August 21, 2025
Imagine discovering a foreign country without the pressure of squeezing everything into a few rushed weeks or burning through your savings. If you’ve ever been curious about living abroad for a few months (or more) without committing long-term, a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) might be the perfect solution.
What is a WHV and how does it work?
A Working Holiday Visa is a temporary residence permit that allows you to live, travel, and work in another country — usually for 6 to 24 months. Think of it as a “gap year with income”: you’re not just a tourist, but you’re not immigrating permanently either.
You get the freedom to explore a country slowly, while being legally allowed to earn money. That could mean working in cafés, farms, retail, hospitality — or even in your field, depending on your background and the host country’s rules.
Where can you go?
Some of the most well-known WHV destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan, but there are actually a dozen countries worldwide that offer these programs. Most operate through bilateral agreements, which means eligibility depends on the passport you hold.
For example, New Zealand offers unlimited WHVs to citizens of France, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland. Other EU countries like Poland or Spain have limited quotas (e.g., 100 to 2,000 visas per year) and fixed opening dates, so timing your application is key.
Each agreement comes with slightly different rules — so it’s crucial to check the specifics for your nationality and the country you’re aiming for.
Visa eligibility criteria
While requirements vary, some common conditions include :
Age limit : Usually 18 to 30, sometimes extended to 35 depending on your home country and the destination.
Proof of travel funds : You’ll typically need to show a minimum balance (e.g. NZD 4,200 for New Zealand) to prove you can support yourself until you find work.
Health checks or police records : Some destinations may require medical exams depending on where you have previously traveled to. Background checks like a copy of your criminal record might also be necessary.
Why do it? A glimpse into life and work abroad
My own experience with WHVs — in not one, but two countries — was nothing short of life-changing. I lived and worked in New Zealand (Aotearoa) and Australia, not as a tourist passing through, but as someone building a life abroad, however temporary.
Instead of hopping from hostel to hostel, I shared flats, built routines, joined local events, and truly lived there. I discovered local cafés on weekdays, hiked on weekends, and spent public holidays exactly like the locals. I didn’t have to rush or plan everything in advance — and I wasn’t bleeding money every day.
I worked in jobs I wouldn’t have done at home. Jobs that challenged me, introduced me to different work cultures, and — in Australia’s case — could pay surprisingly well. With smart planning, I even managed to save money while travelling, something most short-term travellers can only dream of.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a career break, a way to travel without draining your savings — or simply some space to grow — a WHV offers a unique opportunity. At the very least, you will return with new skills, new friends, and stories you will keep for life.
Author : Sacha Lefèvre