Hi Everyone,
I’m very new here, so please excuse me if this is a basic question. I’m planning to apply for a Work and Holiday Visa (WHV) for Japan from Germany and was wondering if anyone could share their experiences or advice.
A bit about my situation:
- I plan to apply about 2 months before my 31st birthday.
- I have a full-time, permanent job in Germany (German citizen).
- At the time of application, I can provide proof of €7k–€10k in savings.
My questions:
- Is a flight ticket mandatory? I’ve read conflicting information: some sources say you must show a one-way flight, others say proof of sufficient funds is enough.
- Timing of entry: The WHV is valid for 1 year from the day of entry, and I plan to enter in 2027 to align with my work. Could this cause any issues? Would a flexible ticket purchased in December 2026 be a better idea? Same question for the hotel/temporary accommodation reservation. I don’t want to raise any concerns for the visa application; it just fits better with my work since I have to apply soon due to my age.
- Proof of funds / motivation letter: I expect to have about €35k available by the time I enter Japan. Should I mention this in my motivation letter?
My main goal is really to travel, experience the culture, and maybe do small jobs, but not necessarily work full-time.
Any guidance or experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
by WonderfulGrade8304