Italy•Europe

Open

Youth Mobility / Working Holiday Visa

Working Holiday Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €116

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Italy

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€21,000

Quality of Life

156/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Year-long cultural exchange for young adults (18–30/35) from qualifying countries to live, travel, and work in Italy under bilateral agreements.

The Youth Mobility or Working Holiday Visa enables young citizens from bilateral-agreement countries to live and work in Italy for one year. Applicants must be 18-30 years old (to 35 for Canada/Australia), hold a valid passport, and demonstrate sufficient funds and health insurance.

Valid for one year and costs EUR 116 with processing in 14-20 days. Generally non-renewable, the visa permits work with duration entitlements varying by bilateral agreement: up to six months per stay for most countries, with full-stay rights for Canadian citizens under special terms. Income and employer duration limits apply per agreement.

This visa is ideal for young adults from qualifying countries seeking a year-long cultural exchange in Italy while gaining international work experience.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Annual Cap & Quota

Yes, annual limits apply per country

Eligible Nationalities (6)

Australia

Canada

Hong Kong SAR China Japan

Japan

New Zealand

South Korea

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral Youth Mobility/Working Holiday agreement with Italy (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea).

Must be between 18 and 30 years old (up to 35 for citizens of specific countries like Canada and Australia).

Must be a first-time applicant for this specific visa.

Must have a valid passport.

Must have sufficient funds to support the initial period of stay and purchase a return ticket.

Must have comprehensive health insurance for the duration of the stay (unless covered by a reciprocal agreement).

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

3,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed visa application form.

Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity beyond the intended stay).

Recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements).

Proof of return travel or funds to purchase a return ticket.

Proof of comprehensive health insurance.

Proof of accommodation (often required for the initial period).

Visa fee payment receipt.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Work authorized for up to 6 months per stay under most bilateral agreements
Low financial entry threshold: EUR 3,000 minimum savings required
Modest visa fee at EUR 116 with fast processing (14-20 days)
Access to Italy's culture, language immersion, and professional development
Extended initial stay of one year for personal and career exploration
Open to six qualifying nationalities including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand

Worth Knowing

Work authorization and duration varies by bilateral agreement; Canada permits full-year work
Age limits strictly enforced: 18-30 years (up to 35 for some nationalities); no flexibility
No dual intent: primary purpose must be travel or cultural exchange, not permanent settlement
Canada and Australia allow up to two lifetime applications under their bilateral agreements
Maximum one-year stay per application; no extension or conversion to other visa types
Restricted to six nationalities only (Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea)

Application Process

Apply directly at the Italian Consulate in the home country

Verified Claims (5)

Last verified Jun 26, 2026

Dual Intent

false

constoronto.esteri.it

Job Offer Required

false

constoronto.esteri.it

Official Info

https://constoronto.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/…

constoronto.esteri.it

Renewable

false

consmelbourne.esteri.it

Work Auth

Yes (up to 6 months per stay for most agreements; full-stay work rights under Italy-Canada program; …

constoronto.esteri.it

Official Information

Living in Italy

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€21,000

Quality of Life

156/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Year-long cultural exchange for young adults (18–30/35) from qualifying countries to live, travel, and work in Italy under bilateral agreements.

This visa is ideal for young adults from qualifying countries seeking a year-long cultural exchange in Italy while gaining international work experience.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral Youth Mobility/Working Holiday agreement with Italy (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea).

Must be between 18 and 30 years old (up to 35 for citizens of specific countries like Canada and Australia).

Must be a first-time applicant for this specific visa.

Must have a valid passport.

Must have sufficient funds to support the initial period of stay and purchase a return ticket.

Must have comprehensive health insurance for the duration of the stay (unless covered by a reciprocal agreement).

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

3,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed visa application form.

Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity beyond the intended stay).

Recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements).

Proof of return travel or funds to purchase a return ticket.

Proof of comprehensive health insurance.

Proof of accommodation (often required for the initial period).

Visa fee payment receipt.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Work authorized for up to 6 months per stay under most bilateral agreements
Low financial entry threshold: EUR 3,000 minimum savings required
Modest visa fee at EUR 116 with fast processing (14-20 days)
Access to Italy's culture, language immersion, and professional development
Extended initial stay of one year for personal and career exploration
Open to six qualifying nationalities including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand

Worth Knowing

Work authorization and duration varies by bilateral agreement; Canada permits full-year work
Age limits strictly enforced: 18-30 years (up to 35 for some nationalities); no flexibility
No dual intent: primary purpose must be travel or cultural exchange, not permanent settlement
Canada and Australia allow up to two lifetime applications under their bilateral agreements
Maximum one-year stay per application; no extension or conversion to other visa types
Restricted to six nationalities only (Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea)