Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS)
For young adults from partner countries spending a gap year in the Netherlands combining travel and incidental work.
The Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) is a Dutch visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€74 (2025)) and processing time (~2 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) is for
For young adults from partner countries spending a gap year in the Netherlands combining travel and incidental work.
A one-year cultural stay; does not lead to permanent residence.
Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) - eligibility criteria
- National of a partner country (e.g. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, South Korea)
- Aged 18-30 (varies by country)
- Main purpose is holiday, with work as a secondary activity
- Sufficient funds and return ticket or means to buy one
- Have not used the scheme before
Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) (Netherlands) is ~€74 (2025), with an indicative processing time of ~2 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IND (Netherlands).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Filed with the IND (or at a Dutch mission abroad) |
| Length of stay | 1 year (non-renewable) |
| Work rights | Incidental work allowed without a separate work permit |
| Study rights | Short study allowed |
| Government fee | ~€74 (2025) |
| Processing time | ~2 weeks |
| Route to PR | A one-year cultural stay; does not lead to permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
A one-year cultural stay; does not lead to permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare Schengen C · Schengen short-stay visa (type C), Exchange · Residence permit for cultural exchange / au pair, GVVA · Single permit for work and residence (gecombineerde vergunning, GVVA). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Dutch route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) pitfalls we fix
Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) cost?
The Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) government fee is ~€74 (2025). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IND (Netherlands) before applying.
How long does the Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS) lead to permanent residence?
A one-year cultural stay; does not lead to permanent residence.
Can I work on the Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS)?
Work rights: Incidental work allowed without a separate work permit.
Who can apply for the Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS)?
For young adults from partner countries spending a gap year in the Netherlands combining travel and incidental work.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Netherlands government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IND (Netherlands) - official Netherlands immigration authority