South Korea Working Holiday for Spanish citizens (2026)

Age when applying

18–30, inclusive

This limit is for Spain’s agreement, not other Korean partner countries’ ages. Dependants cannot accompany you under this participation.

References: ES-KR-WHIC ES-KR-BCN

Passport and nationality

Spanish; check validity with your office

Barcelona requests at least six months of validity and a biographical-page copy. To avoid renewal during travel, also check that the document covers your plans and ask whether another office requires longer validity.

References: ES-KR-BCN

Language requirement

Confirm this with the authority before preparing or paying for an application. Ask the authority for the current requirement for your passport.

References: ES-KR-WHIC

Documents and previous participation

Form, police record, medical certificate and plan

Barcelona’s list also includes a photo, legalized official medical certificate, latest education certificate and activity plan. Follow your office’s checklist and ask about originals, translations and legalization. Applying does not guarantee approval.

References: ES-KR-BCN

Confirm your office

The general WHIC page does not replace the consular checklist. Barcelona’s funds instructions are not a universal threshold.

References: ES-KR-WHIC ES-KR-BCN

Annual quota

1,000 per year

This is Spain’s annual agreement quota; it does not show remaining places or appointment availability.

References: ES-KR-WHIC

Application dates

In-person appointment; up to 6 months ahead under Barcelona guidance

Barcelona says applications may be made up to six months before activities begin. Confirm the competent office, checklist and calendar with Madrid, Barcelona or Las Palmas before booking. No 2027 annual opening date is assumed.

References: ES-KR-BCN

Visa fee

Confirm this with the authority before preparing or paying for an application. Ask the authority for the current requirement for your passport.

References: ES-KR-WHIC

How to prepare your application

1. Confirm the competent Korean office in Spain and its H-1 checklist.
2. Gather insurance, funds and itinerary; confirm your office’s particular bank-evidence instructions.
3. Follow the office’s procedure and confirm appointment requirements. Be in Spain when applying and when the visa is granted.
4. Check the decision before travel; retain insurance and preparation evidence.

We do not handle visa applications or receive application documents. Do not send personal documents to this website.

Length of stay

Up to 1 year from entry

Spanish consular guidance states up to one year from entry. Check visa validity and any registration formalities required after arrival.

References: ES-KR-BCN

Funds for your stay

Balance and return reservation under your consulate’s rules

Barcelona requests a balance above the equivalent of USD 3,000 in the applicant’s name and a return reservation; it also mentions a balance above EUR 4,000 including ticket and general expenses. The bank certificate must be presented within ten working days of issue. Confirm how your office applies each option; these are not universal thresholds.

References: ES-KR-BCN

Travel insurance

One year; coverage above EUR 30,000 under Barcelona guidance

Barcelona’s checklist requires coverage above EUR 30,000 including medical care, hospitalization and repatriation for one year. Confirm the policy with the consulate handling your application.

References: ES-KR-BCN

My preparation checklist

Mark what you have reviewed. This helps you organise your trip; it is not a requirements assessment.

These marks are not saved or sent. Reloading clears them.

Work conditions

Up to 25 hours weekly; check permitted activities

The official centre gives a general maximum of 25 hours per week. Spain’s table has no total employment-duration cap, but this does not remove restrictions on hours, professions or activities.

References: ES-KR-WHIC

Study during your trip

Korean courses; not a regular university degree

Spain’s table gives no academic-duration cap, but the centre permits language courses and distinguishes regular university degrees, which require another route. Confirm the programme before booking.

References: ES-KR-WHIC

Plan work and language courses

Keep holidays as the purpose and check conditions: the general 25-hour weekly limit is separate from employment duration.

References: ES-KR-WHIC

Your first days

• Plan your transfer and keep your accommodation address available offline.
• Before accepting a job, check the contract, work conditions and relevant local formalities.
• If studying, confirm your timetable and location with the school. Save support contacts and review your budget.