The government of the Italian Republic and the Government of Japan have signed an agreement providing for the release of working-holiday visas for young citizens who wish to spend short periods working in the respective countries.
The aim is to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. In fact, the agreement will enable the mutual exchange of experiences and knowledge between Italian and Japanese citizens.
Working-holiday agreements
Within the Italian regulatory framework, article 27, paragraph 1, of legislative decree No. 286/98 (Consolidated Immigration Act) provides for certain categories of workers who may enter Italy at any time of the year – so-called “out of quota” entries.
Out of quota categories also include working-holiday visas. These are for young foreigners who enter the country to carry out research or occasional work.
Under an international agreement, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 394/1999, one can apply for a working-holiday entry visa. The visa allows the holder to work in Italy for a maximum period of six months in a year and for no more than three months with the same employer.
Currently, there are working holiday agreements in place with several countries. These include New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea and, recently, Japan.
Italy-Japan agreement
The agreement with Japan was ratified and entered into force with Law No. 136 of September 17, 2025. The law was published in the Official Gazette N0. 224 of September 26, 2025. This agreement has been elevated to the status of an international treaty and, therefore, derogates from regulatory legislation and it allows Japanese citizens to work in Italy for a period of six months, even with the same employer.
In particular, each party shall issue, free of charge, a working holiday visa to citizens of the other country. Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
This visa will be valid for one year and will allow the holder to engage in professional activities, without a work permit, not necessarily for the same employer, for a period not exceeding six months as an activity ancillary to their vacation.
Each of the two countries will determine annually the maximum number of working holiday visas that may be issued. Feel free to contact us for more information about the visa application and issuance procedures.
