What exactly is the Working Holiday programme?
Germany has concluded bilateral agreements on working holiday stays with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Hongkong. The programme gives young people between 18 and 30 the opportunity to gain an insight into the culture and daily life in the partner country. They can stay up to 12 months. Holiday jobs can be taken on to help finance the trip.
The relevant visa for working holiday stays in Germany has to be applied for in good time prior to entry from the competent German mission. Only Australian and New Zealand nationals have the possibility to apply after arrival directly at the competent aliens office (Auslaenderbehoerde). More information on the duration of the application procedure, the documents to be presented, fees etc. is available on the webpages of the various German missions.
With Canada Germany has a bilateral agreement called Youth Mobility programme. Young people between 18 and 35 have the opportunity to live up to 12 months in Germany. They may work to help finance their stay. They have to apply for their visa before entering Germany at the competent German mission.
Last updated 23.02.2010
