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Japanese work and holiday visa for Spaniards: Complete guide
Experience Japanese culture by living and working there. Learn how to get the Japanese work and holiday visa for Spaniard!
There is a way to travel and work at the same time in Japan, thanks to the Japanese work and holiday visa for Spaniards. With it, you can stay in Japan for a year, discovering its ancient temples, admiring the cherry blossoms, immersing yourself in its culture, while financing your stay with a local job. This visa is a combination of holiday and work designed for young Spaniards who have always dreamed of living in Japan for a while.
If this sounds like you, keep reading because we’ll tell you how to get this visa. We’ll explain how it works, who it’s for, what requirements and documentation you need to meet, and how to apply for it. We’ll also give you some tips on how to stay connected to the internet throughout this Asian adventure. Are you in?
What Work and Holiday visas does Japan offer for Spaniards?
Japan, located in East Asia and made up of over 6,000 islands, is an exotic destination for Spanish citizens due to the significant difference between the two cultures. This country is a blend of technology, modernity, and tradition that can be felt in its iconic cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, or Kyoto.
Since 2017, a bilateral program was designed between the governments of both countries, called the Japan Working Holiday visa, allowing young people between 18 and 30 years old to go on an extended holiday while engaging in temporary work. The aim of this agreement is to promote cultural exchange between young Japanese and Spaniards.
Japan Working Holiday Visa
If you’re interested in applying for the Japan Working Holiday visa to live a travel and work experience in an Asian country, pay attention to all the benefits you can get with it. Unlike other traditional work visas, you don’t need a prior job offer.
With this visa, you first travel to Japan and then start looking for a job, making the process easier. For this, the employment centre Hello Work helps with your job search. Additionally, you can travel around different regions of the country and combine tourism with studies or work activities, or even do a volunteering programme.
Unlike the Working Holiday visas from other countries, in Japan, you cannot leave the country until your stay ends. If you need to leave due to an emergency, you must apply for a special permit to re-enter the country.
Who is this visa for?
The Japan Working Holiday visa is aimed at young Spaniards between 18 and 30 years old who are motivated and curious to explore Japanese culture, its cities, temples, gastronomy, language, and traditions. The typical profile of applicants for this visa are students, recent graduates, or adventurous travelLers in love with the quality of life in Japan.
Requirements and documentation
If you identify with one of these young adventurers and are ready to apply for the Japan Working Holiday visa, first, you need to know and meet the following requirements. Additionally, you’ll need to start preparing the necessary documentation:
Requirements:
- Age: You must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
- Spanish citizenship: With habitual residence in Spain and a national passport.
- Not a former beneficiary: You must not have participated in the Japan Working Holiday programme before.
- Not travelling with dependents: You cannot travel with dependent family members unless they have their own visa.
- Financial solvency: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself at the start of your journey, a minimum of €2,000 ($2,100).
- Good physical and mental health: You must show that you have no serious illness preventing you from travelling.
- Intent to work or study temporarily: The primary purpose of your trip must be tourism, and secondly, working or studying temporarily.
Documentation:
- Spanish passport: Valid throughout the entire trip.
- Round-trip ticket: You must present your return ticket to Spain or additional funds to buy one, around €1,000 ($1,050).
- Health insurance: You must get health insurance covering emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
- CV (Curriculum Vitae): Complete an official template detailing important jobs and studies, and include a recent photograph.
- Criminal background certificate: You must request a certificate proving you have no criminal record, which can be done online through the Ministry of Justice.
- Motivation letter: Must be written in English or Japanese, convincing the consular office of your motivation to live in Japan.
- Application form: Fill out the Japan entry application form with your personal details and a recent photograph (45mm x 35mm) taken within the last six months.
- Travel plan: On the official website of the Spanish embassy in Japan, you can find a travel template where you need to detail the cities you’ll visit, dates, and actions you’ll take there.
Steps to Obtain the Japan Working Holiday Visa
You’re one step closer to packing your bags for Japan! The next step, once you’ve confirmed that you meet all the requirements for the Japan Working Holiday visa, is to know how and where to apply for it. It’s important to know that you cannot apply online; you must apply in person at the Japanese embassy in Madrid, Barcelona, or the Canary Islands.
1. Gather all the documents
The first step to submit your application for the Japan Working Holiday visa is gathering all the documentation we’ve seen in the previous section in paper format. We recommend you carry these documents in a folder or rigid envelope so they won’t get damaged or wet.
2. Sign the assumption of responsibility
Download the official template where you assume responsibility for managing the delivery or collection of your passport and documents by using a courier service. This way, if any documents get lost, you can’t hold the embassy responsible. You need to attach this document to your application.
3. Submit your application
The next step is to schedule an appointment with the Japanese embassy in Spain to submit your application in person or via courier. For this, you need to go to the consular office corresponding to your area of residence:
- Embassy of Japan in Madrid: For all of Spain, except Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and Valencia. Contact: workingholiday@md.mofa.go.jp. Telephone: 915907614.
- Consulate of Japan in Barcelona: Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia. Contact: workingholiday@bc.mofa.go.jp. Telephone: 932803433.
- Consulate of Japan in the Canary Islands: For all Canary Islands. Contact: workingholidaylp@md.mofa.go.jp. Telephone: 928244012.
4. Wait for the response
Once the consular office has reviewed your application, they will contact you to inform you of the decision within one to two weeks. If they have any doubts, they may request a personal interview where they’ll ask you about your reasons for applying for the Working Holiday visa for Japan.
5. Collect your visa and passport
Now that you have the decision, whether it’s favourable or not, it’s time to collect your visa along with your passport. To do this, you can schedule another appointment at the Japanese consulate in person, via an authorised family member, or by sending a courier service.
Internet While You Work, Rest, or Study in Japan
Before travelling, make sure to prepare your digital connectivity so you can access the internet right at the airport and check your accommodation booking, use GPS, or let your family know you’ve arrived. The Holafly eSIM for Japan is a perfect solution for your first days in the country, offering stable, secure, and fast coverage that you can activate for the days you need.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Cost and Expenses for Obtaining the Japan Working Holiday Visa
Did you know that the Japan Working Holiday visa costs nothing for Spanish citizens? Unlike other countries, you won’t have to pay any consular fees, but there are other indirect expenses related to your trip that you need to know in order to plan your budget.
Japan has a high cost of living, especially in tourist cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. We recommend that you bring enough money until you can find a job. In the table below, we detail the initial expenses you should consider:
| Category | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Medical insurance | From €100 per month ($82) |
| Return flight | From €650 ($605) |
| Criminal record certificate | €3.86 ($4.48) |
| Accommodation | From €500 per month ($82) |
| Proof of financial solvency | €2,000 minimum ($2,100) |
Approximate costs for the Working Holiday visa in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Japan Working Holiday Visa
Each year, a quota of 500 spots is opened, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, we recommend you stay alert for the opening and apply early.
The Working Holiday visa allows you to take short courses, like Japanese classes, as long as they can be combined with your stay and work.
No, this visa is valid for a maximum of 12 months and is not renewable. Once it ends, you must leave the country or change to another type of visa if you meet the requirements.
With the Japan Working Holiday visa, you can work temporarily in jobs like waiter, Spanish teacher, delivery person, or receptionist. Working in night shifts or illegal activities is prohibited.
No, this is what makes this visa different. You first travel to Japan and, once there, you can start looking for a job. For this, the Hello Work employment centre in Japan will assist you.
