Japan's working holiday program allows young individuals aged 18 to 30 from participating nations to stay in Japan while taking up part-time employment to support their travels. As of 2026, the list of partner countries has grown to 32, with expanded opportunities including repeat stays for specific nationalities. Understanding the quota allowances, application criteria, job restrictions, and arrival obligations helps travelers plan a successful extended stay in Japan.
Which countries participate in Japan's working holiday program in 2026?
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan maintains bilateral working holiday arrangements with 32 partner countries and regions as of April 1, 2026. Recent expansion has brought new partner nations into the framework, including Luxembourg in 2024, followed by Malta (100 visas per year) and Italy (500 visas per year) in 2026.
Annual visa allocations vary significantly depending on the agreement:
- Unlimited Quota: Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and Estonia.
- Large Quotas: South Korea (10,000), Taiwan (10,000), Canada (6,283), United Kingdom (6,000), France (1,800), and Hong Kong (1,500).
- Medium Quotas: Ireland (800), Spain (700), Poland (500), Italy (500), Slovakia (400), Czech Republic (400), and Argentina (400 for Argentines traveling to Japan).
- Smaller Quotas: Austria (200), Hungary (200), Chile (200), Netherlands (200), Finland (200), Lithuania (100), Estonia (100), Uruguay (100), Latvia (100), Luxembourg (100), Malta (100), and Iceland (30).
Who is eligible for a Japanese working holiday visa?
To qualify for the program, candidates must meet specific criteria defined by bilateral agreements. Applicants should always verify their exact requirements directly with the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home jurisdiction.
General qualifications include:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of application. For citizens of Australia, Canada, South Korea, and Ireland, the standard age limit is 18 to 25, unless bilateral authorities extend it to 30.
- Primary Purpose: The main intention must be taking a holiday in Japan. Work is strictly permitted as an incidental activity to cover travel expenses.
- Residency & Travel Documents: Applicants must hold a valid passport and reside in their country or region of nationality (or hold valid HKSAR/BNO passports for Hong Kong, or Taiwan passports for Taiwan).
- Financial & Health Requirements: Travelers must possess a return ticket (or sufficient funds to buy one), adequate maintenance funds for the initial stay, and be in good health.
- Family Policy: Participants cannot be accompanied by children or dependent family members.
Can you apply for a second working holiday visa to Japan?
Historically, participants were limited to a single working holiday visa in their lifetime. However, Japan has introduced revised policies permitting second stays for select partner nationalities:
- From December 1, 2024: Nationals of Canada and the United Kingdom can participate twice (either two consecutive one-year stays or two separate one-year stays). Citizens of New Zealand, Denmark, and Austria can participate twice for separate one-year stays.
- From January 1, 2025: Citizens of Germany, Ireland, and Slovakia may join twice (two inconsecutive one-year stays).
- From October 1, 2025: Citizens of South Korea may join twice (two inconsecutive one-year stays).
- From February 1, 2026: Residents of Taiwan may join twice (two inconsecutive one-year stays).
What are the employment rules and prohibited jobs?
While working holiday visa holders are free to take up employment to fund their trip, Japanese immigration law imposes strict boundaries on permitted work sectors.
- Prohibited Workplaces: Participants are strictly banned from working at bars, cabarets, nightclubs, gambling venues, or any adult entertainment businesses affecting public morals.
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in prohibited employment violates the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, resulting in deportation unless the individual is recognized as a victim of human trafficking.
- Job Search Resources: Foreign job seekers can obtain multi-language employment assistance through official Employment Service Centres for Foreigners located in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as selected Hello Work offices.
What must you do after arriving in Japan?
Upon entering Japan and establishing a residential address, participants must register at their local municipal office within 14 days to notify the authorities of their place of settlement.
Additionally, applicants should remain cautious regarding unauthorized third-party agencies. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not cooperate with any private organizations or associations for issuing working holiday visas.
Finding a place to stay
Arranging initial accommodation before landing in Japan makes your transition smooth and helps you complete municipal registration within the required 14 days. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first when settling into Tokyo. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Having your accommodation secured early allows you to focus on exploring the city and starting your trip hassle-free.
FAQ
Which new partner countries joined Japan's working holiday program in 2026?
Malta with a quota of 100 visas and Italy with a quota of 500 visas officially joined Japan's working holiday framework in 2026.
How soon after settling down must you register at a local municipal office?
Working holiday participants must visit their local municipal office to register their address within 14 days of finding a place to live.
Are working holiday visa holders allowed to work in bars or nightclubs in Japan?
No, working in bars, nightclubs, cabarets, gambling venues, or moral-affecting premises is strictly prohibited and can lead to deportation.
Sources
- 外務省「The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan」(checked 2026-10-23)
Facts are summarized in our own words; see the linked pages for the official details.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.