Netherlands working holiday visa

Nationals of other countries can look at study, au pair, the orientation year after graduation or work permits instead.

For Turkish citizens the IND lists other routes under the Association Agreement, such as the orientation year, paid employment without a recognised sponsor and self-employment without the points test, and the au pair scheme at the reduced EUR 85 fee.

Applicants must hold the nationality or passport of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, Uruguay or South Korea and be between 18 and 30 when applying. Other nationalities, including Turkish citizens, cannot apply.

You need enough money for the whole stay and a return ticket or the means to buy one, and you may not rely on Dutch public benefits. The IND does not set a fixed amount.

Argentine, Uruguayan, Hong Kong and Taiwanese applicants need an MVV: they apply at a Dutch mission in their country of nationality and send the file to the IND within three weeks. Japanese and South Korean applicants use the online form no earlier than 90 days before travel; Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians can apply online, by post or at an IND desk. Annual quotas apply: 100 places each for Argentina, Uruguay, Hong Kong and Taiwan, 200 each for Japan and South Korea; Japan’s 2026 quota was filled on 7 April 2026. You must live in your country of nationality when applying and must not have held a regular Dutch residence permit before.

The permit is valid for up to one year and is meant for a single working holiday stay.

Occasional work that helps finance the trip needs no work permit, and full-time work is allowed, but not for the same employer for the whole year; self-employment is not allowed. The main purpose must be cultural exchange, a short course is permitted, and the permit cannot be extended. The IND decides within 90 days.