Plan Work and Travel: These Countries Open the Door

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Three years ago I sat in a Vienna café, flipped open my laptop to finally start planning my Work and Travel, and stared at a seemingly endless list of countries. Australia? New Zealand? Japan? Which country even accepts Austrian citizens for the Working Holiday visa? The research was exhausting, with contradictory info everywhere. Today I'm sparing you that frustration: I'll show you exactly which countries are open to you as an Austrian and what you need to know to apply.

The Working Holiday visa is your ticket to a year full of adventure, paid jobs abroad and unforgettable encounters. Unlike tourist visas, it lets you work legally while exploring the country. But not every country has a bilateral agreement with Austria. The list is shorter than you might think, but the options are fantastic.

Which Countries Offer Austrians a Working Holiday Visa?

As of 2025, Austrian citizens have access to Working Holiday visas in a total of 11 countries. The Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs maintains this list officially. Here are all the destinations open to you as an Austrian between 18 and 30 years old (sometimes up to 35):

• Australia (up to age 30, extendable to up to 3 years)
• New Zealand (up to age 30, 12 months)
• Canada (up to age 35, 12 months)
• Japan (up to age 30, 12 months)
• South Korea (up to age 30, 12 months)
• Chile (up to age 30, 12 months)
• Argentina (up to age 30, 12 months)
• Hong Kong (up to age 30, 12 months)
• Taiwan (up to age 30, 12 months)
• Uruguay (up to age 30, 12 months)
• Israel (up to age 30, 12 months)

The exact age limits and conditions can change, so always check the current info on the website of the respective embassy. For Canada, for example, the extended age limit of 35 has applied since 2023, which opens up new chances for many later starters.

Australia and New Zealand: The Classics for Planning Work and Travel

If you want to plan Work and Travel, you probably think of Australia or New Zealand first. And rightly so: these two countries are by far the most popular destinations. According to a 2024 survey by the Austrian Students' Union (ÖH), around 68% of all Austrian Working Holiday makers choose Australia or New Zealand.

Australia: Sun, Jobs and Endless Open Spaces

The Australian Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) currently costs 635 AUD (about $415) and allows you 12 months of stay with unlimited jobs. I know people who worked as bartenders in Melbourne, while others picked mangoes in Queensland. The special part: you can extend your visa up to 3 years if you work at least 3 months in agriculture or certain regional areas. The official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs lists all the details.

An insider tip from my own research: apply outside peak season (December to February), and processing times are shorter. My friend Sophie had her visa within 48 hours because she applied in June.

New Zealand: Green Paradise for Nature Lovers

New Zealand's Working Holiday visa costs 245 NZD (around $150) and is limited to 12 months, not extendable. Here you may work up to 12 months for the same employer, which gives you more stability than in many other countries. Jobs in the tourism industry are especially popular: hostels in Queenstown, wineries in Marlborough or ski resorts in Wanaka are constantly looking for seasonal workers. Immigration New Zealand issues a fixed annual quota for Austrians, so applying early pays off.

Discovering Asia: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong

If you want to plan Work and Travel and dive into a completely different culture at the same time, the Asian options are unbeatable. I experienced Taiwan as a remote worker myself and can tell you: the culture shock is real, but that's exactly what makes it so valuable.

Japan: Tradition Meets Modernity

Japan's Working Holiday visa has stricter requirements. You need a letter of motivation, a detailed travel plan and often proof of financial means (at least $2,200 in your account). The embassy in Vienna processes applications by appointment only. In return, you work in one of the most fascinating countries in the world: I know someone who worked in a ryokan in Kyoto and learned calligraphy on the side.

South Korea: K-Pop and High-Tech

South Korea also requires proof of finances and a police clearance certificate. Many travelers teach English in Seoul or Busan, while others work in cafés or the event industry. A concrete example: my acquaintance Lisa earned the equivalent of $1,300 a month at a café in Hongdae (Seoul's university district) and had enough to explore the temples in Gyeongju on weekends.

Canada: The Insider Tip for the Adventurous

Canada's International Experience Canada (IEC) program is available to Austrians up to age 35. That's unusual, since most Working Holiday visas draw the line at 30. The application runs through a pool: you submit your interest profile, and if you're selected, you have 10 days to submit the full application.

Canada gives you the chance to work in big cities like Vancouver or Toronto, or in the Rocky Mountains as a ski instructor or in national parks. The cost is around 250 CAD (about $185). A tip for organizing your Work and Travel: apply as early as November for the following year, since the quotas fill up quickly.

South America Is Calling: Chile, Argentina and Uruguay

South America is still an underdog in the Work and Travel game, yet Chile, Argentina and Uruguay are real gems. These countries not only offer you a Working Holiday visa from Austria, but also a lower cost of living than Australia or New Zealand.

Chile: Between the Pacific and the Andes

The Chilean Working Holiday visa allows you 12 months of stay, and you can work in hostels in Santiago, take café jobs in Valparaíso or help out in wine regions like Colchagua. The visa costs are moderate at around $110. I've heard that in Chile you earn about $650-$900 a month as a barista at a trendy café in Santiago's Lastarria neighborhood, which is less than in Australia, but the cost of living is lower too.

Argentina: Tango, Steaks and Glaciers

Argentina is ideal if you want to learn or improve your Spanish. Buenos Aires is a pulsating metropolis with countless job options in tourism and hospitality. You apply for the visa at the Argentine embassy in Vienna, and the processing time is about 4-6 weeks. One small downside: Argentina's economy is volatile and inflation is high, but that's exactly what makes the country authentic and adventurous too.

What You Really Need to Apply

No matter which country you choose, there are some documents you almost always need. Here's the typical checklist that helps you approach planning your Work and Travel in a structured way:

• Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your length of stay)
• Proof of financial means (usually $2,200-$3,300, varies by country)
• Health insurance for the entire length of stay (more in my article on mandatory health insurance abroad)
• Police clearance certificate (no older than 6 months)
• Letter of motivation or travel plan (for Japan, South Korea)
• Passport photo meeting biometric standards
• Visa application fee (between $110-$440)

Processing times vary widely: Australia and New Zealand are often done within a few days, while Japan and South Korea can take 4-8 weeks. Plan at least 3 months of lead time before you fly out.

Which Country Is Right for You?

That answers the question of which countries offer a Working Holiday visa to Austrians. But which country is the right one for you? Ask yourself these questions:

Are you more of an outdoor type? Then Australia, New Zealand or Canada are ideal. Do you want to dive into a foreign culture and learn a new language? Japan, South Korea or South America are calling. Are you looking for a low cost of living and less crowded paths? Chile, Uruguay or Taiwan are real insider tips.

Personally, I advise anyone planning Work and Travel for the first time: pick a country that pulls you in emotionally, not just the one everyone else goes to. My best decision was not following the mainstream to Australia, but going to Asia instead. The experience was more intense, more authentic and shaped me more.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Working Holiday Visa

Which countries offer Austrians a Working Holiday visa?

Austrian citizens can apply for a Working Holiday visa for 11 countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Chile, Argentina, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Uruguay and Israel. The age limits are mostly 18-30 years, while Canada allows up to age 35.

How long does it take to apply for a Working Holiday visa?

Processing time varies by country between 48 hours (Australia when applying outside peak season) and 8 weeks (Japan, South Korea). To be safe, allow at least 3 months before your planned departure to put together and submit all documents.

Can I extend my Working Holiday visa?

In Australia you can extend your visa up to 3 years if you can prove certain regional work. In most other countries (New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, South America) the visa is limited to 12 months and cannot be extended.

How much money do I need in my account for a Working Holiday visa?

Most countries require proof of financial means between $2,200 and $3,300. Australia, for example, requires 5,000 AUD (about $3,300), and New Zealand 4,200 NZD (around $2,600). This proof must be presented when you apply.

Do I need special insurance for Work and Travel?

Yes, travel health insurance is mandatory for almost all Working Holiday visas. It must cover the entire length of stay and should include medical emergencies, repatriation and ideally liability coverage too. The cost is around $35-$55 per month.

Conclusion: Your Work and Travel Is Waiting

Planning Work and Travel isn't rocket science, but it takes preparation and a clear decision. As an Austrian you have access to 11 fantastic countries, each with its own character and opportunities. Whether you sleep under the stars in Australia, explore temples in Japan or watch penguins in Chile, the Working Holiday visa opens doors that regular tourist visas keep shut.

My advice: stop hesitating. Pick a country that calls to you, check the requirements on the official embassy website, put your documents together and apply. The best time for Work and Travel is right now, while you're under the age limit. A year from now you'll look back and be grateful you took the leap.