Working Holiday visa Italy Japan: new agreement between the two countries
The working holiday visa is an increasingly popular visa among young people who want to experience traveling and living in another country.
Italy already has several active agreements with states such as Australia, South Korea and Canada. These countries have recently been joined by Japan, a destination that has always been popular with Italians.
The bilateral agreement between Italy and Japan had already been signed in Rome in 2022, but it officially came into effect on 9/27/2025.
Working holiday Japan: what it is and who can apply for it
One year to travel, discover a new country, learn a language and gain work experience: the working holiday visa is all this and more. It is a unique opportunity to broaden one’s mind and experience a culture other than one’s own.
With this new agreement, Italy and Japan aim to promote cultural exchange between their citizens and especially young people aged 18 to 30.
The Italy-Japan working holiday visa can be applied for free and at any time of the year, as long as the requirements are met.
Requirements for obtaining a working holiday visa for Japan
To apply for this visa the requirements are:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years of age (that is, until the day before the 31st birthday);
- Not be accompanied by dependents (children);
- Be in possession of a passport that has a remaining validity of at least three months over the period of the intended stay;
- Have a return airline ticket or sufficient funds to purchase it;
- Demonstrate that you have sufficient finances to support yourself in the host country;
- Commit to leave the country when their visa expires without altering their residency status;
- Have not previously obtained the same visa;
- Have medical insurance (WAI can help you with health coverage);
- Have no criminal record;
- Commit to abide by the regulations of the host country.
How working holiday works for Japanese in Italy
Japanese citizens holding a working vacation visa to Italy can work without having to apply for a work permit. This is because entries on this type of visa do not fall under the quotas set by the flow decree and are therefore not subject to the annual limits established for foreign workers. Although the visa has a duration of 12 months, the maximum period in which it is possible towork is limited to 6 months.
How working holiday works for Italians in Japan
Italians traveling to Japan on a working holiday visa can also stay in the country for up to one year and, unlike Japanese citizens in Italy, have the option of working for the entire duration of their stay. In both countries, working is considered ancillary to vacation and is mainly used to supplement funds for staying in the country. In other words, it is not a full-time job, but a temporary commitment to help you with travel expenses.
How to apply for working holiday Italy Japan
Do you want to experience this? Applying for a working holiday visa is simple: just contact the Embassy or Consulate of the host country located in your home country.
For example, if you are Italian and want to travel to Japan, you can submit your application to theEmbassy of Japan in Rome or the Consulate General of Japan in Milan.
After the documents are submitted, you may be called for a cognitive interview with representatives of the Embassy or Consulate to assess your eligibility for a visa.
Important:
- the Italy Japan working holiday visa can only be obtained once and currently cannot be extended or renewed beyond one year;
- For both countries there is an annual limit on the number of visas granted.
Other active working holidays for Italy
While the study-holiday visa for Japan only came into effect this year, Italy has long had active agreements with other countries:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
- South Korea
Tips for a successful working holiday
Informing yourself in advance about the most accessible temporary jobs in both Italy and Japan is essential to leave prepared. Consider opportunities related to tourism, catering, and language teaching-these are the easiest jobs to get on a working holiday visa.
Plan a travel itinerary considering your budget and available time. Don’t be afraid to
Come to Italy with WAI
Do you want to come to Italy on a working holiday visa? Our union Welcome Association Italy can help guide you in applying for a visa and preparing the documents required to enter Italy. Contact us for assistance and find out about our services for international citizens in Italy.
