Italy has launched a Working Holiday Visa programme, allowing young citizens from six countries to live and work in Italy for an extended period. The programme is part of bilateral agreements between Italy and the six countries, which include New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. This new pathway will enable young nationals to stay in Italy for up to 12 months, with the possibility of working for up to six months.
To be eligible for the Working Holiday Visa, applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, except for Canadian and Australian nationals, who can apply up to the age of 35. The visa has strict rules, including no dependent children and a one-time opportunity for applicants. Within the 12-month stay, holders can only engage in paid work for a maximum of six months. For most nationalities, employment with any single employer is capped at three months.
South Korean nationals have a different set of rules, as their bilateral agreement allows them to remain with one employer for the full six-month working period. Before applying, an Italian employer must secure a No-Impediment clearance, known as a Nulla Osta, from the relevant Immigration Office. This authorisation is required before prospective applicants can submit their documents.
To apply for the Working Holiday Visa, applicants need to provide a comprehensive set of supporting materials. These include a valid passport, a signed application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, and bank statements demonstrating sufficient financial means. Medical travel insurance covering the Schengen Area to a minimum value of 30,000 euros is compulsory for at least the first month of the stay.
Additional requirements include proof of accommodation, a confirmed flight booking, and copies of any previously held Schengen, US, Canadian, Japanese, or UK visas. Applicants submitting through the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi must also provide a no-impediment letter from their UAE sponsor. Italy's immigration authorities have made it clear that submitting a complete application does not guarantee approval.
The final decision on the application rests with the relevant consular authorities. This new Working Holiday Visa programme is part of Italy's efforts to attract young talent from around the world. The programme is expected to benefit both Italian businesses and young nationals from the six countries.
The Italian government has also announced that groups of foreign-born descendants can seek recognition of Italian citizenship by ancestry under rules that came into force on 28 March 2025. The eligibility criteria apply to individuals who already hold another nationality, including Canadian citizenship. This new policy is expected to strengthen ties between Italy and its diaspora communities around the world.
Key points
- The Working Holiday Visa programme is open to young citizens of New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, except for Canadian and Australian nationals, who can apply up to the age of 35.
- The visa allows for a stay of up to 12 months, with the possibility of working for up to six months.
