Working Holiday Visa for Maltese Nationals

Overview of the Working Holiday Programme and its Visa

　The working holiday programmes are, based on bilateral arrangements, intended to make it possible for the youth of Japan and its partner countries/regions to enter each country/region primarily for the purpose of spending holidays while allowing them to engage in employment as an incidental activity of their holidays for the purpose of supplementing their travel funds.
 
　The Programme is not intended for people who primarily intend to work. The primary purpose of the stay should be "vacation" in Japan. Therefore, applicants who primarily intend to work in Japan cannot apply for this visa.
 
　The Programme is designed to provide the youth with wider opportunities for them to appreciate the culture and general way of life in the partner countries/regions for the purpose of promoting mutual understanding between Japan and its partner countries/regions.
 
Useful link: The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)
 
　Between Japan and Malta, the introduction of the Working Holiday Programme is scheduled from January 1^st, 2026.
The number of visas issued for Maltese Nationals to participate in the Programme is currently limited to 100 per calendar year (1st January – 31st December).
Acceptance of applications will be closed when the number of visas issued reaches this number.
 
　Non-Maltese citizens who wish to apply for the Programme must check whether their home country has a similar agreement with Japan, and would need to apply at the Embassy or Consulate General in their home country.

 

Eligibility Criteria

　Working Holiday Visa applications can be accepted from those who satisfy all of the following requirements:

 (i) is Maltese national residing in Malta at the time of the application for the said visa;
 (ii) intends primarily to spend holidays in Japan for a period of up to one (1) year from the date of entry;
 (iii) is between eighteen (18) and thirty (30) years of age both inclusive at the time of application for the said visa;
 (iv) is not accompanied by dependents unless those dependents are also entitled to enter Japan on their own grounds;                                                                                                                             
 (v) possesses a valid Maltese passport, and a return travel ticket or sufficient funds, approximately 1,800 euro, to purchase such a ticket;
 (vi) possesses reasonable funds, at least 1,750 euro, for his or her maintenance during the initial period of stay in Japan (In the case of a married couple applying for two visas, the minimum amounts for the couple is 2,600 euro.);
 (vii) intends to leave Japan at the end of his or her stay;
 (viii) has not previously been issued the said visa;
 (ix) carries adequate heal insurance (submit a written pledge to enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance after entering Japan, or obtain valid insurance for the duration of your stay in Japan (and provide proof of enrollment.);
 (x) has good health and no criminal record; and
 (xi) intends to comply with the laws and regulations in force in Japan during his or her stay in Japan.

 

Documentation

 

1. Valid Maltese passport
2. One completed visa application form [SAMPLE]  *The sections of “Guarantor or reference in Japan” and “Inviter in Japan” can be left blank, if applicant is not visiting, meeting, staying with, working for or otherwise being invited by anyone in Japan.
3. One passport-sized photograph approx. 35mm x 45mm (taken within the last 6 months)
4. Resume
5. An outline of intended activities
6. A written reason for applying for a Working Holiday Visa typed on A4 paper
7. Documents proving the above items (v) and (vi), such as flight tickets, bank balance certificates or bank statements
8. Pledge form, or this may be substituted with a Certificate of Enrollment showing that you have valid insurance in Japan. *However, even in that case, as mentioned in the item below, you are required to enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance after entering the country.
9. Consent form for the use of personal data

 
* Additional documents or interviews may be required to verify the eligibility of an applicant for the Programme whenever the Embassy deems necessary.
* This visa issued is free of charge.

Application Process

 Step 1: Documents Preparation and Pre-Check
　Send digital copies of all required documents in advance by email to the Embassy of Japan in Rome, Italy.

 Step 2: Booking a Visit Appointment
　After receiving confirmation from the Embassy in Rome that all required documents are ready, please schedule an appointment for your visit.
* Confirmation at this stage does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

 Step 3: Submission of the Documents
　Submit your application in person at the Embassy of Japan in Rome, Italy, and applicants may be interviewed.

 Step 4: Issuance of the Visa
　Once the visa is issued, you will be contacted by email by the Embassy of Japan in Rome, Italy. Please schedule another appointment for your visit to receive the issued visa.
 
　Working holiday visas are valid for 3 months from the issue date. The participant must enter Japan before the visa expiry date. Participants will be given permission to stay for 1 year from the date of entry to Japan.

 

Important Notes

 

• Participants are not permitted to engage in activities at certain sites stipulated under the Law on Control and Improvement of Amusement and Entertainment Businesses. Working Holiday participants are strictly prohibited from working at places that are deemed to affect public morals, such as bars, cabarets, nightclubs etc*.*These sites include premises that operate adult entertainment related business.
• Resident Registration and Health Insurance
  • Within 14 days of moving into an address in Japan, Working Holiday participants must apply for the Resident Registration and enroll in the Japan’s National Health Insurance at a local government office near their residency.
  • For the National Health Insurance, a monthly premium of 3,500 yen (varies by municipality) must be paid, and in principle, 30% of medical expenses are borne by the insured at the time of hospital visits.
  • If coverage is needed for areas not covered by the National Health Insurance (such as death, permanent disability, liability, or emergency repatriation for medical reasons), it is necessary to obtain separate insurance (e.g., overseas travel insurance) at one’s own responsibility.
  • Working Holiday Visas are for single entry. However, if the Working Holiday participant has to leave Japan for any reason and wishes to return to Japan within their original one-year period of stay, they can depart from Japan with a Special Re-entry Permit.

              For further details, please visit the Immigration Services Agency website.

• Job Centres (Hello Work), and the Employment Service Centres for Foreigners in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya provide assistance to job-seekers in Japan. The above Employment Service Centres for Foreigners and some Job Centres are able to provide assistance in English. For further information, please refer to this page: Employment Policy for Foreign Workers
• Based on the submission of the Consent Form for the use of personal data, The Embassy of Japan in Malta may contact you regarding information on upcoming Japanese cultural events and related activities.

Feedback

　A questionnaires form  will be given to successful applicants when the visa is issued. After completing your working holiday in Japan, please complete the form when you return to Malta and send it to the Embassy of Japan in Malta by e-mail (e-mail address: consular@ve.mofa.go.jp).

 

Useful Links

 

• Visiting Japan 
• A Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals

 

Q & A

 1. I am 30 years old and will be 31 next month. Can I apply?
　Yes, but your application must be received before your 31st birthday. The visa will be valid for three months from the date of issue so you may have turned 31 by the time you enter Japan.

 2. What is the difference between a work visa and working holiday visa?
　A work visa is for the purpose of going to Japan to live and work full-time. A working holiday visa is for a long-term holiday travelling around Japan. You may work part-time to help fund your holiday.
 
 3. I am a Maltese citizen, but I am currently residing abroad. Can I apply?
　No. The guidelines require that all applicants must reside in Malta at the time of application.