Working Holiday Visas in Ireland
What is a working holiday visa?
Ireland has working holiday agreements with a number of different countries. These allow young people from certain countries to travel to Ireland for longer than a tourist visa, and to work while you are here to support your travel expenses.
The main purpose of your trip should be to holiday and the work or studying should be supplemental. If you are traveling primarily to work or to study you should look into other visas.
Requirements by country
The application process, requirements and permissions granted vary depending on what country you are from. Generally, you must provide:
- Your current passport
- Two recent passport photographs
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself until you can find employment and that you have either already purchased a ticket home or have the funds to do so
- Proof that you have private health insurance
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of educational certificates, or, if you are still a student, a letter from your college
You must get the working holiday visa before you come to Ireland. The visa does not guarantee that you can enter Ireland.
No matter where you are coming from you will have to register for an Irish Residence Permit as soon as possible after you arrive in Ireland if you intend to stay more than 90 days.
Argentina
Argentinian citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for a Working Holiday Visa. There are 200 places available each year. If you are successful, you may stay in Ireland for a period up to 12 months. You can leave and re-enter Ireland during your stay and you can work, as long as it is not a permanent job. You may also study if you wish. You can find the application form on the Embassy of Ireland web page.
Australia
The Working Holiday Authorisation is open to Australian citizens between the ages of 18 and 35. You can get a document that will let you engage in casual or temporary work. You may not work for a single employer for more than 6 months. The Authorisation is valid for 12 months after you enter Ireland. You can find the application form on the Embassy of Ireland webpage. There is a processing fee of $95 AUD.
Canada
Canadian citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for a Working Holiday Authorisation. This allows you to live and work in Ireland for up to 2 years. You can apply directly to the Embassy or through SWAP Working Holidays. There is a fee of $150 CAD.
Chile
There are 100 places available for Chileans between the ages of 18 and 30. If selected you may stay in Ireland for up to one year and you may leave and return during your stay. You may work as long as it is not a permanent job and you may study or train. You can find the application form on the Embassy of Ireland webpage. There is an application fee of 60,000 CLP.
Hong Kong
Applications are accepted from 1 March every year until a quota of 200 is filled. You must be a resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and have a valid HKSAR or British Nationals Overseas (BNO) passport. You must be between the ages of 18 and 30.The Embassy of Ireland webpage has the application form and instructions. Your documents should be submitted to the consulate by appointment. There is no application fee at present.
Japan
The Working Holiday Programme is open to Japanese citizens between the ages of 18 and 25. If you have been in full time education or employment, the age limit can be raised to 30. The Embassy of Ireland has certain periods of time when they accept applications. These are listed on their website. Once the application period has started you can download the application, gather the required documents, and submit your application by mail to the Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo.
New Zealand
The Working Holiday Authorisation is open to applicants between the ages of 18 and 30. You will be issued a document that will let you engage in casual or temporary work. The Authorisation is valid for 12 months after you enter Ireland. You may not work for a single employer for more than 6 months. Applications must be submitted to the Embassy of Ireland in Wellington or through the Embassy of Ireland in London if you are resident in the UK. There is an application fee of $95 AZD.
South Korea
Citizens of South Korean can apply for a Working Holiday Authorisation. This gives you permission to live and work in Ireland for up to 12 months. The Irish Embassy in Korea provides Korean language documents with details of the programme.
Taiwan
The Working Holiday Programme allows up to 400 citizens of Taiwan between the ages of 18 and 30 to live and work in Ireland for up to 12 months. You may also study for up to 6 months. Applications from citizens of Taiwan are dealt with by the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
USA
To be eligible for the Working Holiday Authorisation you must be a US citizen who is currently enrolled in full-time third level education or has graduated from such a programme in the past 12 months. You must apply directly to the relevant Consulate General or Embassy. The fees they charge vary from $352 to $360 USD. The application process is split into two stages. First you submit your application and supporting documents. Once this has been approved you must provide a return plane ticket, evidence of medical/travel insurance and your original passport. You can submit your application by post or in person.