How to Get a Working Holiday Visa for Japan?
One of the best ways to explore Japan for a longer time than the usual 3 months on a tourist visa, is by means of the increasingly popular Working Holiday visa. This particular visa lets you work and live in Japan for up to a year, in most cases. But how do you get one? And what happens once you land? In this blog I will walk you through every step—from application to settling into your first home in Japan.
If you’re short on time and not ready to dive into the rest of the blog, I summarised the most important elements for you, right here:
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
A special visa to live and work in Japan for up to a year (or more for certain countries, like Canada).
Eligibility Criteria
Consider age limits (usually until 31 years old), nationality, proof of financial stability, and focus on travel rather than long-term employment.
A passport still valid for more than 6 months
A recent photo
The application form from the website of your Japanese embassy
A travel itinerary
Proof of funds
Other documents stated on the embassy website
Application Process
Bring the documents listed above to your local Japanese embassy to submit your application. Processing usually takes 1–3 weeks. Once you’ve obtained your visa, it’s entry is valid for 3 months. So make sure to enter Japan before it expires!
Pre-Departure Checklist
Arrange accommodation, get an e-sim with Japanese data, withdraw an initial 10.000 yen, secure travel insurance, and plan airport transportation (Tip: install a Japanese IC card on your phone).
On Arrival in Japan
Go to your local city hall within 14 days to register your address, enroll in health insurance, and apply for pension exemption.
Tips & tricks
Learn some basic Japanese phrases to make you feel less uncomfortable and get out of the city whenever you get the chance.
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
The Working Holiday visa is a special agreement between Japan and a whole bunch of countries all over the world, allowing people up to the age of 31 to combine work and travel in Japan. Not all nationalities are eligible, so check if your country has an agreement with Japan. Countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and several European nations are on the list.
The Working Holiday visa is perfect for backpackers, people on a gap year, or, if you’re like me, people in the midst of an identity crisis, looking for a place to flee to and forget about your problems. (Spoiler alert: the problems will follow you) If you’re eligible, it’s a great way to experience life in Japan while still maintaining a steady income of some sort. For example, I had the privilege to work for a company that allowed me to work remotely. So, while travelling around and enjoying life in Tokyo, I still had a steady income.
The Working Holiday Visa in a Nutshell:
Allows travellers (up to the age of 31) to work and live in Japan for up to a year.
Eligibility and duration depend on agreements between Japan and your country.
Ideal for cultural immersion, running away from your problems, and funding your travels.
Are You Eligible?
To qualify for a Working Holiday visa, you’ll need to meet a few key criteria. First, age limits apply—most countries set the range at 18-31, although I’ve heard some extend it to 35. You must hold a passport from an eligible country, proving your nationality. With any country of origin-related issue in this blog: Check the website of your local Japanese embassy for information that applies to your case.
Financial stability is also a must; you’ll need to be able to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your year in Japan. Many embassies require you to show bank statements with around ¥200,000–300,000 (approximately $2,000 or an equivalent amount). Lastly, this visa is intended for cultural exchange and travel, so your primary goal should not be long-term employment.
Eligibility in a Nutshell:
Age range: 18-30 (some countries up to 35).
Must have a passport from an eligible country.
Proof of financial stability is required.
Primary goal should be travel and cultural exchange.
Gathering the Necessary Documents
Preparing your application is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Start with a valid passport, ensuring it has at least six months of validity left. Download and fill out the official application form from your local Japanese embassy’s website. Include a recent passport-sized photo (typically 45mm x 35mm) of less than 6 months old (or one that still looks like you) and a detailed travel itinerary outlining your plans in Japan. Don’t make the same mistake as I did and arrive at your embassy with an empty list of activities. When applying for your visa, you’re asked to fill out some sort of itinerary that shows a broad idea of your travel plans. I arrived with a paper that simply said “Tokyo: October 2023 to October 2024”. Needless to say, that one got rejected. Even though you have no itinerary in mind yet, make sure to at least put some ideas on paper.
You’ll also need proof of financial stability, such as bank statements, and evidence of health insurance that covers your time abroad. Some embassies may request additional documents like a return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one. Double-check with your local Japanese embassy or consulate for specific requirements. Lastly, you’re probably asked to sign some papers that state that you will be following the rules while you’re there and apply for the mandatory National Health Insurance (NHI) in Japan.
Documentation in a Nutshell:
Valid passport with at least six months of validity.
Application form and passport-sized photo.
Detailed(!) travel itinerary.
Proof of financial stability and health insurance.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a Working Holiday visa involves several -somewhat tedious- steps. First, research the requirements on your local Japanese embassy’s website to make sure you have all the necessary documents. Once prepared, submit your application in person to the embassy or consulate. Check the website of your local Japanese embassy for the opening hours for visa applications. Normally, you can walk right in and hand in your documents and leave your passport behind.
The processing time varies but usually takes one to three weeks. If approved, you’ll be asked to collect your visa in person at the embassy again. They hand back your passport with a beautiful Japanese visa page in it.
Application Process in a Nutshell:
Research requirements on your local Japanese embassy’s website.
Hand in the necessary documents and your passport.
Processing time: 1-3 weeks.
Collect your visa in person upon approval.
Preparing for Your Journey
Before boarding your flight, make sure you’ve covered all the essentials. Make sure you have a place to stay when you arrive, whether in a guesthouse, share house, hotel, or if you’re privileged, an apartment. Have some Japanese yen on hand for when you arrive, as cash is still used a lot in Japan. Luckily, there are many places where you can pay with an international credit card.
Ensure your travel insurance is on point, covering health emergencies, accidents, and unexpected issues when it comes to your health or luggage. Make sure to have a DETAILED route from the airport to your place to stay at hand or ensure you have an e-sim with Japanese mobile data ready when you arrive. I can strongly recommend installing an e-sim (I personally love Airalo) with Japanese data on your phone BEFORE you arrive in Japan. When I first arrived at Haneda airport at 10pm, I had to find the way to my share house, catching the last train with one single screenshot of the route and no mobile data. I would not wish that experience upon my worst enemy.
Adding to that, to prepare for public transport, add a Pasmo or Suica IC card to your Apple wallet, simply by clicking the “+ button”, select “Travel Card” and navigate to the Japanese IC cards. From there on, you can simply put money on it through Apple Pay. For Android, you can download a Suica app, but I think you need a Japanese phone number to be able to properly put money on it. In that case, go to the machines at any train station, push the “English”-button and navigate your way to buying a physical IC card. There are plenty of video’s on YouTube showing the process of buying a transportation card.
Preparation in a Nutshell:
Arrange initial accommodation.
Get out some Japanese yen for immediate expenses.
Fix some mobile data with an e-sim before arrival.
Get the right travel insurance.
Plan transportation from the airport to your accommodation (and install an IC card on your phone).
What Happens When You Arrive in Japan?
Receiving Your Residence Card
Upon landing at major airports like Narita, Haneda, or Kansai, you’ll be issued a residence card (zairyū kādo). This is your official ID-card during your stay in Japan. Keep it safe and with you at all times, as you are legally required to do so.
Registering Your Address
Within 14 days of moving into your accommodation, head to your local city hall to register your address. Bring your residence card and passport. The staff will print your registered address on your residence card—a crucial step for accessing various services. Be mindful, this process is immensely tedious and I absolute hate doing this. Not only is the chance big that very few people speak English, it is also usually very busy and can take up to two to three hours for your initial visit of setting everything up. Make sure to go to your city hall during Japanese work hours, either in the morning of afternoon, to avoid rush hour.
Enrolling in Health Insurance
At city hall, sign up for Japan’s National Health Insurance (kokumin kenkō hoken). This system significantly reduces medical costs, and premiums are affordable, especially for low-income earners. Good to know is that National Health Insurance is required by law and it is not an option. However, it’s totally worth it. You pay approximately $10 a month for this, and it greatly reduces your medical expenses in case of health issues. You receive an invoice slip in your mailbox every month (sometimes they send you multiple months at once), and you pay for them in cash at your local convenience store. Just give the slip to the clerk, they scan the barcode and you can pay as usual.
Applying for Pension Exemption
Japan’s pension system requires all residents to contribute. However, as a temporary visitor, you can apply for an exemption. Fill out the necessary forms during your city hall visit to avoid unnecessary deductions. Doing this initially will save you a lot of time on hindsight. You can choose to enroll and pay for National Pension, but the monthly costs are high. However, you’ll get it all back when you deregister at the city hall at the end of your stay.
Tips and Tricks for Smooth Sailing in Japan
Coming to Japan for longer than a few weeks, especially for the first time, it’s going to be a little uneasy at first. Not only do many Japanese people barely speak English, there is also a library worth of unwritten rules you are expected to follow, even as a foreigner. This can feel anxiety-inducing, especially when you’re not really sure yet which rules do matter and which don’t. Here are some personal tips and tricks I’d recommend you to follow up on to ensure a smoother settling down into Japanese daily life.
Stop Watching Youtube-videos about Japan
If you’ve done your research, you know about the “10 things not to do in Japan” clickbait videos that consist of enormous lists of things you should absolutely avoid if you don’t want to get shunned by Japanese society. Although some of those unwritten rules are true, like taking your shoes of inside and not talking loudly on the train, most of them are exaggerated and blown up, perhaps to scare people? It’s fine to eat your sandwich in the street or sip your water bottle on the train. Actually, most things are fine, as long as you don’t make a scene and bother other people. Use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings, and usually that’s enough to please your average Japanese. Don’t let those video’s scare you or create an image of Japanese people being worse than your impossibly strict English teacher in high school.
Learn Some Basic Japanese
While many Japanese people speak some English, learning basic phrases can make daily life much easier. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend applications like Duolingo, as most of the things you learn on there are not relevant to your daily life. Instead, simply look up some of the most used phrases and keep repeating them until they feel somewhat natural.
Don’t be Scared to Find Friends
Initially, I would recommend you to start your time in Japan in a share house or guest house instead of a private apartment. This is a great way to meet both internationals and Japanese without having to push yourself to attend to awkward networking events or uncomfortable pub crawls. If you still feel lonely, try apps like Meetup to find events that match your interest and try out one of those.
Get out of the City Sometimes
Tokyo eats you up, literally. The city is so big that sometimes I forget that there is a world outside of it. Make sure to, every once in a while, hop on the train and get out of the city for a day. Not only does this do wonders for your mental health, it also allows you to discover the gems of Japanese culture you won’t find within the concrete jungle of Tokyo.
Everything in a Nutshell
The Working Holiday Visa offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture while supporting your travels through part-time work. With the right preparation and a positive mindset, you can make the most of your stay. So, give it a try while you can and dive into the deep of moving to Japan for a year. Worst case, if you don’t like it, you can just leave again.