Germany Reveals Eligible Countries for Working Holiday Visa

Germany has outlined the countries eligible for its Working Holiday Programme, which permits young citizens to experience German culture and daily life for up to 12 months while engaging in holiday employment to support their stay. The German Embassy in France confirmed that nationals from 12 countries qualify for this programme.

Citizens from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and Israel can travel to Germany first and then apply for a residence permit with local immigration authorities, known as the Ausländerbehörde, but cannot start working until the permit is issued. Other eligible nationalities must obtain a Working Holiday Visa before entering Germany.

The application process differs by nationality; South Korean nationals must apply at the German Embassy in Seoul, Taiwanese nationals at the German Institute in Taipei, and those in Hong Kong at the German Consulate General. Brazilian nationals are required to apply at a German diplomatic mission in Brazil.

Argentinian, Chilean, and Uruguayan nationals have more flexibility in applying at any German mission abroad.