People with Japanese nationality can apply for the Ireland working holiday. The Irish Immigration Service says Japan is among the eligible countries and that you can stay for up to 1 year. You apply to the Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo, and after arrival you also need to register with the Immigration Service.
You apply to the Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo, and after arrival you must register with the Immigration Service. On the cost side, be sure to check the savings requirement for the early part of your stay and the registration fee.
Eligibility and Age Requirements
According to the Embassy of Ireland in Japan, this scheme is an initiative of the Japanese and Irish governments. It lets young Japanese people spend an extended holiday in Ireland and work to supplement their travel funds.
On age, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan says 18 or older and 25 or younger. People up to 30 or younger can apply where the relevant government authorities allow it. In the application guide of the Embassy of Ireland in Japan, the requirement is 18 or older and 30 or younger (both ends included) at the time of application.
The main requirements are shown in the table.
| Item | Guidance from the Embassy of Ireland in Japan |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 or older and 30 or younger at the time of application |
| Funds | Savings to cover costs in the early part of your stay are required |
| Previous use | You have not previously travelled to Ireland on a working holiday |
| Health insurance | Appropriate insurance covering the whole period of your stay |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry |
| Permission period | Up to 1 year from the date of entry |
Health Insurance Coverage
The application guide of the Embassy of Ireland in Japan requires appropriate health insurance covering the whole period of your stay. The permission lasts for up to 1 year from the date of entry, so if you stay for 1 year, you need insurance that covers that entire year.
Required Savings and Costs
On funds, the embassy requires savings to cover your costs in the early part of your stay. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan also lists holding funds to support yourself during the initial period of your stay as one of the requirements. Check the amount in the embassy's latest application guide.
Where to Apply and How the Application Works
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan says that, as a general rule, Japanese people must apply to the foreign diplomatic missions in Japan. The Irish government's guidance also gives the Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo as the place to apply from Japan. The Irish Immigration Service says applications for this scheme are made through the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Irish Immigration Service says places are limited and that you cannot apply if you are already in Ireland. According to the guidance from the embassy in Japan, the first application period for 2026 is from 15 January to 6 February 2026. It was for people who wanted to travel by 30 September 2026. Check the embassy's page for the next intake period.
Even if you use an application agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan warns against leaving the preparation and drafting of documents entirely to them.
- Fill in the application form in English, handwrite it and send it by email
- When you receive the email of provisional approval, send your documents by registered post
- Send them to VFS Services Japan LLC
Registering with the Immigration Service After Arrival
The Irish Immigration Service says that if your application is approved, you should register with the Immigration Service after arrival. Once you have received permission to stay, you must register within 90 days.
You book your first registration through your personal customer service account. Appointments can only be booked after arrival. Once registration is complete, an Irish Residence Permit card is sent by post and serves as proof of legal residence.
The registration fee is 300 euros per person (where applicable). When a registration fee applies, payment can be made only by credit card or debit card.
The documents the Immigration Service lists for first registration include the following.
- The photo page of your passport
- The working holiday authorisation issued by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs
Length of Stay and No Extensions
The Irish Immigration Service says young people from eligible countries can apply for a working holiday authorisation and stay in Ireland for up to 1 year (up to 2 years for Canadians). Japan is also included in the Immigration Service's list of eligible countries.
Registration after arrival is for the same length of time. According to the Immigration Service, registration of a working holiday authorisation is valid for 12 months (24 months for authorisations issued in Canada) and cannot be renewed.
Once the authorisation expires, you must leave the country and re-enter on the basis of a new permission.
On the Japanese side, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan says that Japanese people who set up a residence or place of stay abroad and stay for 3 months or more are obliged, under Article 16 of the Passport Act, to submit a residence notification to the competent Japanese embassy or consulate general.
Next Steps
First, check whether your age and savings meet the requirements. On BLOOM ABROAD's Ireland visa and entry page, you can check the entry and permission requirements and the working holiday requirements, with official sources.
For a guide to living costs during your stay, the Ireland cost page shows official living costs in your own currency.
Sources
Government and public bodies
- アイルランド移民局 ワーキングホリデーの案内（2026年10月19日確認）
- 在日アイルランド大使館 ビザの案内（2026年10月19日確認）
- 外務省 ワーキング・ホリデー制度（2026年10月19日確認）
- 在日アイルランド大使館 ワーキングホリデーの申請期間（2026年10月19日確認）
- アイルランド政府 ワーキングホリデー許可の申請先（2026年10月19日確認）
- 在日アイルランド大使館 申請方法の案内（英語）（2026年10月19日確認）
- アイルランド移民局 初回登録の必要書類（2026年10月19日確認）
- アイルランド移民局 初回登録の案内（2026年10月19日確認）
