Ireland Working Holiday for Chileans (2026)

Age when applying

Prepare before turning 30 to leave time. The embassy and guide introduction say ages 18–30 inclusive, but an answer in the same PDF says under 30. If you are 30, confirm your case before applying; this filter cannot decide which instruction the authority will apply.

References: 1 2 4

Passport and residence

You must ordinarily reside in Chile when applying. Prepare an accepted residence document. Although the general page says a valid passport, the PDF asks for at least two years’ validity when requested: prepare that margin and confirm your documents. Do not apply from Ireland.

References: 1 2 4

English for the visa

The guide asks for an English application form in the format supplied with the appointment. The consulted checklist does not list a mandatory English test. Schools and employers assess their own language expectations separately.

References: 2

Other requirements

Use the current guide and template: the expression-of-interest email needs specific details sent only to the official channel, not here. If selected, prepare the form, photos, passport copy, recent police certificate and residence evidence. The appointment is personal; plan to attend without relying on rescheduling because the PDF gives conflicting instructions. The authorisation is individual; family members need separate permission.

References: 1 2 3

Annual quota

The 2026 guidance provides 200 annual authorisations in two rounds of 100. This is the program cap, not remaining places or a guaranteed appointment.

References: 1 2

Application dates

September’s guide set a single email between 09:00 and 10:00 Chilean time on 30 September 2026. That is a past reference, not the next round. The guide describes random selection within the window; sending first does not guarantee an appointment. Check the next announcement and updated template; do not send early or duplicate emails.

References: 1 2

Visa cost

September 2026 guidance separates a EUR 60 fee and EUR 85 processing charge, in two payments after an appointment is assigned. Confirm peso amounts and instructions through the official channel before paying. Insurance, travel, optional services and arrival formalities are separate. This site takes no payments.

References: 2

Decision timing

The guide indicates approximately three months for processing. This is not a guarantee and excludes waiting for a round, selection and appointment. A customer-service response is not an authorisation decision.

References: 2

How to prepare your application

1. Read the next embassy announcement and current guide. September 2026 is a past reference, not the next round. Prepare documents early.
2. During the announced window, send one email to the official channel using the current template. Selection is not simply first-come. Do not send identity details to this website.
3. If assigned an appointment, check its instructions and attend in person. Prepare the English form, photos, passport, police and residence evidence. Verify payment instructions with VFS after allocation.
4. Wait for the decision. If issued an authorisation, check the entry period, funds and insurance; register with immigration after arrival. An appointment is not an approved authorisation.

An appointment is not a visa approval. Check the embassy’s instructions before making firm financial commitments.

References: 2, 1

Length of stay

The embassy distinguishes a year from issue to enter from a maximum non-renewable 12-month stay. Check your letter and entry permission; these do not combine into a two-year stay. Register with immigration after arrival.

References: 1 2 3

Funds for your stay

Prepare EUR 1,500 with a return ticket or EUR 3,000 without one. The guide says financial evidence is not required at the application centre but may be requested at entry. Keep evidence available for travel; the minimum is not a complete budget.

References: 1 2

Insurance throughout your stay

Prepare cover for the whole stay, including hospital care, repatriation and liability for harm to others. The guide asks for a policy naming you and stating dates and comprehensive cover for at least a year. Check terms and exclusions before buying.

References: 1 2 4

Flights and return travel

The guide does not require a ticket to submit the application. For travel and entry, prepare return travel or the higher no-ticket funds amount, plus insurance and authorisation. Selection for an appointment is not approval; check the conditions before firm spending.

References: 1 2

Working during the stay

The embassy permits work to supplement the holiday, not permanent employment. The guide sets no limit on the number of employers or time with one employer. Check and follow your authorisation’s conditions before accepting a job.

References: 1 2

English or other study

The embassy includes English or Irish study and training during the stay. No numeric course limit for Chileans or full degree permission has been established here. Confirm the course and conditions before paying. Enrolment alone does not authorize work.

References: 1 2

Arrival formalities and conditions

1. Keep the authorisation and granted entry

   Carry your Working Holiday Authorisation and passport and keep the landing stamp or instructions received at the border. Advance authorisation and subsequent registration are separate stages.

   References: 8

2. Book first registration after arrival

   From Ireland use your personal ISD Customer Service account to book registration at Burgh Quay. Register permission within ninety days; ISD says inability to obtain an appointment within that period does not itself cancel permission.

   References: 7 8

3. Prepare originals and the applicable charge

   Bring passport, authorisation, address evidence and landing stamp, plus the original policy in your name for the full stay including hospital cover. Registration costs EUR 300 where applicable and is paid by card rather than cash.

   References: 8

4. Check the residence permission received

   After registration your IRP card arrives by post. Check its dates: the Working Holiday category is not renewable; the Canadian twenty-four-month exception does not apply to Chilean passports.

   References: 7 8