Germany’s Working Holiday Visa - The Complete Guide
Imagine being able to work and simultaneously explore Germany’s rich culture, attractions, and stunning landscapes. You don’t have to imagine it anymore, it can become your reality. The German Working Holiday Visa is your gateway to experiencing everything Germany has to offer, from architectural wonders like the Cologne Cathedral to breathtaking landscapes and World Heritage sites like the Bode Museum.
Imagine turning your dreams into reality and:
- Enjoying a classic schnitzel at a five-star hotel
- Strolling down the streets of Berlin and exchanging “Guten tag!” with the locals
- Visiting the breathtaking islands in the North and Baltic Seas
It can’t get better than that.
The German Holiday Work Visa gives young adults between 18 and 30 years old (or 35 for Canadians) a once in a lifetime chance to experience German culture while they work. The main purpose of this visa is to foster cultural exchange and you can hop on the bandwagon and create the perfect travel/work balance.
This guide is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about the German Holiday Work Visa. We’ll equip you with all the information you need to know, from the eligibility criteria to the application process.
Who is Eligible for the German Holiday Work Visa?
The German Holiday Work Visa was designed for young travelers who don’t mind working while they travel. In the event that your visa application is approved, you will be eligible to stay in Germany for up to a year with the right to seek a job on either a part-time employment basis or a full-time employment basis.
It’s worth noting that your length of stay and the type of employment you can get is influenced by bilateral agreements between your country and Germany.
Requirements
You can only apply for a German Holiday Work Visa if you are from one of the countries that have a bilateral agreement with Germany. The approved countries are as follows:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- Israel
- New Zealand
Note: Citizens of these five countries can apply for a German Holiday Work Visa upon arrival at the German immigration office.
- Argentina
- Uruguay
- Chile
Note: Citizens from these three countries are eligible to apply for a German Holiday Work Visa at any German mission or embassy abroad.
- Republic of Korea- citizens can apply for a German visa at the embassy in Seoul
- Taiwan- citizens are eligible to apply for a visa at the German institute in Taipei
- Hong Kong- citizens are eligible to apply for a German visa at the Consulate General in Hong Kong
To be considered eligible for the German Holiday Work Visa, you must be at least 18 years old and 30 years old or below (you must not be 31 years old yet). For Canada, applicants must be 35 and below. This visa is only applicable to people who are traveling solo and will not be accompanied by any dependents.
It’s also important to note that you must not have been approved for this visa prior to your application process. The opportunity is only open to first time applicants.
The visa is only valid for up to a year but the time frame varies depending on nationality. The stipulations are as follows:
- Argentinian nationals are only permitted to work within the country for a total of six months. The visa will only be approved if the applicant can provide a valid Argentinian police report with their visa application
- The stipulations for the citizens of Japan, Chile, Uruguay, New Zealand, and Australia are slightly different. Citizens of these countries are permitted to work for up to six months for the same company. They are free to look for another employer or work with several employers for the remaining six months. Both full-time and part-time employment are allowed within this time frame
- Israeli citizens are required to find gainful employment with one employer for three months. After three months, they are free to work with other employers
- Freelancing or going the self-employment route is not allowed for applicants from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina
What Does the Visa Application Involve?
Your visa application checklist will vary depending on the country you are applying from, but let’s cover the general documents you will need to tick off your checklist before you hand in your application. You will be required to submit the following:
- A fully completed application form (make sure that declaration section 54 (2) 8 is completed). Print the document (including the barcodes) and sign.
- A valid passport which must have been issued no earlier than ten years before the date of application. The passport should also be valid for at least six months after your date of departure from Germany with at least two blank passport pages.
- A copy of your passport including copies of all stamped pages.
- Biometric passport photo (35*45mm). The photos should be no older than six months.
- A well written resumé or CV translated into German or English.
- A motivation letter from the applicant detailing what inspired them to join the German Holiday Work Visa program and highlighting what they hope to learn from the experience.
- A flight itinerary highlighting all intended or booked flights.
- Proof of funds to show that you can finance your stay in Germany for the first three months. Your proof of funds must show a balance of at least 2,400 Euros in your account (which is 800 Euros per month for the initial three months). Acceptable proof of funds include recent bank statements for an account in your name.
- A return flight ticket dated before the expiry of your visa OR an additional 1,000 Euros.
- Proof of accomodation in Germany for the first three months in the form of hotel reservations or an invitation letter that contains the full name, address, and an ID copy of the sponsor.
- Health insurance cover that covers at least 30,000 Euros in medical bills. The health insurance should remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in Germany. The cover must include repatriation in case of death
- Visa application fee of €75
Argentinian citizens will also be required to produce a valid police clearance certificate that covers the last three years.
It is important to note that the German embassy or German immigration reserves the right to request more information/documents as needed. Since regulations may vary, it is essential that you check the official German website to make sure that you have all the requirements for your specific region.
Where Can You Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance?
Planning your trip and ensuring that you have the best travel insurance can seem overwhelming, which is why Global Work & Travel is there to ease your mind. Global Travel Cover is your best bet when it comes to helping you plan your trip and making sure you are covered in case of emergencies. You will be insured for both travel emergencies and any health situations that may pop up along the way.
Global travel cover is the best choice for young globetrotters and here is why:
Medical Coverage:
- Ski & snowboarding injury coverage for the adrenaline seekers
- Medical and political evacuation in case of any emergencies
- Prescription medication
- Accidental death and dismemberment
- Return of mortal remains
All you need to do is answer a few questions about your trip and you’re good to go. If you are an adventurous adrenaline junkie who loves extreme sports, you can request extra coverage for these too.
Travel Coverage:
- Personal liability
- Lost checked luggage and theft of personal belongings
- Trip interruption in case an emergency comes up
Applying For Your Visa
Now that we have outlined the requirements, let’s outline what you need to do to apply.
It’s advisable not to leave the application process until the last minute though it’s worth noting that you cannot apply for the German Holiday Work Visa more than three months before your intended departure date. The processing time will vary depending on where you apply from and the season. Processing can take anywhere between three days and one month, but most applications are processed in a matter of one to two weeks.
Before proceeding to hand in your visa application, ensure that you meet all the criteria. You can always check for any new updates on the official German website.
Once everything is in order, you can proceed to book your visa appointment online at a German embassy close to you. Ensure that you don’t miss your visa appointment. This is because time slots may be filled up depending on your location and the season.
When your visa has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation or a message and you can either go and collect your passport in person or have it mailed to you depending on the option you picked during your visa appointment.
Local Government Registration
Once you arrive in Germany, make sure that you cross all the bureaucratic t’s and dot all the i’s. Make sure that you register with the local municipal government within seven days (or 14 days in Berlin) of your arrival in Germany. To complete your registration (Anmeldung), you will need to complete a form they will provide and go to the local government office with your proof of identity.
After you have completed the Anmeldung, you will receive the following documents that will help you access services or get a job in Germany:
- The Anmeldebestätigung /Meldebescheinigung (certificate of registration confirmation)
- The Steueridenitifikationsnummer (tax ID number)
It is also advisable for you to make an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde (foreigner’s authority) as soon as possible after your arrival.
What Jobs are Available in Germany?
Job options are endless in Germany and you don’t need formal qualifications to work under the German Holiday Work Visa. You have the option to pick full-time jobs or part-time jobs. Here are some of the options you can pick from:
- Call center
- Hospitality and Tourism: Most of the workers in restaurants and cafès in Berlin are foreign
- Agriculture: You can join the agricultural sector in the vineyards or as a fruit picker
- Au pair: This position is ideal if you like working in a family setting and taking care of kids in exchange for food and board plus an allowance
- Retail: You can work in boutiques or stores, particularly in larger cities where there are more opportunities
- Office work: You can get work as an assistant or receptionist
These job opportunities provide the perfect way to supplement your income while you experience the rich German culture.
Work Opportunities With Global Work & Travel
Finding a job after securing your German Holiday Work Visa doesn’t have to be a hassle. Global Work and Travel offers comprehensive packages that will give you a seamless travel experience and help you land a job to supplement your income.
Global Work & Travel offers the following work packages:
- Teach and Travel: you can tour Germany while you teach with no prior experience required. If you are a native English speaker, you can opt to live with a local family and give English lessons in exchange for room and board.
- Au Pair: if you love kids, this is the best opportunity for you. You can live in a cozy family set up where you provide live-in care for the kids of a welcoming host family. You will receive accommodation, food, and a weekly allowance. It can’t get better than that!
- Intern: you are eligible for our intern packages provided you are a Canadian citizen. You can further your career while learning everything you can about German culture.
Travel and Adventure Tips
Get ready to experience all the breathtaking attractions that Germany has to offer. Explore the rugged terrain of the primeval forests and the Alps. Then switch it up by touring German architectural wonders like Kriebstein Castle and the Cologne Cathedral.
Each region in Germany has its own unique quirks including cultural and language differences. If you are a fan of dining out, make your way to the north of the country and you’ll never run out of variety. Befriend some of the locals, they may show you one or two hidden gems. English is pretty common in the larger cities, but basic German is a must if you intend to work in the smaller towns.
Living in Germany is fairly affordable. The cost of living only goes up significantly in wealthy areas like Munich and Frankfurt, so if you need to live a simple, low-cost life, you may need to avoid the big cities.
Moving Around Germany
Germany has an extremely efficient transport system which is considered one of the best in the world. You will have access to trains, buses, and trams. You can also use ride-hailing services, car shares, or bikes. Ride-hailing services are the best option if you need more flexibility and if you are a fan of driving at a leisurely speed while you view the tranquil scenery at places like Potsdam.
Setting up Your Finances
Germany has a myriad of foreigner-friendly banks whose services you can use while you travel. You can try out the following:
There are also a lot of other options you can explore but all of these are guaranteed to make managing your finances while living in Germany so much easier. German banks also offer mobile banking apps that make it possible for you to manage your finances directly from your phone. You can do everything from paying bills to paying for meals through banking apps like N26.
To make your banking smooth and hassle-free, you will need to provide the following:
- Your passport
- Your visa
- Proof of address
How to Travel Around Europe from Germany?
Your German Holiday Work Visa gives you free access to the Schengen Area. That’s one of the unbeatable perks of being part of the Working Holiday Visa Programme. Your visa makes it possible for you to visit other countries within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days with no need for additional documents.
You are free to move within the Schengen area, but bear in mind that your primary residence is Germany. Do not overstay in other countries within the Schengen region to avoid any potential complications or violation of visa terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the German Working Holiday Programme? The German Working Holiday Programme visa allows young adults from eligible countries to live, work, and travel in Germany for up to one year, offering a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange and exploration.
- How long is the German Holiday Work Visa valid for? The visa is valid for up to a year.
- Can I extend my German Holiday Work Visa? No, you cannot. The visa is generally not one you can extend.
- How do I pay taxes in Germany? Your employer will automatically deduct taxes from your salary every month. You only need to file a tax return if you have extra income.
- How to set up a bank account in Germany? You will need to provide your passport, proof of residence, and visa.
- What happens if my visa expires? In the event that your visa expires, it is advisable to leave Germany to avoid violating your visa terms.
- Can I travel to other countries using my German Holiday Work Visa? Yes, you can travel to other countries provided they are within the Schengen Area. You should not visit for more than 90 days and your primary residence should always be Germany where your visa was issued.
- Do I need to register with the local government when I arrive in Germany? Yes, you need to register with the local government within 7 days (or 14 days in Berlin) of your arrival.