Japan has just made it easier for young travellers from selected countries to come back for another Working Holiday, which means that you can now get a second Working Holiday Visa, and another chance to live, work and travel in the country.

This decision ensures that your Japan adventure doesn’t necessarily have to end after one year, as you can return to explore more places, improve your Japanese, make new friends or simply enjoy everyday life in Japan for a little longer.

Japan updated its Working Holiday Visa (WHV) program in phases between late 2024 and early 2026, making it possible for eligible travellers to apply for a second year. However, how you can use that second year depends on your passport.

Who Can Get A Second Working Holiday Visa?

The new rules are based on agreements between Japan and individual partner countries. This means that the conditions for your second year are not the same for everyone.

There are currently two different setups:

1. Two Years Back-to-Back

If you are from Canada or the UK, you can spend your two Working Holiday years in Japan consecutively or split them into separate trips.

So, you can either stay for two years in a row or leave Japan and return for your second year later.

2. Two Separate Trips

Citizens of the following countries and regions can also get a second year, but the two stays cannot be back-to-back. You’ll need to leave Japan after your first Working Holiday and return home or leave Japan before applying for your second one.

• New Zealand
• Denmark
• Austria
• Germany
• Ireland
• Slovakia
• South Korea
• Taiwan

What Are The Basic Requirements?

The new second-year option doesn’t change the main eligibility requirements for the Working Holiday Visa.

You generally need to:

• Be a citizen of one of Japan’s Working Holiday partner countries or regions.
• Be 18–30 years old when applying. For Canada, South Korea and Ireland, the usual age limit is 18–25 unless an agreement allows applicants up to 30.
• Currently live in your country or region of nationality.
• Hold a valid passport. Applicants from Taiwan must hold a valid Taiwanese passport.
• Have the main purpose of your stay be a holiday in Japan.
• Travel without dependent children.
• Have a return ticket or enough money to buy one.
• Have enough funds to support yourself at the beginning of your stay.
• Be in good health

Make The Most Of Your Working Holiday In Japan

One year can go by surprisingly fast when you’re busy travelling, working and exploring a new country. With the new rules, eligible travellers can now give themselves another year to do these things.

World Unite’s Japan Working Holiday program can help you get started. You’ll get support as you prepare for life in Japan, look for work and settle into your new surroundings. Additionally, World Unite! offers a RETURNEE package for €400 to participants returning for a second time.

You can earn money while travelling, meet people from around the world, learn Japanese and a new culture as part of your everyday life.

Whether you’re planning your first Working Holiday or already thinking about coming back for round two, Japan could be waiting for you again.

Find out more about the World Unite Japan Working Holiday program, here.