Ireland•Europe4-8 weeks
Free
Up to 2 years
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Youth mobility scheme allowing qualifying young adults from 11 partner countries to work casually in Ireland for up to 12 months (24 months for Canadians).
Ireland's Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) is a reciprocal youth-mobility scheme run by the Department of Foreign Affairs, letting young citizens of eleven partner economies — Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA — fund extended travel in Ireland through casual work, without an employer sponsor.
Authorisations run 12 months from entry (24 months for Canadians) and most schemes are open to ages 18-30 (18-35 for Australians). Fees vary by nationality (USD 295 at Irish consulates in the US) and stays over 90 days need a EUR 300 Irish Residence Permit. Applicants show proof of funds, insurance and a clean record; the scheme is once-in-a-lifetime and non-renewable.
This visa is ideal for graduates and students from one of the eleven qualifying countries who want a year of casual work and travel in Ireland without employer sponsorship or a study programme.
Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Canada
Chile
Hong Kong SAR China
Japan
South Korea
New Zealand
Taiwan
United StatesMust be a citizen of a country with a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement with Ireland (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.).
Must meet the specific age criteria for their nationality (typically 18-30, or 18-35 for certain countries).
Must not have previously participated in the Irish Working Holiday programme.
Must have sufficient funds to support the initial stay (typically €3,000, or €1,500 if a return ticket is held).
Must have comprehensive medical and accident insurance for the duration of the stay.
Must have a clean criminal record.
Education
high_school or higher
Min. Savings
3,000 EUR
Completed Working Holiday Authorisation application form.
Valid passport (valid for at least 30 months from the date of entry).
Two recent passport-sized photographs.
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements).
Proof of return flight or additional funds for a return ticket.
Evidence of medical/travel insurance.
Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Educational certificates or a letter from a college (if applicable).
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