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.Show more
If you’re 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) and hold a valid German passport, you could join them!
While Australia is the most popular working holiday destination among Germans, many also choose New Zealand or Canada. To see all the countries that have an agreement with Germany, click here.
The Australia Working Holiday Visa was established through a bilateral agreement between the German and Australian governments (official agreement) to encourage young Germans to live, travel, and work in Australia. In return, young Australians can also spend time living and working in Germany.
As a German citizen, you can obtain a Working Holiday Visa valid for 12 months. By completing specified work in designated sectors while in Australia, you can qualify to apply for a 2nd and even a 3rd Working Holiday Visa—for a total stay of up to three years! These stays don’t have to be consecutive, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements (outlined below) each time you apply.
The Working Holiday Visa is an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer you choose. However, you may not work for the same employer for more than 6 months, since the program’s main purpose is cultural exchange rather than permanent employment. That’s why most participants take on 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$5,000 in savings in your name, plus an additional amount sufficient for an eventual return flight (unless you’ve already bought one). Bank statements will suffice.
Once your visa is granted, you must activate it by entering Australia within 12 months, otherwise your visa will be invalid.
Wise is offering pvtistes.net readers a free first international money transfer of up to £3,000 or the equivalent. Your Wise account will allow you to easily send, receive, and pay in € and AU$ and many other currencies.
If you’re ready to apply, check out our full application guide that walks through the steps:
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm a web writer at pvtistes.net. In February 2023 I moved from Vancouver to Paris. Adventures await.
Je suis rédacteur web chez pvtistes.net. En février 2023 j’ai déménagé de Vancouver à Paris. Des aventures m’attendent.
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