How to get a working holiday visa
Getting a working holiday visa is a great way to see the world and make money while you're at it.
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A working holiday is one of the best ways for students and young people to spend a gap year before or after studying at uni. These special visas allow you to build a savings pot, make new friends and delve deep into different cultures.
Plus, gaining work experience in another country can do wonders for your career prospects and build strong skills that will impress future employers. Not only that, but you'll get to spend an extended amount of time exploring a new destination.
If you've always dreamt of working and travelling abroad, this could be just what you're looking for.
What's in this guide?
What is a working holiday visa?
A working holiday visa gives young people the chance to work and travel abroad. Depending on the country, these visas can last anywhere between six months and three years.
Typically, you're only allowed to work for part of your visa duration and you can't accept a permanent role. You may think this limits your options, but there are opportunities in industries like hospitality, retail and tourism. The idea is that you'll save your wages to fund a trip around the country.
That said, there are often eligibility requirements, such as:
- You need to be between the ages of 18 and 35 (this varies for each country)
- You may need proof of savings
- Some countries require evidence of a return ticket.
Each country has different rules for people hoping to complete a working holiday visa. We go into more detail on this below.
Where can you get a working holiday visa as a UK citizen?
If you're from the UK, eight countries offer working holiday visas:
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Australia
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Most Brits hoping to complete a working holiday visa head to Australia, with nearly 50,000 applicants landing down under in 2024. With the chance to stay for up to three years, this isn't too surprising.
There's a strong backpacker culture, with job opportunities in retail, tourism and hospitality. And, the minimum wage is often quite high (especially in the bigger cities), which makes it easy to save some cash.
Outside work, the country is known for its stunning landscapes, white-sand beaches and bustling cities. With iconic spots like the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, there's plenty to see and do.
How to get a working holiday visa for Australia
Cost: $670 AUD (around £335)
Visa length: Up to three years (with three 12-month visas)
Visa processing times: Typically within 39 days, but it could be longer
Age limit: 18 – 35
Minimum savings: $5,000 AUD (around £2,500).
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Canada
Like Australia, Canada is home to breathtaking natural landscapes like Jasper National Park, Lake Louise and Niagara Falls. This makes it a strong contender for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts.
Most young people get jobs in retail, hospitality and tourism, but you could also bag a job at a ski resort in the Canadian Rockies. Just make sure your travel insurance covers you for this type of work, as not all do.
Visa lengths last from one to two years, meaning you'll have lots of time to build up funds before your big adventure through Canada.
I've personally been to Canada and I loved every minute:
My auntie lives in Canada and I went to visit her several years ago. We went on a road trip through Alberta visiting Banff, Edmonton, Jasper, Canmore and Calgary. I couldn't believe how beautiful it was!How to get a working holiday visa for Canada
Cost: $184.75 CAD (around £100)
Visa length: 12 – 24 months
Visa processing times: Up to six weeks
Age limit: 18 – 35
Minimum savings: $2,500 CAD (around £1,400).
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Hong Kong
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Hong Kong may not be as popular as Australia, Canada or New Zealand, but it's a great choice for a working holiday.
It offers a completely different experience to Western countries with chaotic street markets, a diverse food scene and cultural festivals.
However, it's worth noting that the cost of living is quite high in Hong Kong, especially when it comes to housing and food shopping. To help manage your finances, read our tips for saving on rent and buying cheaper food.
How to get a Hong Kong working holiday visa
Cost: Free
Visa length: 12 months
Visa processing times: Around two weeks
Age limit: 18 – 30
Minimum savings: $22,000 HKK (around £2,100).
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Japan
Japan has seen a surge in tourism with visitors keen to see the cherry blossom season, Mount Fuji and Osaka Castle for themselves. It's also one of the safest countries in the world, with a strong public transport network, which makes it easy to get around.
Teaching English is a popular job choice as long as you have a TEFL certificate. Find out more in our guide to teaching English abroad – it's one of the best ways to make money from your language skills.
Again, living costs can be high, but there are ways to spend less. For example, you can stay in shared accommodation and shop locally to save money.
How to get a Japan working holiday visa
Cost: £16 – £31
Visa length: Up to two years (with two 12-month visas)
Visa processing times: At least five days
Age limit: 18 – 30
Minimum savings: £2,500 or £1,500 and a return ticket back to the UK.
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New Zealand
Like Australia, many young people from the UK choose to do a working holiday visa in New Zealand. With countless work opportunities, welcoming locals and a good quality of life, we can understand why.
Plus, the thriving backpacker scene makes it easy to socialise, meet new people and have fun, which is the best way to immerse yourself in the whole experience.
New Zealand offers visas for either 12, 23 or 36 months, meaning you could potentially stay in the country for three years. This is perfect if you want to delve deep into the Kiwi way of life.
How to get a New Zealand working holiday visa
Cost: $770 NZD (around £330)
Visa length: 12, 23 or 36 months
Visa processing times: Typically within two weeks
Age limit: 18 – 35
Minimum savings: $350 NZD (around £150) per month.
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Singapore
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Singapore only offers working holiday visas for up to six months, but this is plenty of time to earn some cash, explore the country and immerse yourself in local culture.
Millions of people visit Singapore each year and you could find yourself working at tourist hotspots like Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios or Singapore Zoo. Luckily for you, the country has amazing work conditions and some of the highest wages globally.
Furthermore, it's well-connected to famous backpacker destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Once your time in Singapore has come to an end, these countries make budget travel a breeze.
How to get a Singapore working holiday visa
Cost: $175 SGD (around £102)
Visa length: Six months
Visa processing times: Typically within four weeks
Age limit: 18 – 25.
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South Korea
Experiencing a working holiday in South Korea is an exciting way to see one of Asia's most unique countries.
Unsurprisingly, English speakers are in demand here, which makes teaching a good option for those on a working holiday visa. You could try private tutoring, online teaching or working in a language school. But if teaching isn't your thing, there are typical routes like hospitality and retail.
But it's not all about work, you're there to travel too. Take some time to explore the streets of Seoul, relax on the beaches of Busan and hike in some of the country's most beautiful national parks. You'll make memories for life!
How to get a South Korea working holiday visa
Cost: $200 – $250 USD (around $150 – $187)
Visa length: Up to one year with the possibility of a one-year extension
Visa processing times: Up to three weeks
Age limit: 18 – 35
Minimum savings: 3,000,000 KRW (around £1,530).
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Taiwan
British citizens can spend up to a year in Taiwan on a working holiday visa. Like other countries, picking up jobs in retail, hospitality and teaching is common, providing a way to earn money as you learn more about local culture.
Compared to most countries on this list, the cost of living is relatively low. And while wages might not be quite as high, they're good enough to live a comfortable life.
With affordable rent, tasty street food and a highly efficient transport system, your money can go far in Taiwan. This leaves you with more cash to travel and experience new things, which is what a working holiday visa is all about!
How to get a Taiwan working holiday visa
Cost: £50
Visa length: Up to one year
Visa processing times: Up to seven working days
Age limit: 18 – 30
Minimum savings: £2,200 with a one-way flight or £1,600 with a return flight.
Pros and cons of a working holiday visa
Getting a working holiday visa isn't for everyone. Here are some things to consider before you bite the bullet and spend your hard-earned savings:
Pros of a working holiday visa
- You can immerse yourself in the culture by living like a local
- You'll gain valuable work experience, which will boost your CV
- It's good for networking
- You'll make lots of like-minded friends
- It's a good way to fund your travels.
Cons of a working holiday visa
- There are usually restrictions on the type of work you can do and how long for
- The jobs are typically temporary and may not be in an industry you wish to pursue in the future
- The cost of living in your chosen country can be quite high
- You'll miss your family and friends, but we have some tips on dealing with homesickness
- You need thousands of pounds worth of savings to pay for application costs and show you can support yourself financially.
How to prepare for a working holiday
Before jetting off on a working holiday, you'll need to do these things:
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Save money
To be eligible for a working holiday visa, you need to show proof of savings. This is a mandatory requirement that helps support you financially during your trip if needed.
It varies, but you're typically expected to have about £1,400 – £2,500 in the bank. If you're heading to New Zealand, you'll need around £150 per month. For instance, if you plan to stay for 12 months, you'll need £1,800 in savings.
Not only that, but you'll need to cover the cost of the visa itself, vaccinations, flights, accommodation and any other important fees. While it's not cheap, it helps to know you can make money once you land.
To cover the initial travel expenses, consider getting a part-time job and cutting some costs. We share plenty of tips in our guide to saving money.
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Do lots of research
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Planning a working holiday requires a lot of prep. Once you've decided where to go, research eligibility, visa fees and work restrictions. You should also find out how long it takes to process visa applications, so you know when to apply.
If your application is approved, you can then start looking for opportunities through job search platforms. You should also research things like workers' rights and minimum wage laws in your chosen country to ensure you're being fairly compensated.
Other important things to check include:
- The cost of living in your chosen destination
- Short-term or long-term accommodation options
- What the local culture is like
- How to open a bank account
- How taxes work when you're a foreign worker
- Where to find low-cost SIM cards
- Healthcare.
Also, look into fun things like the best places to visit, unique bucket list experiences and ways to make new friends. It may seem like a lot of work, but it's a great way to see the world and create long-lasting memories.
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Get vaccinated
Depending on where you're going, you may need to get some vaccinations. Vaccines for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio are typically required, but most people would have had these at a young age.
Others are optional or recommended based on your health and travel style. You may also need a yellow fever certificate if you've previously travelled to any at-risk countries.
As it varies based on the country and personal circumstances, it's best to book an appointment with your GP or a specialist travel clinic. They'll tell you which vaccines you need, which are recommended and how much you can expect to pay (if anything).
You should aim to get any required vaccines about six to eight weeks before your trip.
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Find affordable flights
No matter where you choose to do your working holiday visa, you'll be travelling quite far from the UK. In fact, flight times to these countries range between seven and 30 hours on average (based on flying from London).
Long-haul flights are usually quite pricey, but there are ways to cut costs. As an example, you could try booking through student-focused travel agents, not flying direct or being super flexible.
It's also worth booking your flights as soon as possible. This is usually much cheaper when you're flying long-haul. For more tips and tricks, read our guide to getting cheap flights.
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Book your accommodation
Finding somewhere to live abroad is no easy feat, especially if you're still thousands of miles away. That's why it's best to wait it out. By organising this once you've arrived, you can spot any potential issues during a viewing. You'll also avoid any scams, annoying housemates or dodgy areas.
For the first few weeks, we recommend booking a hostel, hotel or Airbnb. You can do this months in advance through sites like booking.com, Expedia or Hostelworld.
Then, you'll need to decide which kind of living situation you'd prefer, what your budget is and where exactly you'd like to live. Once you know all this, you can start looking at short or long-term options that suit your preferences and reach out to letting agents if needed.
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Buy travel insurance
It may seem unnecessary if you're young, fit and healthy, but you shouldn't go overseas without travel insurance. It ensures you're covered in worst-case scenarios and gives you peace of mind as you jet off across the globe.
The last thing you want is a hospital bill worth thousands because you didn't fork out some extra cash. In some countries, all it takes is a broken bone or an unexpected injury to rack up huge bills. Thankfully, you can get cheap travel insurance.
That said, you'll need a different type of insurance if you're on a working holiday visa. You'll need a policy that covers you for long-term travel in your chosen destination and in the workplace.
For example, if you have an accident at work, you'll need insurance that will cover medical fees and the cost of flying you home if needed. Companies like World Nomads offer specialist insurance for people travelling and working abroad.
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Pack travel essentials
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When you're heading on such a long trip, you may feel the need to pack everything but the kitchen sink. But the truth is, you'll be able to get most things once you arrive.
However, you can make your long-haul flight more comfortable by packing things like:
- A neck pillow
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Compression socks
- A portable charger
- Toiletries (deodorant, face wipes, moisturiser, etc.)
- A toothbrush and toothpaste
- Something to keep you occupied (books, movies and downloaded audiobooks)
- A notebook and a pen
- A water bottle
- Snacks
- A spare change of clothes.
Plus, don't forget to double (and triple) check you have essentials like your passport, travel documents, visas, travel adapters, cash, cards and electronics.
If you'd prefer to take shorter trips, consider visiting these cheap travel destinations.
