The first thing you will need, before you arrive in Japan is obviously a working holiday visa. This is a quick guide about who qualifies and how to apply for your visa.
Who Can Apply For a Working Holiday Visa?
- The Japanese government grants working holiday visas to citizens of the following countries;
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Republic of Korea, France, Germany, U.K., Ireland, Denmark, Hong Kong.
- All applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old inclusive.
- You must have a return flight, proof of tickets to and from Japan.
- You must have proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
How to apply for your Working Holiday Visa
You need to apply to the Japanese Embassy in your home country. Detailed application instructions can be found on the website of your local Japanese Embassy. For you visa application to be accepted your main intention must be to HOLIDAY in Japan. If you state your main intention is work, you will not be allowed a working holiday visa and must apply for a work visa instead. The working holiday visa is designed to allow people to top up their income while exploring Japan and its culture, with the focus on holiday rather than work. As with working holiday visas of other countries, this is not always the case. I definitely spent more time working in a variety of low paid jobs than holidaying! You need to apply for your working holiday visa at the Japanese consulate in your country of residence. You must provide the following;
- A completed visa application form.
- A 35-45 mm picture taken in the last 6 months.
- A personal history/resume written on A4 paper.
- A proposed itinerary for your entire stay in Japan, with details of any prearranged employment.
- A written statement of reasons for applying for the working holiday visa.
- Proof of booked return flight tickets (don’t pay for your flight tickets until after your visa is approved)
- Proof of sufficient funds in your bank account to support you during your stay in Japan. Check the Japanese Embassy website for the exact amount needed in your currency.
- In some cases applicants may need to attend an interview.
Working Holiday Visa Important Information
- Visa are valid for 12 months (in some cases 6 months at first but extendable up to 12 months).
- Working Holiday Visas are single entry. Single entry means if you want to leave Japan and wish to return, you must obtain a re-entry permit from Japanese immigration before you leave.
- Alien Registration, working holiday visa holders must apply for alien registration with the nearest local government office with 90days of arrival in Japan.
