Age
The age range applies at application. Also check residence, previous participation and all other conditions for your passport.
References: JP-GB
British-citizen passport / Working Holiday
Working Holiday in Japan for British citizens (2026)
Requirements and practical preparation for your Working Holiday in Japan. Start with the summary, then follow the five stages.
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-GB
- Length of stay
- One year per stay; up to two years under conditionsLearn moreReferences: JP-GB
- Initial funds
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-GB
- Visa fee
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-GB
- Annual quota
- 6,000 per fiscal yearLearn moreReferences: JP-GB
- Application dates and timing
- Enter before the 12-month visa expiryLearn moreReferences: JP-GB
- Language
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-GB
- Study
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: JP-GB
- Work
- Work incidental to the holidayLearn moreReferences: JP-GB
United Kingdom →JapanWorking Holiday in Japan for British citizens (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and language preparation
Length of stay
British citizens may participate for a maximum two years consecutively or on separate occasions, subject to the second-participation or extension rules. A first visa does not automatically grant two years.
References: JP-GB
Initial funds
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: JP-GB
Visa fee
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: JP-GB
Annual quota
6,000 per fiscal year
References: JP-GB
Application dates and timing
The UK embassy says entry must be before the visa expires, within its twelve-month validity. Permission to stay is one year from entry. Do not import the Dutch three-month entry deadline.
References: JP-GB
Language
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: JP-GB
Explore language courses →Passport
Valid passport of your citizenship
References: JP-GB
Insurance
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: JP-GB
Documents and participation
Apply by appointment in person. Residents of Scotland and the listed northern English areas must use Edinburgh rather than London. Prepare a CV, itinerary, motivation, photo, passport and the current checklist.
References: JP-GB
Step 2
Apply through the official route
Use the Japanese mission responsible for your UK address. London requires personal submission by appointment; Scotland and the listed northern English areas use Edinburgh. A second occasion and an in-country second-year extension have different conditions.
London states at least five working days; its note describes five working days from acceptance of a valid application. Allow for appointment waiting time and additional review; it is not a guaranteed travel date. GB-JP-18
- Check British citizenship, UK residence, age and previous participation or in-country extension. Identify London or Edinburgh jurisdiction.
- Prepare that mission’s current checklist and ensure names on supporting records match your passport.
- For London, attend personally by appointment; respond to any interview or document request. Confirm Edinburgh’s own procedure if it handles your address.
- Collect your passport as instructed. Check the twelve-month entry validity and separate one-year stay; confirm any second-year route with Japanese Immigration.
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
Do not count a previous visa and an in-country extension as two new one-year entitlements. The embassy excludes a second application while you hold a valid Japanese Working Holiday residence card; confirm the correct route before leaving or applying again.
- 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
Within 14 days of moving into an address, complete resident registration at the local government office. Check health-insurance arrangements and the employment restrictions before starting a job.
Work
The main purpose must be the holiday. Do not use this visa for primarily full-time work or an internship. Work in prohibited adult-entertainment and related establishments is not permitted.
Study
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
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.
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
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 Taiwan →
- Working Holiday in Uruguay →
- Working Holiday in Iceland →
- Working Holiday in Andorra →
Frequently asked questions
Must I reside in the UK?
Yes. The embassy cannot accept an ordinary British application from someone resident abroad.
Do I use London or Edinburgh?
Scotland and the specified northern English areas use Edinburgh; check the official district list.
Do I need an appointment?
London requires a personal submission by appointment. Confirm the responsible mission’s instructions.
When does the one-year stay begin?
From entry. The visa separately has twelve-month validity from issue for entering Japan.
Is a second year automatic?
No. Consecutive and separate participation conditions apply; a valid WH residence card prevents a new overseas second application.
Can full-time work be my main reason?
No. The programme is primarily a holiday, with work incidental and prohibited establishments excluded.
Official sources
Source research includes checks from 16 and 18 October 2026. Check current requirements with the official government authority; individual check dates appear below.
JP-GB · Japanese Embassy - UK Working Holiday
Source checked: 2026-10-16. Check current requirements with the official government authority.
Read the official instructions ↗GB-JP-18 · Japanese Embassy in UK · Procedure and repeat participation
Source checked: 2026-10-18. Check current requirements with the official government authority.
Read the official instructions ↗