Italy has officially ratified its Working Holiday Visa agreement with Japan. The law was published in the Official Gazette on September 26, 2025 (Law No. 136 of September 17, 2025), giving full effect to the deal signed in Rome back in May 2022.
This agreement allows young citizens (aged 18 to 30) from both countries to apply for a one-year visa that combines travel and work. The visa is free of charge and can be requested only by applicants residing in their country of origin.
While in Italy or Japan, visa holders can take on short-term jobs (up to six months total) without needing a separate work permit. The work doesn’t have to be with the same employer and is considered a secondary activity to the holiday experience.
Each country will decide every year how many visas can be issued under this program.
This new agreement joins similar Working Holiday arrangements already in place between Italy and Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Canada. With Canada, a new Youth Mobility Agreement entered into force on November 1, 2022.
These programs are generally aimed at young people between 18 and 30 or 35 years old, and are meant to encourage cultural exchange by allowing longer stays than a standard tourist visa, giving participants time to explore, work, and connect with the local community. It’s a great opportunity for young travelers who want to explore a new culture while gaining some work experience abroad.
Giuditta Petreni has over 10 years of experience in assisting companies and business investors with relocation of managers and staff to Italy. Giuditta has extensive experience advising corporate and private clients on a full range of Italian immigration categories. She is fluent in Italian and English.
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