Australia has Working Holiday Visa (WHV) agreements with 44+ countries — more than any other nation. For Australians aged 18–35 (some countries up to 30), a working holiday is one of the most accessible ways to live and work abroad for 1–2 years. This guide covers every destination, eligibility requirements, and what you need to know before applying.
Complete List of Working Holiday Visa Countries for Australians
Tier 1 — Most Popular Destinations
| Country | Age Limit | Duration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 18–35 | Up to 2 years | High wages, enormous job market, English-speaking |
| Canada | 18–35 | Up to 2 years | High wages, outdoor lifestyle, diverse locations |
| Germany | 18–35 | Up to 1 year | Strong economy, English widely spoken in cities |
| Ireland | 18–35 | Up to 1 year | English-speaking, EU gateway, lively culture |
| Japan | 18–30 | Up to 1 year (extendable) | Unique culture, growing demand for English speakers |
| South Korea | 18–30 | Up to 1 year | High wages, dynamic cities, K-culture |
| Taiwan | 18–30 | Up to 1 year | Affordable living, excellent food, welcoming culture |
Tier 2 — Europe and Americas
| Country | Age Limit | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| France | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Italy | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Spain | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Netherlands | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Belgium | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Denmark | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Sweden | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Norway | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Finland | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Czech Republic | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Portugal | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Argentina | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Chile | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Peru | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
Asia-Pacific
| Country | Age Limit | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 18–35 | Up to 3 years |
| Hong Kong | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Singapore | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Malaysia | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Thailand | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Vietnam | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
| Indonesia | 18–30 | Up to 1 year |
How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa
Most working holiday visa applications are now online and completed in 1–2 hours. General requirements:
- Valid Australian passport (typically 6+ months validity beyond intended stay)
- Within the eligible age range at time of application
- Sufficient funds (typically AUD $2,500–5,000 in savings, varies by country)
- No serious criminal convictions
- Travel insurance (required by most countries)
Apply through the official immigration website of your destination country. Avoid third-party agencies — the application is straightforward and you don't need to pay someone to complete it.
Best Countries for High Wages
| Country | Typical Hourly Rate (AUD) | Key Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| UK | AUD $22–30 | Hospitality, healthcare, IT, finance |
| Canada | AUD $25–35 | Hospitality, ski resorts, farms, tech |
| Norway | AUD $35–50 | Fishing, hospitality, construction |
| Denmark | AUD $35–50 | Hospitality, agriculture |
| Germany | AUD $20–30 | Manufacturing, tech, hospitality |
| Japan | AUD $15–25 | English teaching, hospitality, seasonal work |
Travel Insurance for Working Holidays
Most countries require travel insurance as part of the working holiday visa application. Standard travel insurance policies typically cover trips up to 12 months. For working holidays, consider:
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — monthly subscription model (approximately AUD $45–55/month) that can be renewed continuously. Designed specifically for long-term travellers and working holidaymakers. See our comparison at travel insurance comparison.
- Cover-More Annual Multi-Trip — covers unlimited trips within 12 months. May not cover a single continuous stay of 12 months — check the policy terms.
- Working holiday specialist insurers — some insurers offer specific working holiday policies. Compare these against SafetyWing for your specific destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Australians over 30 get a working holiday visa?
Yes — several countries accept Australians up to age 35: UK (up to 35), Canada (up to 35), and New Zealand (up to 35). Most countries cap at age 30. Check the specific age limit for your desired destination as rules change periodically.
Can you do a working holiday twice in the same country?
Depends on the country. New Zealand allows multiple working holidays for Australians. The UK's Youth Mobility Scheme (working holiday equivalent) is typically a one-time visa. Japan allows a second working holiday in some circumstances. Check the specific rules for your destination.
What is the best working holiday destination for Australians?
The UK and Canada consistently top the list for highest wages and largest job markets. Japan and South Korea offer unique cultural experiences with growing demand for English speakers. New Zealand is the most accessible (no application fee, extended age limit, close to Australia).