Working Holiday Visa
Young people aged 18-30/35 from partner countries (e.g. Australia, NZ, Canada, South Korea) combining travel and casual work.
The Working Holiday Visa is a Italian visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs) and processing time (~2-4 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Working Holiday Visa is for
Young people aged 18-30/35 from partner countries (e.g. Australia, NZ, Canada, South Korea) combining travel and casual work.
Does not lead to PR; intended as a one-off cultural exchange stay.
Working Holiday Visa - eligibility criteria
- Citizen of a country with a WHV agreement with Italy
- Aged 18-30 (up to 35 for some countries)
- Sufficient funds for the initial stay
- Return ticket or means to buy one
- Health insurance for the stay
Working Holiday Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Working Holiday Visa (Italy) is ~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs, with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Italy Visa Portal.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At an Italian consulate in the eligible country |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months |
| Work rights | Casual/incidental work to fund the holiday |
| Study rights | Short courses permitted |
| Government fee | ~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs |
| Processing time | ~2-4 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to PR; intended as a one-off cultural exchange stay. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to PR; intended as a one-off cultural exchange stay.
Many applicants also compare Type C · Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C), Au Pair · Au Pair Visa, Student · National Student Visa (Type D - Study). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Italian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Working Holiday Visa pitfalls we fix
Working Holiday Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Working Holiday Visa cost?
The Working Holiday Visa government fee is ~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Italy Visa Portal before applying.
How long does the Working Holiday Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Working Holiday Visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to PR; intended as a one-off cultural exchange stay.
Can I work on the Working Holiday Visa?
Work rights: Casual/incidental work to fund the holiday.
Who can apply for the Working Holiday Visa?
Young people aged 18-30/35 from partner countries (e.g. Australia, NZ, Canada, South Korea) combining travel and casual work.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Italy government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Italy Visa Portal - official Italy immigration authority