Are you tired of studying and feel like you want to experience something new after your education? Why not take the chance and apply for a Working Holiday visa to another country?
So what is a Working Holiday visa? Let’s take a closer look.
A Working Holiday visa is an entry permit issued to a specific number of young people from different countries around the world (the number of visas issued per country and which countries can participate in this program clearly depends on which countries have agreements with each other regarding an exchange program), which gives you the opportunity to stay in the country for a longer period (usually 1 year). The purpose of the visa is for you to travel around and visit the country, and to finance your stay, you also have the right to work under certain circumstances and rules.
This is a perfect opportunity to visit a country and get to know its culture in depth. In addition to traveling, you will also improve your language skills and gain new life experiences.
We have listed the top 10 destinations around the world where you can stay for an extended period while traveling and working with a Working Holiday visa.
Job openings abroad
- Customer support
- Malta
- Customer support
- Portugal
1. New Zealand
New Zealand has been voted the world’s most beautiful country several times, which is not surprising considering its incredible diversity. New Zealand is also the country whose inhabitants are called “Kiwis” and where you can go snowboarding and to the beach on the same day, not to mention all the different animals and plants that are unique and found only here.
Requirements for a Working Holiday visa to New Zealand:
- You are a Swedish citizen and have a valid passport
- You are between 18 and 30 years old
- You may not bring your children with you
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your initial period in the country (NZD 4,200)
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase one
- You have comprehensive health insurance for the entire duration of your stay
- You may work for the same employer for 12 months
- If you want to study, you may only do so for a maximum of 3 months
The visa is valid for 1 year and in order to work and pay taxes in the country, you need to have an IRD number, which is a tax number. You must also open a bank account in New Zealand so that your employer can pay your salary to you.
What you can work with in New Zealand:
There are many things you can work with in New Zealand. You can work on a farm and help with the animals, or you can pick berries. You can also work in the service industry at hostels/hotels, restaurants, or bars.
If you want to try something different, you should definitely take the opportunity to go to the Fiji Islands to do volunteer work there. The islands are just a stone’s throw from New Zealand and are known for their cheerful and hospitable inhabitants.
Don’t miss this in New Zealand:
Nelson Lakes National Park
The national park is located on the South Island and is a popular tourist destination. Here you will find lakes, mountain areas, valleys, and fantastic birdlife with many native birds.
Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park
A beautiful fjord landscape that was formed during the Ice Age when the glacier melted and the fjord filled with water. One of the world’s most beautiful travel routes is located here and takes you to the town of Te Anau.
Bungy Jumping in Queenstown
Why not try bungy jumping in the country where the sport was invented? Overcome your fear and enjoy a fantastic view from the top of the bridge. Go for it!
Kaikoura
About 2 hours away from Christchurch is the district of Kaikoura. Here you can see whales, dolphins, orcas, and seals. Be sure to try the lobsters here, as they are a specialty of the area.
Go wine tasting
Did you know that New Zealand is a wine producer? Thanks to climate differences and different soil types, the country produces a lot of wine. Take a trip and go wine tasting at one of New Zealand’s many vineyards.
Learn more about Maori culture
New Zealand’s indigenous people, known as Maori, were a Polynesian people who settled on the island around 1300 AD. An important part of their culture consists of various customs, laws, and rituals that are passed down from generation to generation. This is called Tikanga by the Maori people. Visit the Te Papa Museum in Wellington and travel to the Bay of Islands and the city of Rotorua to learn more about the Maori people and their culture.
Click here for more information about a Working Holiday visa to New Zealand.
2. Australien
Upptäck det stora landet “down under” tack vare ett Working Holiday visum som ger dig möjligheten att vistas i Australien i upp till 1 år för att jobba och resa.
I Australien hittar du internationella storstäder som Sydney, Melbourne och Brisbane, men också en enastående natur med en flora och fauna som är unik i dess slag. Dyk i det stora barriärrevet, lär dig att surfa eller gå på äventyr ute i den australienska outbacken.
Vad som krävs för ett Working Holiday visum till Australien
- Du ska vara mellan 18-30 år gammal när ansökan görs
- Du har en gymnasieutbildning
- Du är svensk medborgare och har ett giltigt pass
- Du får inte ta med dig dina barn
- Du har en returbiljett eller tillräckliga ekonomiska medel för att kunna köpa en
- Du har tillräckliga ekonomiska medel för den första perioden i landet (5 000 AUD)
- Du är vid god hälsa
- Du kan studera i landet i upp till 4 månader
- Du kan inte jobba hos samma arbetsgivare i mer än 6 månader då anledningen med detta visum är att du ska resa (jobba för att finansiera ditt resande).
- Priset är 495$ AUD men det kan variera från år till år
Visumet gäller i 1 år men kan förlängas upp till ett tredje Working Holiday visum om man uppfyller vissa krav.
Vad du kan jobba med i Australien
Under din vistelse i Australien kan du jobba på en farm eller med fiske, trädodling och jordbruk. I större städer kan du söka jobb på olika restauranger, barer eller jobba på hotell/hostel.
Missa inte detta i Australien
Ayers Rock
Världens största monolit som ligger i Uluru nationalparken mitt i Australien. Detta är ett av Australiens mest kända landmärken och ett måste om du är i landet. Åk iväg i 4-5 dagar för att utforska området och upplev solens fantastiska upp-och nedgång då stenen skiftar färg i solljuset.
Ningaloo Reef
De flesta aussies kommer att säga att Ningaloo Reef är betydligt bättre än stora barriärrevet eftersom det fortfarande är levande, och du har möjligheten att snorkla och se valhajar direkt från stranden.
Karijini National Park
Utforska grottor, vattenfall och bo på ett aboriginskt eco-vänligt retreat i parken. Det är väl värt att stanna några dagar här för att se och uppleva så mycket som möjligt.
Great Ocean Road
Det är vanligt att köra långa sträckor för att kunna ta sig till olika städer i Australien så se till att du tar dig från Torquay till Warrnambool längs med delstaten Victorias kuststräcka. Spana efter koalor längs med vägen och stanna för att beundra de tolv apostlarna.
Surfa i Byron Bay
Stanna några dagar i Byron Bay under din vistelse i Australien och lär dig att surfa. Vill du inte surfa kan du alltid njuta av lite lugn och ro på stranden eller besöka fyren Cape Byron Lighthouse som befinner sig på den östligaste delen av Australien.
Klicka här för mer information om ett Working Holiday visum till Australien.
3. Canada
Canada, the world’s second largest country (only Russia is larger) and the country with the most lakes in the world, is another popular destination among young people who want to take advantage of a Working Holiday visa to travel around and visit the country properly.
Here you can see beautiful natural landscapes but also exciting cities with many different ethnic groups and cultures. Canada has two official languages, English and French, and in addition to being one of the happiest countries in the world, Canada is also the most educated country in the world, with over 50% of the population having a higher education.
What is required for a Working Holiday visa to Canada
- You are between 18-30 years old
- You are a Swedish citizen and have a valid passport
- You have at least CAD 2,500 upon entry
- You have comprehensive health insurance for the entire duration of your stay
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase one
- In some cases, you may need to show an employment contract
The visa is valid for a maximum of 12 months and can be used twice as long as there is a break between stays. The cost is CAD 336 and consists of three different fees.
What you can work with in Canada
In Canada, you can work as a babysitter, travel agent, cleaning staff, kitchen staff, assistant, etc. You can apply for jobs at various ski resorts around the country or in one of the country’s many major cities.
Don’t miss this in Canada
Banff National Park
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see if you are in Canada. Here you can enjoy spectacular nature all year round with many hiking trails that take you around the park. Canoeing in the summer or skiing in the winter are just a few of the many things you can do here.
Look for dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumhell, Alberta
If you like dinosaurs, this is the museum for you. There is an impressive collection of over 130,000 fossils in the city of Drumhell, which is also known as the dinosaur capital of the world.
Visit the polar bear capital of the world in Churchill, Manitoba
This community on Hudson Bay is known for its subarctic climate and polar bears, which usually come to the area in the fall. Here you can also go whale watching and see the northern lights.
Click here for more information about a Working Holiday visa to Canada.
4. Chile
Chile is truly a diverse country with many beautiful landscapes, including fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, and desert landscapes. You can improve your Spanish and discover this beautiful South American country while working if you apply for a Working Holiday visa.
Requirements for a Working Holiday Visa to Chile
- You must be between 18 and 30 years old
- You must travel alone (no other family members may accompany you on this visa)
- You are a Swedish citizen and have a valid passport
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase one
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself at the beginning
- You have comprehensive travel insurance for the entire duration of your stay
The visa is valid for 12 months and costs $135 USD.
What you can work with in Chile
- At a surf school (preparing/cleaning equipment, selling lessons/courses, customer service, etc.)
- Work at a ski resort (receptionist, salesperson, ski instructor, taking care of equipment, etc.)
- Work with a tour operator (selling excursions, taking care of customer service, marketing)
- Work at a hotel or hostel (reception, cleaning, check-in and check-out, kitchen staff)
- Work on a farm or ranch
Don’t miss this in Chile
Torres del Paine National Park
One of Chile’s most important parks with environmental variations such as mountains, lakes, and glaciers. The park is located in Chilean Patagonia and is a must-see during your stay in Chile.
Easter Island
This unique island is located 5 hours away from the Chilean mainland and can be reached by plane from the capital Santiago. The island is best known for its 887 large stone statues called Moai and its beautiful beaches located at Rapa Nui.
Cape Horn
The southernmost point of South America and the last stop before Antarctica. The weather is often very windy and foggy, and the place is known for its storms. The best way to reach Cape Horn is to take a day trip by helicopter from the city of Puerto Toro.
5. Argentina
Do you dream of learning to tango and whale watching in Patagonia? With a Working Holiday visa to Argentina, you now have the opportunity to do just that. Thanks to an agreement between Sweden and Argentina, you can stay for a whole year and finance your travels by working here.
What is required for a Working Holiday visa to Argentina
- You must be between 18 and 30 years old when you apply
- You are a Swedish citizen and have a valid passport
- You must travel alone (no other family members may accompany you on this visa)
- You have comprehensive health insurance that is valid for the entire duration of your stay
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase one
- You are in good health
- You have sufficient resources to support yourself during the initial period
- You have a clean criminal record
What you can work with in Argentina
You can work in tourism, the hotel industry, on farms, and at local businesses.
Don’t miss this in Argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier
One of the world’s most famous glaciers, located in Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia. The glacier is one of the few in the world that is not shrinking in size and is the largest ice mass outside Greenland and Antarctica.
Look for rainbows at Iguazú Falls
The waterfalls are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The highest fall has a drop of 80 meters and is located in Argentina. It is called Devil’s Throat.
Whale watching at Puerto Pirámides
From June to December, you can see whales in the sea around the town of Puerto Pirámides. Various boat trips take you out to see them up close for an exciting and amazing experience.
Click here for more information about a Working Holiday visa for Argentina.
6. Uruguay
Uruguay is a South American country known for its friendly people and beautiful nature. The country also has many beautiful beaches and resorts that people from all over the world travel to for fun and relaxation. Punta del Este is Uruguay’s answer to Europe’s Monte Carlo, with beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife.
What is required for a Working Holiday visa to Uruguay
- You are a Swedish citizen
- You are between 18 and 30 years old
- You must travel alone (no other family members may accompany you on this visa)
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase one
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself during the initial period
- Comprehensive travel insurance for the entire duration of your stay
The visa is valid for 1 year.
What you can work with in Uruguay
In Uruguay, you can work as a teacher (English), Au Pair, or freelancer. If you don’t know Spanish, it is significantly more difficult to find a job, but not entirely impossible.
Don’t miss this in Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
The city is one of Uruguay’s oldest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk in the old town and visit all the historical sites and monuments. From Colonia, you can also take the ferry to Buenos Aires in Argentina. The entire trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Look for sea lions in Cabo Polonio
If you are looking for a different kind of adventure, visit this small town with less than 100 inhabitants. There is no running water, no electricity, and absolutely no Wi-Fi. Here you will find South America’s largest colony of sea lions and a peaceful lifestyle.
Go to a thermal bath
Arapey is the oldest thermal bath in Uruguay with a resort and many beautiful green areas around it. There are natural hot springs here that are said to have healing and therapeutic properties. You’ll just have to try it yourself to see if it’s true.
Click here for more information about a Working Holiday visa to Uruguay.
7. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis that blends modernity and innovation with tradition. Here you will find luxurious shopping centers and some of the world’s best restaurants, as well as historic neighborhoods and a wide variety of delicious street food.
There is much to experience and see in Hong Kong, and a Working Holiday visa is the perfect way to explore the city while also working.
What is required for a Working Holiday visa to Hong Kong
- You are a Swedish citizen and have a Swedish passport
- You are between 18-30 years old
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase one
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself during the first period of your stay (HK$20,000)
- You must travel alone (no other family members may accompany you on this visa)
- You have comprehensive travel insurance
The visa is valid for 1 year and you may not take permanent employment or work for the same employer for more than 6 months.
Don’t miss this in Hong Kong
Cat Street
A paradise for all vintage lovers. Here you can find everything from vases to art and jewelry.
Lamma Island
The island is only half an hour away from Hong Kong by ferry and is a perfect getaway when you’re tired of city life. Here you can relax on the beach, eat seafood, or have coffee at one of the island’s trendy cafes.
Victoria Peak
This is the highest point in Hong Kong and also one of the best places to get a perfect view of the Hong Kong skyline. It is also where the rich and famous live in their luxurious apartments.
Click here for more information about a Working Holiday visa for Hong Kong.
8. South Korea
South Korea is an ancient country with a history stretching back at least 5,000 years. The country used to be called Chosun, which means “land of morning light,” and South Korea is also known as “the land of the morning calm” because of its culture and beautiful nature. Discover modern buildings and neon lights mixed with historic temples in Seoul during your year in South Korea.
Requirements for a Working Holiday Visa to South Korea
- You are a Swedish citizen and have a valid passport
- You are between 18 and 30 years old when you apply
- You may not bring your children with you
- You must be in good health
- You must have comprehensive health insurance
- You must have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase one
- You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your initial period in the country ($2,500)
What you can work with in South Korea
You can work with pretty much anything except jobs that require qualifications (teacher, doctor, pilot, etc.).
- In the tourism industry (hotel, hostel, guide, receptionist)
- As an au pair (in addition to your salary, you will also receive free room and board)
- In the restaurant industry (waitress, barista)
- In an office. There are many large companies in South Korea (Samsung, LG)
You are not allowed to work full-time with your Working Holiday visa in South Korea.
Don’t miss this in South Korea
Visit some of the country’s 900 Buddhist temples
Each temple has its own unique Buddha statues and ceremonial halls. You can also drink tea and meditate with the monks.
Changdeokgung
One of the five magnificent palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty and the best preserved.
Eat South Korean specialties
In South Korea, sauerkraut and grilled food are the order of the day. Take the opportunity to eat street food and taste Korean specialties such as bibimbap, kimchi, bulgogi, and gomguk.
Click here for more information about a Working Holiday visa to South Korea.
9. Japan
Want to see cherry blossoms and eat authentic sushi in Japan? Take the opportunity to travel around the country and experience Japanese culture by visiting exciting cities such as Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nara. With a Working Holiday visa, you can stay in Japan for up to one year and even work while traveling around the country.
Requirements for a Working Holiday Visa to Japan
- You are between 18 and 30 years old
- You are a Swedish citizen
- You must travel alone (no other family members may accompany you on this visa)
- You are in good health
- You have comprehensive health insurance for the entire duration of your stay
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself during the initial period in the country (200,000 yen)
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase one
What you can work as in Japan
- As a teacher (English)
- As a model or photographer
- Working at a hotel or resort
- Working on a farm
It is prohibited to work in bars, nightclubs, or casinos (places where gambling takes place).
Don’t miss this in Japan
TeamLab Borderless museum Tokyo
Lasers, crystals, and lanterns are just a few words to describe this futuristic and unique museum in Tokyo. Be sure to book tickets in advance.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
You’ve probably seen these orange Torii gates in Kyoto. The gates lead to a Shinto shrine and are one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions.
See snow monkeys in Nagano
In 1998, the Winter Olympics were held in the Japanese city of Nagano, and in addition to winter sports, during the winter months you can see snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs and playing in the snow.
Click here for more information about a Working Holiday visa to Japan.
10. Greece
If you are interested in working abroad but do not want to travel too far, there are many countries in Europe that offer various seasonal and summer jobs. This gives you the opportunity to earn some money (it never hurts to supplement your travel budget) while traveling around the country and experiencing it in a completely different way.
Another positive thing is that you don’t need a visa or work permit if the country is part of the EU.
If you choose to work in Greece, you have around 6,000 islands and a fantastic history to explore. Whether you are considering working in one of the country’s major cities (Athens, Thessaloniki) or at a resort on one of Greece’s many islands, you will get to know the country, Greek culture, and the unique Greek lifestyle in a completely different way. Take the opportunity and apply for a summer job in Greece.
What you need to work in Greece
- You have a valid passport or ID card
- If you are a Swedish citizen or a citizen of another EU country, you do not need a visa or work permit to work in Greece.
- If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you must apply for a residence permit from the Migration Agency.
- You must have health insurance (the European Health Insurance Card is sufficient)
- You must be able to show proof of where you live in the country (rental contract)
- You must have a Greek tax registration number (AFM)
- You must have a Greek personal identification number (AMKA)
What you can work with in Greece
The tourist season in Greece is usually between May and September, when it is possible to find jobs at various resorts and hotels around the country. If you want to stay longer, a good tip is to look for a job in one of the country’s major cities, where you have the chance to find a job for a longer period. Many new companies in Athens and Thessaloniki are often looking for customer service representatives and telephone operators in different languages and are happy to offer various relocation packages to the country.
Other job opportunities in Greece:
- Work as a fitness instructor at various resorts
- Work as a chef or restaurant staff
- Work as a guide or kids’ club leader
- Work as a fruit picker
- Work as a language teacher
Don’t miss this in Greece
Athens
You can’t leave Greece without visiting Athens. The Greek capital is full of historical sights and traces of Greek culture, which has contributed to the development and civilization of the Western world. Visit the Acropolis, Agora, and Syntagma Square.
Meteora
A monastery complex located 5 hours away from Athens. The monasteries are located high up on sandstone mountains formed by sand, stone, and clay from the Aegean Sea. The rock formations were in turn shaped by wind, rain, and various earthquakes that have struck the area. There are stairs leading up to the monasteries, and the entire area is impressive.
The Cyclades
The archipelago southeast of the mainland consists of about 220 islands, with Santorini and Mykonos being the most famous. Beautiful beaches with clear blue water and parties all night long await you here.
