Japan working holiday visa for British citizens
What Japan asks of British citizens on a working holiday, taken from the official rules. Only the facts the government page states are shown.
Travel Aid isn’t legal advice and can’t confirm that you’re eligible or that you’ll get a visa. Rules change, so always check the official government page before you apply.
Working Holiday visa
Holiday in Japan for up to a year and work part-time to fund it. You apply to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your own country.
Last checked by Travel Aid on 30 October 2026
Key facts for British citizens
- Ages
- 18 to 30
- Length of stay
- Up to 12 months
- Times you can get this visa
- Up to 2 times
- Places a year
- 6,000
- Where you live
- You must live in United Kingdom to apply
- Where to apply from
- Outside Japan
What else you need with a United Kingdom passport
Must live in the UK. You can take part twice (two years, back-to-back or separate). Visa is valid 12 months from issue; enter before it expires. A visa fee applies.
Good to know
Rules, fees and funds differ by embassy (see eligibility rows). You must live in your country of nationality when you apply. No dependants or children. Some nationalities can now take a second working holiday. Working in bars, nightclubs, gambling venues and similar is strictly banned. Register your address at the local municipal office within 14 days of settling.
What's changed
Italy joined Japan's working holiday programme in 2026 (500 visas a year).
Japan now allows a second working holiday for some nationalities: Canada, UK, NZ (from 1 Dec 2024), Germany, Ireland (1 Jan 2025), South Korea (1 Oct 2025).
Effective 1 December 2024 · Source (opens in a new tab)