·외국인정책본부
코모야는 정부 기관이 아니며, 정부와 제휴되어 있지 않습니다.