Working Holiday Visa

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €80

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Work and travel authorization for young adults aged 18-30 from partner countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan) to live and work for up to 1 year.

Belgium's Working Holiday Visa is a bilateral cultural and work exchange program for young adults aged 18–30 from partner countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan). The program allows participants to work and travel in Belgium for up to one year while gaining international experience and cultural immersion.

Applicants must have EUR 2,500 in available funds and provide a legalized certificate of good conduct (no criminal record, not older than 6 months) from their country of citizenship or residence. Processing typically takes one month; complications may extend it to three months.

This visa is ideal for young professionals and travelers from qualifying countries seeking a year of work and cultural exchange in Belgium without a pre-arranged job offer.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Eligible Nationalities (5)

Australia

Canada

New Zealand

South Korea Taiwan

Taiwan

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Minimum savings: 2500

Health insurance required

Age: 18-30

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

2,500 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Proof of funds

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Fast work authorization - start working immediately upon visa grant in Belgium
Up to 1 year to work and travel in Belgium without job offer requirement
Low minimum savings barrier at EUR 2,500 only
Open to multiple nationalities including AU, CA, NZ, KR, TW
No education requirement - open to applicants of all skill levels
Straightforward online application portal at visaonweb.diplomatie.be
No dependents permitted - simplified sponsorship process for solo travelers

Worth Knowing

Processing takes 1-3 months; standard processing is approximately 1 month
Criminal record certificate must be recent (not older than 6 months) from home country
Not renewable - single one-year authorization only, no pathway to extend
No pathway to permanent residence - strictly temporary working holiday status
Limited to 12 months maximum - must return or transition to another visa type
Only available to citizens of AU, CA, NZ, KR, or TW - restricted bilateral agreement
Not renewable and no PR pathway - strictly temporary, must leave or change status after 1 year
Dual intent not permitted - must intend to return home, not settle permanently