Top 7 Countries with Working Holiday Visas for UK Citizens

If you’re considering taking a gap year as you might also hear it called, many countries offer working holiday visas for UK citizens and those with other citizenships. Regardless of your age, experience, or skill set, there’s a working holiday for you! Choose from a paid, volunteer, or more academically inclined opportunity based on your budget, timeframe, and goals for your time abroad. Regardless of your ultimate destination, you’ll reap the many benefits of traveling without breaking the bank, and while furthering your career and/or contributing to a worthy cause.

Working holidays are an excellent way to immerse yourself in a new culture while earning money to fund your travels. Many countries offer these visas to encourage international visitors who can bring new skills, perspectives, and cultural exchange. The benefits are mutual: the host country gets a boost to its local economy and workforce, and you, the traveler, gain invaluable life experience, enhance your resume, and build a global network of friends and professional contacts.

Many people wonder if taking a working holiday is a good idea. The answer is a resounding yes! Countries with working holiday visas for UK citizens are often looking for international travelers to boost their local economies, share their cultures and languages, and provide resources to their companies and organizations. This exchange is mutually beneficial. The country you are traveling to will benefit from the work you provide, and you’ll gain experience in a chosen field, improve your cross-cultural communication skills, and meet people from all over the world, expanding your network on a global scale. Those taking a working holiday often want to see new places and experience a different way of life while still earning a living. They may want to explore the world but have a specific timeline or budget to do so. If this sounds like you, keep these factors in mind when searching for opportunities.

Here are top seven countries with working holiday visas for UK citizens that you should consider:

1. Australia

Australia, often referred to as “Oz,” is a magical place with unique plants, animals, and landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. From tropical rainforests to the arid outback, Australia offers a diverse range of experiences. A working holiday visa will allow you to make enough money to travel during your free time. There are a wide variety of jobs available, from tourism to business. The visa length is up to one year, with an age limit of 18 to 30 years old. The cost is 635 AUD or 328 GBP, and you need a minimum savings amount of 5,000 AUD or 2,586 GBP.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand is a favorite destination for those seeking a working holiday or gap year. Known for its stunning landscapes, including glaciers, beaches, lakes, and cliff sides, New Zealand is also home to the Māori indigenous people with a rich history and culture. The cost of living is high, but the minimum wage for those on a working holiday visa is about 29 NZD (approximately 14 GBP) per hour. Jobs mostly relate to tourism, adventure, and exploring the outdoors. The visa length is up to 23 months for UK or Canadian citizens, with an age limit of 18 to 30 years old. The cost is 455 NZD or 217 GBP, and the minimum savings amount is 4,200 NZD or 1,999 GBP.

3. France

France is a dream destination for many, known for its beautiful language, art, architecture, history, and culture. One of the most popular jobs for working holiday visa holders is that of an au pair, taking care of a family’s children and household tasks. This is an authentic way to experience the country, learn the language, and gain valuable skills. The visa length is up to one year, with an age limit of 18 to 30 years old (35 for Canadians). The cost is 99 EUR or 85 GBP, and the minimum savings amount is 3,270 EUR or 2,819 GBP.

4. Germany

Germany is a diverse country with a mix of traditional villages and bustling cities. Berlin is a popular destination for working holiday visa holders, offering many employment opportunities in hospitality, education, and international organizations. The city boasts numerous museums, restaurants, galleries, and events. Germany has a relatively high minimum wage compared to the cost of living, with an expectation of at least 1,293 GBP per month. The visa length is up to one year, with an age limit of 18 to 30 years old (35 for Canadians). The cost is 75 EUR or 65 GBP, and the minimum savings amount is 5,124 EUR or 4,365 GBP.

5. United States

For those who prefer to stay in an English-speaking country, the United States offers a working holiday visa, also known as a temporary work visa. Popular positions include summer camp counselor, au pair, ski or snowboard instructor, and hospitality jobs at hotels or resorts. The visa length varies based on the visa type, but typically lasts up to one year. There is no age limit, and the cost is 200 USD or 159 GBP. There is no minimum savings requirement, but you may need to prove to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that you have sufficient funds for travel, lodging, and meals.

6. South Korea

South Korea offers a working holiday visa, known as the H-1 Status, allowing around 1,000 UK nationals entry each year. Jobs in technology, business, and other industries are available, but teaching English is not permitted on this visa. South Korea offers incredible food, influential pop culture, and an impressive economy. The visa length is up to one year from the entry date, with an age limit of 18 to 30 years old. The cost is 261,964 KRW or 154 GBP for a single entry visa over 91 days, and 328,306 KRW or 193 GBP for a multiple entry visa. The minimum savings amount is 2,551,717 KRW or 1,500 GBP.

7. Japan

Japan is a country where modernity meets tradition, with ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. The country offers natural wonders like Mount Fuji and Takachiho Gorge. Jobs in adventure tourism and paid internships are available. Learning Japanese can enhance future job opportunities. The visa length is up to one year, with an age limit of 18 to 30 years old. The cost is 3,000 JPY or 16 GBP for single entry, and 5,899 JPY or 31 GBP for multiple entry. The minimum savings amount is 475,789 JPY or 2,500 GBP, or 285,472 JPY or 1,500 GBP plus proof of a flight out of the country.

Taking a working holiday is an enriching experience that allows you to explore new cultures, gain work experience, and make lifelong connections. Each country offers unique opportunities that cater to different interests and skills. Whether you’re looking to work in tourism, education, business, or adventure, there’s a working holiday destination for you. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey that will broaden your horizons and enrich your life.