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Working Holiday Agreement between Italy and Japan: new opportunities for young Italians and Japanese citizens from 2026
As of 1 April 2026, the Working Holiday Agreement between Italy and Japan has officially entered into force, ratified under Law No. 136 of 17 September 2025. This represents a significant development in the field of international mobility, designed to promote cultural, linguistic and professional exchange between the two countries.
The agreement introduces a special “working holiday” visa allowing young Italian and Japanese citizens to stay in the partner country for up to twelve months, with the possibility of undertaking employment without the need to obtain prior work authorisation.
For students, young professionals, expatriates and individuals seeking international experience, this scheme represents an important opportunity for personal and professional development. At the same time, it is essential to properly understand the requirements, limitations and legal implications of this new regime.
What is the Italy-Japan working holiday visa?
The working holiday visa is primarily intended for cultural and educational purposes. The objective of the agreement is not to create a standard labour immigration route, but rather to promote mutual understanding between young Italian and Japanese citizens through a temporary stay abroad.
Under this scheme, citizens aged between 18 and 30 will be able to reside in the partner country for up to one year, while undertaking incidental employment to support themselves during their stay.
One of the most significant aspects of the agreement is administrative simplification: visa holders will not be required to obtain work authorisation, thereby avoiding many of the procedures typically associated with employment-based immigration.
This simplification makes the programme particularly attractive to recent graduates, university students, early-career professionals and individuals seeking international experience in multicultural environments.
The scheme also forms part of a broader strategy of international cooperation between Italy and Japan, strengthening diplomatic, cultural and economic relations between the two countries.
Requirements for obtaining the working holiday visa
Access to the programme is subject to specific age and administrative requirements.
In particular, applicants must be:
- Italian or Japanese citizens;
- aged between 18 and 30;
- in possession of a valid passport;
- able to demonstrate sufficient financial means for the initial period of stay;
- without any immigration-related restrictions or adverse records in the host country.
Consular authorities may also request additional documentation, such as:
- proof of financial resources;
- international health insurance;
- a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one;
- evidence of temporary accommodation.
It is essential to verify the most up-to-date requirements with the relevant consular authorities, as operational procedures, annual quotas and application processes may be governed by specific administrative regulations.
For many young Italians wishing to temporarily relocate to Japan, this visa represents a concrete opportunity to access the Japanese labour market, improve language skills and develop internationally relevant professional experience.
Similarly, the programme will encourage young Japanese citizens to come to Italy to experience its culture, tourism sector, arts, fashion, hospitality industry and business excellence.
Permitted work: limits and conditions
Although the visa allows employment, the primary purpose of the stay remains holiday and cultural exchange.
The agreement provides that:
- employment must not exceed six months;
- work must be ancillary in nature;
- the main purpose of the stay must remain cultural and educational.
This means that the working holiday visa cannot be used as a standard mechanism for permanent relocation or for establishing long-term employment relationships.
Permitted work may include sectors such as:
- tourism;
- hospitality and catering;
- language teaching;
- seasonal work;
- temporary roles.
Host country labour, tax and social security regulations must still be fully complied with, including obligations relating to taxation, insurance and social contributions.
From a practical perspective, careful consideration should also be given to:
- tax residency;
- reporting obligations;
- temporary employment contracts;
- international health coverage.
Preliminary legal advice is strongly recommended in order to avoid administrative irregularities or issues related to cross-border compliance.
Implications for students, young professionals and expatriates
The introduction of this agreement reflects the increasing global mobility of young people and the growing demand for international educational and professional experiences.
For many young Italians, Japan represents an attractive destination due to its strong growth in technology, creative industries and cultural sectors. Conversely, Italy remains highly appealing to Japanese citizens for tourism, art, design, gastronomy and education.
The working holiday visa therefore offers:
- professional development opportunities;
- linguistic and cultural immersion;
- international networking prospects;
- initial access to competitive foreign labour markets.
From a legal perspective, however, such mobility programmes require careful compliance with immigration rules.
Errors relating to visa duration, employment limits or documentation may result in issues concerning:
- visa validity or renewal;
- lawful residence;
- tax obligations;
- access to healthcare;
- social security status.
For this reason, it is advisable to seek guidance from legal professionals specialising in immigration and cross-border mobility law.
The role of legal assistance in international mobility programmes
Working holiday schemes are an increasingly common tool in global mobility, but they also involve legal complexities that are often underestimated.
Professional legal support can assist Italian and Japanese citizens in:
- understanding entry requirements;
- preparing documentation correctly;
- ensuring employment contracts are compliant;
- avoiding breaches of immigration law;
- managing tax and social security obligations.
Giambrone & Partners is an international law firm advising Italian and foreign clients on immigration, international relocation, visa applications, labour mobility and cross-border legal matters.
With offices in Milan, Rome, Naples, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Paris and other jurisdictions, the multidisciplinary team provides multilingual assistance in Italian, English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Portuguese, supporting individuals, students, professionals and businesses in international mobility matters.
The entry into force of the Italy–Japan Working Holiday Agreement represents a major milestone for young people in both countries. The new visa will facilitate international experiences, cultural exchange and professional opportunities within a more flexible legal framework.
However, even within facilitated mobility schemes, it is essential to fully understand the rights, limitations and obligations imposed by immigration and employment law.
Seeking advice from experienced international lawyers can make a decisive difference in ensuring compliance and protecting individual interests abroad.
If you require legal assistance in relation to visas, immigration or relocation between Italy and Japan, contact Giambrone & Partners: our multilingual team is ready to assist you with expertise, efficiency and a tailored international approach.