Working holiday visa guide
Japan Working Holiday Visa for Irish Citizens
Ireland's working holiday scheme with Japan started in 2007. Irish citizens aged 18 to 30 can holiday in Japan for up to a year and work along the way. The visa is free, but only 800 are issued a year.
Since January 2025 you can go twice. This guide covers the quota, the money you need, applying in Dublin, and finding a job before you leave.
- Age
- 18–30 when you apply
- Quota
- 800 visas a year
- Visa fee
- Free
- Apply
- In person, Dublin
Who can apply
You must be an Irish citizen living in Ireland when you apply.
- Aged 18 to 30 inclusive when you apply
- Mainly coming for a holiday of up to a year
- Not accompanied by dependants who don't hold the visa themselves
- Good health and no criminal record
- A health insurance policy covering your stay
- Not issued the visa more than once before
The 800 quota
Japan issues up to 800 working holiday visas to Irish citizens a year. Once that number is reached, the embassy stops accepting applications, so don't leave it late in the year.
How much money you need
Show either a return or onward ticket plus at least €1,600 in clear funds, or at least €3,200 in clear funds without a ticket. For a married couple applying together, the minimum is €2,300 for the couple.
Documents and applying in Dublin
Applications are made in person at the Embassy of Japan (Nutley Building, Merrion Centre, Nutley Lane, Dublin 4), and you may be interviewed. Bring:
- A valid Irish passport
- A completed visa application form and one photo (about 35 x 45 mm, under 6 months old)
- A CV (Form 1) and an outline of your planned stay and activities (Form 2)
- A typed A4 letter giving your reasons for applying
- Your ticket and proof of funds (see above)
- A copy of your travel insurance policy for the stay
A second working holiday
From 1 January 2025 Irish citizens can get the visa twice in a lifetime, as two separate one-year stays.
When you arrive
Register your address at the local government office within 14 days of moving in, and register with the Irish Embassy in Tokyo so it can help in an emergency. The visa is single entry, so get a re-entry permit before any trip out of Japan.
Helping Hand
Got the visa? Land with a job already waiting.
We place Irish working holiday makers in jobs across Japan and secure the job before you fly. We also help with your visa paperwork and support you once you land. It costs £650, and you pay only once your job is secured.
Frequently asked questions
Is the visa free for Irish citizens?
Yes. The embassy issues the working holiday visa free of charge.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. A copy of an overseas travel insurance policy valid for your stay is one of the required documents.
Can I study in Japan on this visa?
The embassy says the visa is not for full-time employment or for enrolling in academic institutions.
Which jobs are not allowed?
Work at businesses that affect public morals, such as bars, cabarets and nightclubs, is prohibited.
