Working Holiday Visa (Visa Required Countries)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 75
- Validity
- 12 months
- Entry
- Single entry
Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, and Uruguay must obtain a Working Holiday visa from a German embassy or consulate before travelling to Germany. The program allows stays of up to 12 months for cultural exchange with incidental employment. Work with the same employer is generally limited to 6 months. Self-employment is generally not permitted. Holders of Taiwan passports may only apply at the German Institute in Taipei. Holders of SAR Hong Kong passports must apply at the German Consulate General in Hong Kong. Brazilian nationals may apply at any German mission in Brazil.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Must be a citizen of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, or Uruguay. These nationalities require a visa before entering Germany.
Eligible countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Hong Kong, Korea (Republic of), Taiwan, Province of China, Uruguay
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Age
Must be at least 18 years old and not yet 31 at the time of application
Max age: 30; Min age: 18
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Purpose of visit
Primary purpose must be experiencing German culture and language, with employment being secondary to supplement travel funds
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Criminal record
Must have no criminal record. Clean criminal record required.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months
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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)
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Germany; Minimum coverage: Comprehensive health and accident insurance for 12 months
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form for Working Holiday; Form url: https://digital.diplo.de
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://digital.diplo.de; Location: German embassy or consulate
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Criminal record certificate
Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.
Issuing authority: Issuing authority; Validity months: 6
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather passport, proof of funds, health insurance, CV, biometric photos, and criminal record certificate
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Online application
Complete the national visa application via the German Consular Services Portal or download and fill in the application form
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate. Taiwan applicants must apply at the German Institute in Taipei; Hong Kong applicants at the German Consulate General in Hong Kong.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 75. Japanese nationals are exempt.
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Document submission
Submit all required documents at the embassy appointment
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy appointment
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Processing wait
Wait for the visa decision. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect your visa from the embassy. Upon arrival in Germany, register at the local registration office.