Work / Immigration visa · Australia to Germany

Working Holiday Visa (Visa-Free Entry Countries)

Visa free

• Maximum stay: 365 days
• Processing time: 2-4 weeks (residence permit issued after arrival)
• Fee: Free
• Validity: 12 months from issuance of residence permit
• Entry: Single entry

Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, and New Zealand may enter Germany without a prior visa and apply for a Working Holiday residence permit directly at the local foreigners authority (Auslaenderbehorde) after arrival. The program allows stays of up to 12 months for the purpose of experiencing German culture and language, with the option to work to supplement travel funds. Work with the same employer is limited to 6 months. Self-employment is generally not permitted. Canada operates under a Youth Mobility agreement with an age limit of up to 35. For all other countries the age limit is 18-30.

Eligibility

• Nationality

  Must be a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, or New Zealand. These nationalities may enter Germany visa-free and apply for the Working Holiday residence permit after arrival.

  Eligible countries: Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand

• Age

  Must be at least 18 years old and not yet 31 at the time of application. Canadian citizens may apply until age 35.

  Max age: 30; Min age: 18

• Purpose of visit

  Primary purpose must be experiencing German culture and language, with employment being secondary to supplement travel funds

  Includes

  • Cultural exchange with incidental employment
• Criminal record

  Must have no criminal record. Clean criminal record required.

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

• Photo

  Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months

• Proof of funds

  Accepted forms: Bank statements, blocked account, or proof of sufficient funds; Minimum amount: EUR 2,466 (equivalent of EUR 822 per month for the first 3 months)

• Travel insurance

  Coverage area: Germany; Minimum coverage: Comprehensive health and accident insurance for 12 months

• Application form

  Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  Form name: Application for Working Holiday Residence Permit; Form url: https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/305265/en/

• Curriculum vitae

  Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

How to apply

1. Document gathering

   Gather passport, proof of funds (EUR 2,466 minimum), health and accident insurance valid for 12 months, CV, and biometric photos before travelling to Germany

2. Appointment booking

   After arriving in Germany, book an appointment at the local foreigners authority (Auslaenderbehorde) in your city of residence

3. Document submission

   Submit all required documents at the foreigners authority appointment

4. Biometrics

   Provide biometric data at the foreigners authority if required

5. Processing wait

   Wait for the residence permit to be issued. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

6. Visa collection

   Collect your Working Holiday residence permit from the foreigners authority

This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.