Age
18–30 years
References: JP-GB-18
Japanese passport / Working Holiday
Working Holiday in the United Kingdom 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
- 18–30 yearsLearn moreReferences: JP-GB-18
- Length of stay
- Up to 2 yearsLearn moreReferences: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
- Initial funds
- GBP 2,530 held for 28 daysLearn moreReferences: JP-GB-18
- Visa fee
- GBP 340 + healthcare surchargeLearn moreReferences: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
- Annual quota
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-GB-18
- Application dates and timing
- Apply up to 6 months before travelLearn moreReferences: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
- Language
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-GB-18
- Study
- Study allowed; some courses need ATASLearn moreReferences: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
- Work
- Most jobs permitted; activity restrictions applyLearn moreReferences: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
Japan →United KingdomWorking Holiday in the United Kingdom for Japanese citizens (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and language preparation
Length of stay
The extra year available to Australian, Canadian and New Zealand citizens does not apply to Japanese or Korean applicants.
References: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
Initial funds
Hold the funds for 28 consecutive days; day 28 must fall within 31 days before application.
References: JP-GB-18
Visa fee
Healthcare surcharge is separate, usually GBP 776 per year. Confirm the amount when applying.
References: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
Annual quota
This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.
References: JP-GB-18
Application dates and timing
Apply up to 6 months before travel
References: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
Language
This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.
References: JP-GB-18
Explore language courses →Passport
Provide a current passport or valid travel document showing identity and nationality.
References: JP-GB-DOCS-18
Insurance
This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.
References: JP-GB-18
Documents and participation
Neither nationality needs a ballot. Check prior YMS participation and dependent-child restrictions.
References: JP-GB-18
Step 2
Apply through the official route
- Check Japanese age, prior YMS participation and dependent-child conditions. Japanese applicants do not need a ballot.
- Check the funds holding period and prepare passport, required translations and any applicable TB certificate.
- Apply online from outside the UK, pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge, and complete the assigned identity check.
- Check the decision and eVisa in your UKVI account and link the passport you will travel with.
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
Obtain bank evidence timed to the continuous GBP 2,530 holding rule. Budget the visa fee and healthcare surcharge separately from living costs, and prepare translations or TB evidence where applicable.
- 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
Check eVisa and passport details before travel. Most jobs are permitted, but professional sportsperson or coaching work is excluded and self-employment has equipment and employment conditions.
Work
Professional sportsperson or coaching work is prohibited; self-employment has conditions.
Study
Study allowed; some courses need ATAS
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.
Study allowed; some courses need ATAS
Other destinations to compare
- Working Holiday in Australia →
- Working Holiday in New Zealand →
- Working Holiday in Canada →
- Working Holiday in Hong Kong →
- Working Holiday in Taiwan →
- Working Holiday in France →
- Working Holiday in Germany →
- Working Holiday in South Korea →
- Working Holiday in Ireland →
- Working Holiday in Denmark →
- Working Holiday in Norway →
- Working Holiday in Portugal →
- Working Holiday in Poland →
- Working Holiday in Slovakia →
- Working Holiday in Austria →
- Working Holiday in Hungary →
- Working Holiday in Spain →
- Working Holiday in Argentina →
- Working Holiday in Chile →
- Working Holiday in Iceland →
- Working Holiday in Czechia →
- Working Holiday in Lithuania →
- Working Holiday in Sweden →
- Working Holiday in Estonia →
- Working Holiday in the Netherlands →
- Working Holiday in Uruguay →
- Working Holiday in Finland →
- Working Holiday in Latvia →
- Working Holiday in Luxembourg →
- Working Holiday in Malta →
- Working Holiday in Italy →
Frequently asked questions
Do Japanese applicants need a ballot?
No. The current ballot requirement applies to Hong Kong SAR passport holders and Taiwan.
References: JP-GB-18
Explore language courses →How must I hold the funds?
Hold GBP 2,530 for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days before application.
References: JP-GB-18
Can Japanese citizens use the extra year?
The additional year for Australian, Canadian and New Zealand citizens does not apply to Japan.
References: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
Can the fees come out of my required maintenance funds?
Budget the GBP 340 application fee and usual GBP 776 annual healthcare surcharge separately from required maintenance funds.
References: JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18
Can I submit documents in another language unchanged?
Documents not in English or Welsh require a certified translation.
References: JP-GB-DOCS-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.
2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
JP-GB-18 · United Kingdom - official authority
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
JP-GB-OVERVIEW-18 · UK - Youth Mobility overview
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.