Designated Activities (Working Holiday)
Young people from partner countries combining a holiday in Japan with incidental work to fund the trip.
The Designated Activities (Working Holiday) is a Japanese visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (Free (working holiday visa issued without charge)) and processing time (~1-2 weeks to a few weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Designated Activities (Working Holiday) is for
Young people from partner countries combining a holiday in Japan with incidental work to fund the trip.
Not a PR route; switch to a work status to build toward permanent residence.
Designated Activities (Working Holiday) - eligibility criteria
- Citizen of a country with a working holiday arrangement with Japan
- Usually aged 18-30 (varies by country)
- Primary intent is holiday, with work secondary
- Sufficient funds and a return ticket or means to buy one
- No accompanying dependants
Designated Activities (Working Holiday) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Designated Activities (Working Holiday) (Japan) is Free (working holiday visa issued without charge), with an indicative processing time of ~1-2 weeks to a few weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country |
| Length of stay | Usually up to 1 year (6 or 18 months for some partners) |
| Work rights | Incidental work to supplement travel funds |
| Study rights | Short courses allowed |
| Government fee | Free (working holiday visa issued without charge) |
| Processing time | ~1-2 weeks to a few weeks |
| Route to PR | Not a PR route; switch to a work status to build toward permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Not a PR route; switch to a work status to build toward permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare Temporary Visitor · Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives), Engineer / Humanities · Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Student · Student. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Designated Activities (Working Holiday) pitfalls we fix
Designated Activities (Working Holiday) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Designated Activities (Working Holiday) cost?
The Designated Activities (Working Holiday) government fee is Free (working holiday visa issued without charge). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Designated Activities (Working Holiday) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-2 weeks to a few weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Designated Activities (Working Holiday) lead to permanent residence?
Not a PR route; switch to a work status to build toward permanent residence.
Can I work on the Designated Activities (Working Holiday)?
Work rights: Incidental work to supplement travel funds.
Who can apply for the Designated Activities (Working Holiday)?
Young people from partner countries combining a holiday in Japan with incidental work to fund the trip.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority