Age
Check the age limit when applying, not only for travel.
References: JP-DE
German passport / Working Holiday
Japan Working Holiday for German citizens (2026)
Compare destinations, check requirements for your passport and prepare your next trip.
Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
Key facts at a glance
- Age
- 18–30 inclusiveLearn moreReferences: JP-DE
- Length of stay
- Up to 12 monthsLearn moreReferences: JP-DE
- Initial funds
- Without tickets: EUR 3,200 + outbound fareLearn moreReferences: JP-DE
- Visa fee
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-DE
- Annual quota
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-DE
- Application dates and timing
- Responsible consulate · up to 1 year before departureLearn moreReferences: JP-DE
- Language
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-DE
- Study
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-DE
- Work
- Temporary incidental workLearn moreReferences: JP-DE
Germany →JapanJapan Working Holiday for German citizens (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and prepare your language
Length of stay
Read entry deadlines and stay conditions in the decision. One year does not automatically allow an extension.
References: JP-DE
Initial funds
Berlin distinguishes EUR 2,000 with return flights, EUR 3,200 with outbound only, and EUR 3,200 plus at least the outbound fare without tickets. Prepare the higher reserve rather than buying flights to show a lower balance. Bank evidence must be no older than one month.
References: JP-DE
Visa fee
Japanische Botschaft Berlin · Working Holiday: Confirm the payable fee before payment.
References: JP-DE
Annual quota
Japanische Botschaft Berlin · Working Holiday: Annual allocation not established; this says nothing about remaining places.
References: JP-DE
Application dates and timing
Berlin gives earliest one year and recommends at least three weeks before departure. Processing takes at least five working days or longer from a complete, correct file. These Berlin filing details do not automatically apply to every consulate.
References: JP-DE
Language
Japanische Botschaft Berlin · Working Holiday: No formal language test established in the consulted programme instructions; taking a course does not establish visa eligibility.
References: JP-DE
Explore language courses →Passport
Japanische Botschaft Berlin · Working Holiday: Exact additional validity margin not established; check passport and decision with the responsible office.
References: JP-DE
Insurance
Berlin accepts overseas medical insurance or a written pledge to join Japan’s national health insurance; additional overseas cover is recommended. Check the actual protection.
References: JP-DE
Documents and participation
The embassy allows no prior or one prior Working Holiday entry. A second application also needs the previous visa with entry and exit stamps. All other criteria remain.
References: JP-DE
Step 2
Apply for the visa
- Check the consulate responsible for your residence and previous participation count.
- Berlin: in person without appointment during opening hours or by post with passport copy; no email application. Check other jurisdictions separately.
- Submit current bank and insurance evidence under local rules. Berlin permits in-person or postal filing, not email.
- For postal applications await email and collect the visa personally with the original passport. Do not mail the original passport.
Step 3
After approval
Read the entire approval notice: identity, dates, entry deadline and conditions. Keep it available offline. Do not assume the visa starts on your preferred date.
Step 4
Prepare your trip
Learn Japanese for daily life and interviews. The embassy directs long stays primarily for language school to an appropriate different visa.
- Passport, visa and requested evidence accessible offline.
- Initial funds, insurance and departure costs checked separately.
- First accommodation and airport transport arranged.
Step 5
Start your Working Holiday
Keep passport, visa, insurance and requested evidence available on arrival. Confirm local registration and employment administration separately.
Work
Work remains incidental; activities in the regulated adult-entertainment sector are prohibited.
Study
Berlin directs primarily long-term language-school stays to another visa; no numeric course limit confirmed here.
Explore language courses →Language courses · commercial service
Prepare your language skills for the trip.
Through ViveCampus you can request language-course quotes with international-student discounts. Offers may vary by your country of origin and destination. A personalized quote confirms available discounts and the final price. Booking a course does not guarantee a visa.
Berlin directs primarily long-term language-school stays to another visa; no numeric course limit confirmed here.
Other destinations to compare
- Working Holiday in Australia →
- Working Holiday in New Zealand →
- Working Holiday in Canada →
- Working Holiday in South Korea →
- Working Holiday in Hong Kong →
- Working Holiday in Argentina →
- Working Holiday in Brazil →
- Working Holiday in Chile →
- Working Holiday in Uruguay →
- Working Holiday in Taiwan →
- Working Holiday in Israel →
- Working Holiday in Andorra →
Frequently asked questions
When is age assessed?
18–30 inclusive. Check the age limit when applying, not only for travel.
References: JP-DE
Explore language courses →What evidence do I need beyond my travel budget?
Without tickets: EUR 3,200 + outbound fare. Berlin distinguishes EUR 2,000 with return flights, EUR 3,200 with outbound only, and EUR 3,200 plus at least the outbound fare without tickets. Prepare the higher reserve rather than buying flights to show a lower balance. Bank evidence must be no older than one month.
References: JP-DE
Which work limit applies to this passport?
Temporary incidental work. Work remains incidental; activities in the regulated adult-entertainment sector are prohibited.
References: JP-DE
Can I include a language course?
Berlin directs primarily long-term language-school stays to another visa; no numeric course limit confirmed here.
References: JP-DE
Which documents should I prepare first?
Second stay possible since January 2025. The embassy allows no prior or one prior Working Holiday entry. A second application also needs the previous visa with entry and exit stamps. All other criteria remain.
References: JP-DE
Which deadlines must I distinguish?
Responsible consulate · up to 1 year before departure. Berlin gives earliest one year and recommends at least three weeks before departure. Processing takes at least five working days or longer from a complete, correct file. These Berlin filing details do not automatically apply to every consulate.
References: JP-DE
Official sources
Each source shows its own check date. Always check current requirements with the official government authority. Rules can change after consultation.
Source checked on 2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
JP-DE · Japanische Botschaft Berlin · Working Holiday
Read the official instructions ↗Source checked on 2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.