If you’re thinking of taking a working holiday, or gap year as you might also hear it called, look no further! There are many countries that offer a working holiday visa for UK citizens, and those with other citizenships as well.
Regardless of your age, experience, or skill set, there’s a working holiday for you! Choose from a paid, volunteer, or more academically inclined opportunity based on your budget, timeframe, and goals for your time abroad. Regardless of your ultimate destination, you’ll reap the many benefits of traveling without breaking the bank, and while furthering your career and/or contributing to a worthy cause.
Is it a good idea to take a working holiday?
Taking a working holiday is a GREAT idea…so where will yours take you?
Countries with working holiday visas for UK citizens are often looking for international travelers to boost their local economies, share their cultures and languages, and provide resources to their companies and organizations.
Working holidays abroad are mutually beneficial. The country you are traveling to will benefit from the work you provide, and you’ll gain experience in a chosen field, improve your cross-cultural communication skills, and meet people from all over the world, expanding your network on a global scale!
Those taking a working holiday often want to see new places and experience a different way of life while still earning a living. They may want to explore the world but have a specific timeline or budget to do so. If this sounds like you, keep these factors in mind when searching for opportunities.
Get matched with 5 working holiday programs right now
9 countries with working holiday visas for UK citizens
There are countries with working holiday visas for UK citizens on almost every continent. If you’re looking for a change of scenery but don’t want to tackle a new language, want to gain experience in a chosen field but in a warmer climate, or want to immerse yourself in an entirely new culture but need to earn a living while doing so, there are options for you! Check out the opportunities below to get started:
1. Australia
You’ll have a working holiday right out of a storybook thanks to Australia’s breathtaking landscapes.
Australia, or Oz as some refer to it, is similar to that storybook land—a magical place with plants, animals, and landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. From tropical, lush rainforest to the arid outback, you’ll find you need a lot of time to experience all that Australia has to offer.
A working holiday visa will allow you to make enough money to travel during your free time! Plus, there are a wide variety of jobs available to those on a working holiday visa, from tourism to business.
- Visa length: Up to one year
- Age limit: Must be between 18 and 30 years old
- Cost: 635 AUD or 328 GBP
- Minimum savings amount: 5,000 AUD or 2,586 GBP
- Recommended program: Australia Hotel & Tourism Jobs
2. New Zealand
New Zealand has long been a favorite for those seeking a working holiday or gap year. An epic destination, New Zealand is home to glaciers, miles-long beaches, picturesque lakes, stark cliff sides, and Hobbiton (for any “Lord of the Rings” fans)! It’s also home to the Māori indigenous people, who have a rich and unique history and culture.
While the cost of living is expensive, and getting there is quite a journey in itself, minimum wage for those on a working holiday visa is relatively high at about 29 NZD (approximately 14 GBP) per hour. New Zealand is an adrenaline-seeker’s dream, and jobs available mostly relate to tourism, adventure, and exploring the outdoors. If this sounds like something you’d want to pursue, plan for a longer trip, since UK residents can apply for a visa that lasts for up to two years!
- Visa length: Up to 23 months as a UK or Canadian citizen
- Age limit: Must be between 18 and 30 years old
- Cost: 455 NZD or 217 GBP
- Minimum savings amount: 4,200 NZD or 1,999 GBP
- Recommended program: Working Holiday in New Zealand – Your New Home in the South
3. France
A working holiday visa for UK citizens means you’re ready for travel, friendship, and adventure.
France isn’t all wine and fine cuisine (although that’s definitely a perk to consider). The country is a bucket list destination for many because of its beautiful language, art, architecture, history, and culture.
One of the most popular jobs to pursue while on a working holiday visa in France is that of au pair, taking care of a family’s children, home, and/or household tasks. Becoming a part of a French family is an authentic way to experience the country, learn the language, and gain valuable skills.
- Visa length: Up to one year
- Age limit: Must be between 18 and 30 years old (35 for Canadians)
- Cost: 99 EUR or 85 GBP
- Minimum savings amount: 3,270 EUR or 2,819 GBP
- Recommended program: Au Pair France – Explore Europe as an Au Pair
4. Germany
A diverse country, Germany is bespeckled with a mix of quaint, traditional villages and bustling metropolises. The city of Berlin will most likely be the destination for those on a working holiday visa, as there are many opportunities for employment in hospitality, education, or even with an international organization.
You’ll benefit from the many museums, restaurants, galleries, and events to be found in and around Berlin. Germany has a relatively high minimum wage compared to cost of living, and you should expect to make the equivalent of at least 1,293 GBP per month.
- Visa length: Up to one year
- Age limit: Must be between 18 and 30 years old (35 for Canadians)
- Cost: 75 EUR or 65 GBP
- Minimum savings amount: 5,124 EUR or 4,365 GBP
- Recommended program: Working Holiday in Berlin, Germany
5. United States
If you love working outdoors, a gap year in the U.S. is a great move.
For those who aren’t as inclined to learn a language other than English during their time abroad, consider a working holiday visa for UK citizens in the U.S. This is also known as a temporary work visa, and this visa will make you eligible for a wide variety of jobs.
One of the most popular positions is as a summer camp counselor. If you enjoy working with kids, a camp counselor or au pair position may be a great fit for you. You could also find seasonal work as a ski or snowboard instructor, or try your hand in hospitality at a hotel or resort. The U.S. has a lot to offer, and road trips are a must during your time off!
- Visa length: Varies based on visa type, but typically up to one year
- Age limit: No age limit
- Cost: 200 USD or 159 GBP
- Minimum savings amount: No minimum requirement (but you may need to prove to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that you have sufficient funds for travel, lodging, and meals)
- Recommended program: Live, Work & Travel at a Top USA Summer Camp
6. South Korea
A relatively new addition to countries with working holiday visas for UK citizens, South Korea is a great option for those looking for an intercultural experience that pays well. Also known as the H-1 Status, this type of work visa allows around 1,000 UK nationals entry each year.
You could work in technology, business, or other industries, although on this specific type of visa, you would not be able to teach English as a foreign language. South Korea has incredible food, influential pop culture and entertainment, and an impressive economy.
- Visa length: Up to one year from entry date, which must be within three months of visa approval
- Age limit: Between 18 and 30 years old at the time of visa application
- Cost: 261,964 KRW or 154 GBP for a single entry visa over 91 days, 328,306 KRW or 193 GBP for a multiple entry visa
- Minimum savings amount: 2,551,717 KRW or 1,500 GBP
- Recommended program: Gap Year Programs Around the World
7. Japan
Your working holiday visa for Japan lets you in on a world of culture and adventure.
Modernity meets tradition in Japan, a country with pristine, centuries-old temples and soaring skyscrapers. It’s also home to natural wonders like Mount Fuji and Takachiho Gorge.
Explore the island nation while working in adventure tourism or completing a paid internship. Learning Japanese will give you a leg up on future job opportunities, and you’re sure to meet some incredible people—locals and other international travelers alike!
- Visa length: Up to one year (though you can apply for an extension)
- Age limit: Between 18 and 30 at the time of application
- Cost: 3,000 JPY or 16 GBP for single entry, or 5,899 JPY or 31 GBP for multiple entry
- Minimum savings amount: 475,789 JPY or 2,500 GBP (alternatively, you can show 285,472 JPY or 1,500 GBP plus proof of flight out of the country at the end of your trip)
- Recommended program: Winter Gap Year - Become a Ski or Snowboard Instructor
8. South Africa
There are general work visas and critical skills work visas for travel to South Africa. Most likely, you would apply for a general work visa or your program provider would help you do so. Work at an NGO, in hospitality or tourism, or sign up for a program that takes your journey beyond Africa.
In South Africa, you’ll experience the Rainbow Nation, a tapestry of cultures, colors, and biodiversity. Go on safari or taste wine at a vineyard on the coast—there’s something for everyone in South Africa!
- Visa length: Valid through the length of your employment contract, most likely for 12 months (though available for up to five years)
- Age limit: None, but may vary depending on program provider
- Cost: 3,070 ZAR or 128 GBP
- Minimum savings amount: If applying for a Critical Skills Work Visa you must show savings of 8,500 ZAR or 354 GBP per person per month
- Recommended program: Around the World by Way of Cape Horn on STV Picton Castle
9. Peru
You’ll have so much to explore when you go for a working holiday in Peru.
Looking for a true adventure? Try your hand at being an adventure guide, eco-tourism professional, or conservationist.
While in Peru, you can explore ancient ruins like Batan Grande, hike the historic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, visit Manu National Park, or take in the Spanish colonial architecture of Cusco. Improve your Spanish while gaining experience coordinating and/or leading educational and adventure activities, teaching, or working in the tourism industry.
- Visa length: Up to one year
- Age limit: Must be between 18 and 30 years old
- Cost: 742 PEN or 160 GBP
- Minimum savings amount: No minimum, but you may need to show a departure plane ticket
- Recommended program: Seeking a Global Service Adventure Guide in Peru
Explore ALL Working Holiday Programs on GoAbroad.com!
A working holiday is a fun and lucrative way to spend a gap year!
If you’ve just completed high school, are considering taking a year off university, want to explore another field of work as a young professional, are considering retiring, or simply want a break from the everyday to experience something new, taking a working holiday is a decision you won’t regret.
Choose from a variety of programs and destinations that fit your needs and desires. Fund your travels while discovering more about yourself and the world. With money no longer a barrier, where in the world will you go?
Compare Working Holiday Programs Side-by-Side with MyGoAbroad
Look for the Perfect Gap Year Program Now
Start Your Search