Going abroad to work while discovering a new country is a dream for many young Belgians. Thanks to the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) , this experience is possible without a prior contract or a traditional work visa. However, while neighboring countries like France and Luxembourg are increasing their agreements, Belgium has remained stuck for years with only five WHV destinations for Belgians .
In 2026 , Belgian citizens will be able to apply for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) to Australia , Canada , New Zealand , South Korea , and Taiwan . These five very different countries each offer a unique adventure. In this article, we review the countries accessible in 2026 , the eligibility requirements , and the possible reasons behind the lack of new agreements—a topic that finally deserves to be addressed.
The Working Holiday Visa , also known as , is a bilateral agreement between two countries that allows young adults to travel and work abroad for several months . This program, particularly popular in French-speaking countries, aims to promote international mobility , cultural exchange , and the independence of young travelers .
For Belgian citizens, the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is generally aimed at those aged 18-30 (the age limit may vary depending on the country). This temporary visa allows both residence and work, without the requirement of a prior contract. Holders can therefore finance their trip through seasonal jobs, work assignments in the restaurant, tourism, or agricultural sectors.
The Working Holiday Visa is often seen as a gateway to international mobility , but also as a significant life stage: learning to fend for oneself, managing one's budget, adapting to a new environment... all skills that recruiters value today.
Visa duration varies by country ( 12 months in most cases), sometimes with the possibility of renewal (as in Australia , up to three years). Each destination sets its own entry requirements, but most require:
In 2026, Belgians have access to five official Working Holiday Visa destinations . Here's a complete overview to help you choose the country that best suits you.
| Country | Age limit | Visa duration | Quotas | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 18-30 years old | 12 months (renewable up to 3 times) | Unlimited | A top destination for Working Holiday Visa holders. Allows you to work freely and travel throughout the country. |
| Canada | 18-30 years old | 12 months (extendable to 1 year) | Approximately 750 places/year | Procedure via the EIC pool (lottery). Very popular with young Belgians. |
| New Zealand | 18-30 years old | 12 months (3 more months possible) | Unlimited | Ideal for nature lovers, hikers and road trip enthusiasts. |
| South Korea | 18-30 years old | 12 months | 200 places/year | An immersive stay blending modernity and tradition; growing popularity since 2019. |
| Taiwan | 18-30 years old | 12 months | 200 places/year | Original Asian experience; low cost of living and warm welcome. |
That's the big question. While France, Luxembourg, Germany and Canada have multiplied bilateral Working Holiday Visa agreements , the Belgian authorities seem to remain inactive, with the counter remaining frozen at five destinations for several years.
Yet, the demand is definitely there. Every year, hundreds of young Belgians want to discover the world in a different way: by working, immersing themselves in a culture, learning a language. The Working Holiday Visa perfectly meets this modern aspiration for mobility and international exchange . So, why this stagnation?
Unlike other countries where the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) falls under the purview of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Youth, in Belgium the program is managed by the State Secretariat for Asylum and Migration . This peculiarity could explain, at least in part, the lack of progress. While some countries view the WHV as a diplomatic and cultural tool, Belgium seems to approach it from a more restrictive, migration-related perspective
This approach could fuel some reluctance to sign new agreements , for fear of imbalances or an influx of foreign workers into the Belgian market. However, the figures show that the Working Holiday Visa is far from being a mass immigration program. It is based on reciprocity and strict quota limits , guaranteeing a fair exchange between partner countries.
The example of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is striking: in 2024, it signed a Working Holiday Visa agreement with Japan , thus opening up a major cultural destination for its young people. Meanwhile, Belgians still do not have access to this type of opportunity in East Asia, even though demand is high and diplomatic relations are good.
This lack of new agreements gives an impression of stagnation , which is all the more regrettable given Belgium's positive international image and its curious, mobile, and open-minded youth. Why not capitalize on this momentum to strengthen cultural and economic exchanges through the Working Holiday Visa?
Currently, there is no official explanation for this blockage. Several approaches have been made to the relevant authorities, but no clear response has been received to date. However, the fact remains: the Belgian Working Holiday Visa (WHV) needs an update .
New agreements with countries like Japan, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico would offer considerable opportunities, while also enhancing Belgium's image as a globally minded nation. At a time when youth mobility is becoming a major issue, it is time for Belgium to join the international movement and offer its young people the same opportunities as its European neighbors.
Even though Belgium currently only has five partner countries, going on a Working Holiday Visa is still an adventure that requires careful preparation . Between administrative procedures, budgeting, and visa formalities, good preparation makes all the difference.
Before you begin, here are the main steps to anticipate:
Tip: In some destinations like Australia or New Zealand, having an international driving permit can make it easier to find odd jobs, especially on farms or in tourism.
A Working Holiday Visa isn't just a long trip; it's a temporary expatriation experience . This means learning to manage a budget in a new currency, adapting to a different work rhythm, and sometimes, facing a language barrier. But that's also what makes it so enriching: each step is a learning opportunity and a chance to gain confidence.
Going on a Working Holiday Visa requires organization, time, and often a good dose of patience. Between administrative procedures, visa processing times, and finding accommodation or employment, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where Visa Vacances Travail comes in: a specialized team that supports young Belgians from the initial question to boarding.
Twice a week, we host an online information session via Zoom , open to anyone interested in the Working Holiday program. It's the perfect opportunity to learn about how the visa works , eligibility requirements , and the differences between destinations . You'll also meet members of the team, who will answer all your practical questions live: budget, employment, accommodation, insurance, and more.
After the session, you'll receive a personalized email to help you refine your plans: which destination to choose, when to leave, how long to stay, and whether you should take language courses before or during your trip.
The team will help you create a realistic plan and prepare your quote. Generally, two weeks are enough to organize everything , or a month if you plan to study at the same time.
Once your project is validated, it's time to take action. Working Holiday Visa helps you book your plane ticket , obtain your visa (for Canada , South Korea or New Zealand in particular) through clear tutorials and finalize your administrative file .
Before your big departure, a pre-departure session is organized with other young people leaving at the same time as you. This is the time to share your excitement, ask any last-minute questions, and virtually meet your future travel group. We will then provide you with all the necessary documents (stay information, contacts, reservations) via a personal Google Drive folder , so you have everything at your fingertips.
In 2026, Belgians can still count on five Working Holiday Visa destinations. But it's time for Belgium to open new horizons for its youth , as its European neighbors have done. Each new agreement signed represents another opportunity to enrich themselves, exchange ideas, and build bridges between cultures.
In the meantime, Visa Vacances Travail remains the go-to solution for those who want to live their Working Holiday Visa dream stress-free. From the initial information session to departure day, our support makes this ambitious project accessible, concrete, and worry-free. Could it be your turn in 2026? Contact us!
Cover photo: Connor Jolley on Unsplash
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
