Italy•EuropeYouth Mobility / Working Holiday Visa
At a Glance
2–3 weeks
EUR €116
1 year
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in Italy
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
New Zealand
South KoreaRequirements
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
Related visas
More visas in Italy
- Adoption Visa (Type D)
Family
- Business Visa (Type C)
Business
- Self-Employment Visa
Work
Working holiday visas in other countries
- Working Holiday Program (WHP/WHS)
Netherlands
- Working Holiday (Subclass 417)
Australia
- Working Holiday Permit (radni odmor)
Croatia
Living in Italy
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