Austria has confirmed the Working Holiday visa for 2026. Find out who can apply, age restrictions, requirements, cost and rules for working and traveling in Schengen

Order an insurance policy for safe travel to any part of the world

Buy

Austria has officially confirmed the validity of the Working Holiday Visa program for 2026. It is one of the few European visas that allows young travelers to legally live, work and travel in Europe for up to 12 months without a job offer or employer sponsorship.

For those who dream of living in Europe “like a local”, combining work, travel and cultural exchange, the Austrian Working Holiday Visa remains a simple and affordable option.

Moving to Austria in 2025 requires a clear understanding of the rules. Read here about the current visa requirements, Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card, health insurance and residence for foreigners.

Traveling or living abroad is impossible without reliable health insurance. A policy from Visit World will help cover the costs of treatment, hospitalization and emergency medical care in any country in the world. Choose the protection that suits your plans and budget.

What does a Working Holiday visa in Austria give you?

Working Holiday in Austria allows you to:

- Live in Austria for up to 12 months;

- Officially work in temporary or seasonal jobs;

- Travel freely within the Schengen area;

- Not have a job offer in advance;

- Not have sponsorship from an employer.

For many, this is the best opportunity to live in Europe without complicated migration procedures and long-term commitments.

Is the Working Holiday visa valid in Austria in 2026?

Yes. Austria has extended the program for 2026 without changes.

The visa is issued as a long-term D-type visa and is intended exclusively for cultural exchange, and not for permanent employment or immigration. Despite the fact that some countries are tightening visa rules for young people, Austria has not reduced or suspended the program.

At the same time, in 2026, the demand for the visa increased, which increased the waiting time for an appointment at the embassy, ​​and documents, especially insurance and proof of finances, are checked more carefully.

Who can apply for a Working Holiday visa to Austria?

Citizens of the following countries can apply:

- Australia

- Canada

- New Zealand

- Japan

- South Korea

- Taiwan

- Hong Kong

- USA

- Argentina

- Chile

Most applicants can stay in Austria for up to 12 months. For citizens of New Zealand, the period is usually limited to 6 months, according to a bilateral agreement.

The list of countries has not changed in 2026.

Are there age restrictions for applicants for a Working Holiday in Austria?

The visa is aimed at young travelers:

- Standard age: from 18 to 30 years;

- For citizens of some countries - up to 35 years.

The exact age limit depends on the agreement between Austria and the country of citizenship, so it is worth checking the current conditions before applying.

Read about the current prices in Austria for accommodation, food, entertainment and much more here.

Requirements for a Working Holiday visa to Austria in 2026

To apply, you must confirm your financial capacity and the absence of intention for long-term employment.

Usually you need:

- Valid passport (at least 3 months after the end of your stay);

- Proof of finances - approximately 2,000-2,500 euros;

- Return ticket or funds to purchase it;

- Medical and travel insurance for the entire period of stay with coverage of at least 30,000 euros;

- Completed application form for a type D visa;

- Current biometric photo;

- Education documents (for certain nationalities);

- Certificate of good conduct (upon request).

Important! In 2026, embassies are checking insurance policies especially carefully - they must clearly include medical coverage, not just basic travel insurance.

Where and how to apply for a Working Holiday in Austria?

1. You can only apply outside Austria – through the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

2. Some applicants (including citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand) who are already in Europe can apply through the Austrian Embassy in London.

3. In a number of countries (Australia, New Zealand, UK) applications are accepted through VFS Global.

4. In addition, online registration with a limited number of slots has been introduced in 2026. The wait can last several weeks, so it is recommended to plan your application in advance.

​​For more information, visit the official website of the Austrian government.

What is allowed with an Austrian Working Holiday visa?

The visa gives the right to work in short-term or seasonal jobs, in particular in the following areas: cafes and restaurants, hotels and hostels, ski resorts, retail and service.

The most popular cities are Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, but seasonal work is often found in smaller tourist towns.

It is also allowed to take short-term courses (for example, German), if studying is not the main purpose of the stay.

A separate plus is travel: with this visa you can visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within every 180 days.

Cost of a Working Holiday visa to Austria in 2026

The visa fee is approximately 150 euros. The exact amount depends on the specific embassy.

If applying through VFS Global, an additional service fee is paid. All fees are usually non-refundable, even in case of refusal.

The Austrian Working Holiday Visa in 2026 remains one of the easiest and most flexible options for young travelers in Europe. It allows you to legally work, travel and live in the country without complicated immigration procedures.

If your goal is a year in Europe with real life and work experience, Austria continues to offer this opportunity, subject to careful preparation and advance planning.

To apply for a Working Holiday Visa to Austria in 2026, you need insurance with full medical coverage for the entire period of stay. Insurance programs from Visit World meet the visa requirements of Austria and are suitable for working, traveling and living in the Schengen area. Apply for a policy in advance to avoid delays or visa refusal.

As a reminder, Austria is introducing a new work permit for cross-border workers from December 2025. We have already told you who can apply, how the scheme works and what the rules are for workers' families.

Photo - generated by Gemini

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.