Here are the key takeaways from this article 📌
Dreaming of an adventure down under? If you're a young German between 18-30 years old with a valid passport, the Australia Working Holiday Visa could be your ticket to an unforgettable year (or three!) exploring the vast landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia. Here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility is straightforward: Just be within the age limit and have a valid German passport.
- Application process: It's all online! Remember to check your passport validity, prepare AU$5,000 in savings, and pay an application fee of AU$670.
- Work limitations: You can work for any employer but not for more than 6 months with the same one.
- Extend your stay: Work in certain sectors and you might qualify for a second or third visa, allowing you to stay up to three years!
Curious about how to kickstart this exciting journey? Dive into our full guide to get all the details and tips for a smooth application process.
💬 A question? Ask it in the comments
Every year, thousands of young adults from Germany head to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa for the adventure of a lifetime.
If you are 18-30 years old (inclusive) and have a valid German passport, you could be one of them too!
Table of contents
1. What is the Working Holiday Visa?
The Australia Working Holiday Visa was created by the German and Australian governments (official agreement) to encourage young Germans to live, travel, and work in Australia. In exchange, young Australians can also come to Germany.
As a German applicant, you can receive a Working Holiday Visa for 12 months. If you work in designated sectors during your time in Australia, you can qualify to apply for a 2nd and even 3rd Working Visa, for a total of three years! The three participations don’t have to be consecutive, as long as you meet the eligibility conditions (explained below) each time you apply.
The Working Holiday Visa is an open work permit, meaning you may work for whomever you choose. You may not, however, work for any given employer for longer than 6 months, as employment shouldn’t be the main motive for your working holiday in Australia. That’s why most participants take up short term or part time jobs.
2. Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria are simple. You must:
- Be 18-30 years old, inclusive
- Have valid German passport
If you meet these criteria, then you are eligible to apply for the programme. These same conditions apply for the 2nd and 3rd Working Holiday Visas too, should you choose to stay longer.
3. Application overview
The application can be done entirely online and isn’t complicated. However, you should beware of the following before starting it.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next 12 months.
- There is a AU$670 application fee (2025 figure, subject to change).
- You need to have at least the equivalent of AU$5,000 in savings in your name, plus an additional amount sufficient for an eventual return flight (unless you’ve already bought one). Bank statements will suffice.
- Once your visa is granted, you must activate it by entering Australia within 12 months, otherwise your visa will be invalid.
If you’re ready to apply, check out our full application guide that walks through the steps:
- Create an ImmiAccount on www.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload scan of passport and proof of savings
- Pay the application fee
- Wait for your application to be processed
4. FAQ
If you have any other questions, feel free to comment below or go to our forum!
According to the official agreement, “The Australian side expects that German nationals will hold medical and comprehensive hospitalization insurance including repatriation to remain in force throughout their stay in Australia.” This is especially important because Germany does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.
We’ve been recommending Globe WHV insurance since 2005. They’ve already covered thousands of working holiday makers, to Australia and elsewhere.
No. There is no annual limit to the number of Working Holiday Visas issued to Germans, so you can apply any time of year.
There are as many ways to spend a working holiday as the number of participants! You’re in the driver’s seat (maybe literally, if you decide to go on a road trip). To get some inspiration, read these interviews with current and past working holiday makers in Australia.
Both subclasses are for the working holiday. The one that you qualify for depends on your nationality. As a German citizen, you would be applying for Working Holiday Visa subclass 417.
If you are applying for your first Working Holiday Visa to Australia, you can apply online from anywhere in the world EXCEPT Australia. Once your application is approved, you can then enter Australia.
If you’re applying for your 2nd or 3rd Working Visa to Australia, you may do so from within Australia. Read this guide.
Processing times range from a couple of hours to a few weeks. For more details, read this chapter.
Moving abroad can be stressful! But don’t worry, we have free articles and guides on all of these important topics. Everyone on the pvtistes.net team is a current or past working holiday maker, so everything we write is from actual experience.
Before starting work, you should open an Australian bank account and apply for a Tax File Number.
Pvtistes.net has a special partnership with Ulysse travel agency. If you book your flight to Australia on their portal, you will have access to preferential airfare, a free checked bag up to 40 kg, and other benefits. Learn more.
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