Japanese passport / Working Holiday

Working Holiday in the Netherlands for Japanese citizens (2026)

Check the essential requirements, then follow the five stages to prepare your application and trip.

Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

Key facts at a glance

Age: 18–30Learn moreReferences: COMP-NL
Length of stay: Up to 12 monthsLearn moreReferences: COMP-NL
Initial funds: Living funds plus a return ticket or funds for itLearn moreReferences: COMP-NL
Visa fee: EUR 85Learn moreReferences: COMP-NL
Annual quota: 200 per yearLearn moreReferences: COMP-NL
Application dates and timing: Apply no earlier than 90 days before travelLearn moreReferences: COMP-NL
Language: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: COMP-NL
Study: Short study or coursesLearn moreReferences: COMP-NL
Work: Occasional work to support the stay; no self-employmentLearn moreReferences: JP-NL-18

Prepare your application →Explore language courses

Traveler on a street lined with buildings.

Step 1

Check requirements and language preparation

Age

18–30. Check this at the application stage. Age alone does not establish eligibility; residence and previous participation also matter.

References: COMP-NL

Length of stay

Up to 12 months. This is the programme’s maximum. Read your actual permission for its end date; passport and insurance validity are separate checks.

References: COMP-NL

Initial funds

Living funds plus a return ticket or funds for it. Keep living-funds evidence separate from return or departure costs. This is not a complete trip budget. Check the official checklist for the accepted bank evidence and its issue date.

References: COMP-NL

Visa fee

EUR 85. Visa or permit charges are separate from insurance, translations and provider costs. Check the authority’s payment instructions before paying.

References: COMP-NL

Annual quota

200 per year. This is an annual programme limit, not a count of remaining places or proof that applications are being accepted. Consult the authority before applying.

References: COMP-NL

Application dates and timing

Apply no earlier than 90 days before travel

References: COMP-NL

Language

Not established in this research. This does not mean there is no requirement. Confirm with the issuing authority before booking or applying.

References: COMP-NL

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Passport

Not established in this research. This does not mean there is no requirement. Confirm with the issuing authority before booking or applying.

References: COMP-NL

Insurance

Cover healthcare costs in the Netherlands. An ordinary travel policy may not include every required item. Check exclusions, work-related cover and the start and end dates with the insurer.

References: COMP-NL

Documents and participation

Japanese applicants need no MVV or pre-registration; apply directly

References: JP-NL-18

Step 2

Apply through the official route

Check IND’s Japanese procedure and permissible filing dates.
Prepare the English form and funds, return-cost and healthcare-insurance evidence.
Apply directly online no earlier than 90 days before travel and await payment instructions.
After the decision, arrange instructed biometrics and permit collection.

Read the official instructions ↗

Step 3

Read your approval and entry conditions

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

Get ready for the trip

Pre-registration changed in April 2026. Do not follow another nationality’s MVV route; pay according to IND’s notice.

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

Book any outstanding biometrics and collect permission by appointment. Avoid self-employment or a full year with one employer and notify IND of changes.

Work

Full-time work may be possible, but not for the same employer throughout the entire year.

JP-NL-18

Study

Short study or courses

COMP-NL

Explore language courses →

Language courses · commercial service

Plan a language course for your 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.

Short study or courses

Other destinations to compare

Back to destinations for Japanese citizens

Frequently asked questions

Do Japanese applicants need pre-registration?

No. The current Japanese procedure is direct online application.

References: JP-NL-18

Explore language courses →

Do I need an MVV?

Japanese applicants do not need an MVV and apply directly for residence permission.

References: JP-NL-18

How early can I apply?

No earlier than 90 days before travel; check the official filing dates too.

References: JP-NL-18

Can I keep the same job all year?

IND excludes the same employer throughout the entire year and self-employment.

References: JP-NL-18

Is there a fixed living-funds amount?

Estimate your stay budget and provide sufficient support plus a return ticket or funds.

References: JP-NL-18

Does 200 mean places remain?

It is the annual programme cap, not remaining places. Check filing arrangements officially.

References: JP-NL-18

Official sources

Source check dates are listed individually below. Rules may change after a check; always confirm current requirements with the official government authority.

2026-10-16 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

COMP-NL · Netherlands - JP passport guidance

Read the official instructions ↗

2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

JP-NL-18 · Netherlands IND: Japanese Working Holiday process

Read the official instructions ↗