Italy Working Holiday Visa: How to Apply Easily
The Italy Working Holiday Visa allows Australian citizens to stay in Italy for up to 12 months while travelling and working on a temporary basis. It is intended for young travellers whose main objective is cultural discovery, with employment permitted as a way to fund their stay rather than as a long-term career move.
Italy is an attractive working holiday destination thanks to its rich culture, diverse regions, strong tourism sector and central location in Europe. For Australians, it also stands out because it offers one of the highest age limits available in Europe under a working holiday agreement, allowing applications up to 35 years old.
This guide is designed to help Australian travellers clearly understand how the Italy Working Holiday Visa works, what is required to apply, and how to prepare a compliant application with confidence.
- The Italy Working Holiday Visa is available only to Australian citizens aged 18 to 35
- It allows a maximum stay of 12 months and cannot be renewed
- The main purpose is travel, with work permitted only as a secondary activity
- Applicants must show at least AUD 7,000 in personal funds
- Travel and health insurance is mandatory for visa approval and the full stay
- A permesso di soggiorno must be requested within days after arrival in Italy
- Work is limited in duration and usually restricted to short-term or seasonal jobs
- Requirements may evolve and should always be confirmed with the competent Italian consulate
What Is the Italy Working Holiday Visa for Australians?
The Italy Working Holiday Visa is a national long-stay visa (Type D) specifically available to Australian citizens under a bilateral agreement between Australia and Italy. It allows young Australians to enter Italy for an extended stay while combining tourism with short-term employment.
⏱️ The visa is issued for a maximum duration of 12 months.
☝️ It is a one-time visa and cannot be renewed or extended beyond this period. The stay is intended to be temporary, and applicants must demonstrate that their primary intention is to holiday in Italy.
🎯 The main purpose of the visa is travel and cultural experience. Work is authorised only as a secondary activity, to help cover living expenses during the stay. Employment is subject to limitations, both in duration and in relation to the same employer, which are set by the Italian authorities and must be respected throughout the stay.
Compared with other working holiday visas available to Australians, such as the Japan, Canada or New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, the Italy Working Holiday Visa is more restrictive in terms of work conditions and administrative formalities after arrival.
It also requires close attention to health insurance and residence permit obligations once in Italy. For these reasons, careful preparation before departure is essential.
Italy Working Holiday Visa Requirements
In general, to be eligible for the Italy Working Holiday Visa, Australian applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- 🇦🇺 Nationality: Hold a valid Australian passport
- 🎂 Age limit: Be aged between 18 and 35 at the time of application
- 🔂 Previous visas: The Italy Working Holiday Visa is issued only once per lifetime
- 💰 Financial resources: Demonstrate sufficient funds (at least AUD 7,000) to support the stay in Italy
- 🏦 Proof of savings: Provide recent bank statements as evidence
- ✈️ Onward travel: Hold a return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one
- 👶 Dependants: No dependent children may accompany the visa holder
- 📄 Criminal record: A police clearance may be required by the consulate
- 🎯 Purpose of stay: The main intention must be to holiday in Italy, with work as a secondary activity
How to Apply for an Italy Working Holiday Visa
Where to Apply in Australia
The Italy Working Holiday Visa must be applied for from Australia. Applications are handled by the Italian diplomatic and consular authorities and cannot be submitted once already in Italy or from another country.
Applications must be lodged in person at the Italian consulate responsible for the applicant’s place of residence in Australia. The main consular offices processing Working Holiday Visa applications are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Appointments are usually required and availability may vary depending on the consulate and the time of year. Requirements should always be confirmed directly with the competent consulate before booking.
Required Documents
The following documents are generally required when applying for an Italy Working Holiday Visa. Requirements may vary depending on the consulate, and additional documents may be requested. All information should be confirmed with the competent Italian authority.
Document | Obligatory? | Stage | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
📝 Italy Working Holiday Visa application form | Yes | Application submission | Must be fully completed and signed using the official form |
🛂 Valid Australian passport | Yes | Application submission | Must be valid for the entire stay in Italy |
📸 Passport photos | Yes | Application submission | Must comply with Italian visa photo standards |
💰 Proof of sufficient funds | Yes | Application submission | Recent personal bank statements showing the required minimum amount |
🏠 Proof of accommodation | Usually | Application submission | Initial accommodation is generally sufficient |
Yes | Application submission | Must cover the stay in Italy; required for visa approval | |
✈️ Return flight or proof of onward travel | Yes | Application submission | Return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one |
Travel and health insurance is a key element of the Italy Working Holiday Visa application, as it is required by the Italian authorities and plays an essential role in protecting the traveller against medical expenses, accidents and unexpected events during the stay in Italy.
Compare the best WHV insurance plansApplication Timeline
Applicants are advised to apply for the Italy Working Holiday Visa several weeks before their planned departure, as appointment availability and processing times may vary between consulates and during peak periods.
Processing times are not fixed and depend on the consulate handling the application. They are usually several weeks, but delays are possible.
👉 For this reason, it is recommended not to make non-refundable travel arrangements until the visa has been granted.
💡 The visa validity usually starts from the date indicated on the visa, not from the date of application. This date is set by the consular authority and should be carefully checked, as the 12-month stay is calculated from the first entry into Italy within the visa’s validity period.
Cost of the Italy Working Holiday Visa
Type of cost | Amount (AUD) | Obligatory? | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
🇮🇹 Visa application fee | Around AUD 190 | Yes | Payable at the Italian consulate; non-refundable if the visa is refused |
🛡️ Travel & health insurance | Around AUD 500–1,200 | Yes | Must cover medical care and repatriation; required for visa approval |
💰 Minimum financial resources | Around AUD 7,000 | Yes | Must be shown via recent personal bank statements |
✈️ Return flight or onward travel | Around AUD 1,500–2,500 | Yes | Return ticket or additional funds to purchase one |
🏠 Initial accommodation | Around AUD 300–1,000 | Usually | Proof of initial stay (hotel booking or host address) |
🛂 Residence permit in Italy (permesso di soggiorno) | Around AUD 150–250 | Yes (after arrival) | Mandatory administrative step within the first days after arrival |
As fees and financial thresholds are set by the Italian authorities and service providers and may evolve, applicants should always verify current amounts with their Italian consulate and plan an additional financial buffer before departure.
Travel and health insurance should not be seen as a formality only, as it is both a visa requirement and a key safeguard against high medical costs and unforeseen events during a long stay in Italy.
Get my WHV insurance quoteInsurance for the Italy Working Holiday Visa
Is Insurance Mandatory for the Italy Working Holiday Visa?
Yes. Travel and health insurance is mandatory for the Italy Working Holiday Visa. While Australians may benefit from limited Medicare coverage in Italy under a reciprocal agreement, this does not replace private insurance and does not cover all medical expenses or non-medical risks.
Italian authorities require proof of insurance to ensure the traveller is covered for the entire duration of the stay, including emergencies and repatriation.
Which Insurance Should You Choose for Italy?
The insurance must provide sufficient medical coverage, emergency hospitalisation, repatriation and personal liability.
It should be valid in Italy and across the Schengen area, and meet the minimum coverage levels expected by the Italian authorities.
👉 Choosing comprehensive, visa-compliant insurance is essential both for visa approval and for protection during a long stay in Italy.
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Working in Italy on a Working Holiday Visa
Work Conditions & Limits
- Work duration: Employment is permitted on a temporary basis only and must remain secondary to travel
- Employer limits: Work with the same employer is generally limited to a short period, as defined by Italian regulations
- Type of employment: Jobs are usually casual, seasonal or short-term rather than long-term or highly qualified roles
In general, these limits are set by the Italian authorities to ensure the visa is used primarily for holiday purposes. Conditions may evolve and should be confirmed with the competent authority.
Common Jobs for Australians
- 🍽️ Hospitality: Cafés, bars, restaurants and hotels
- 🏖️ Tourism and seasonal work: Hostels, resorts, tour operators and tourist services
- 🌾 Agriculture: Farm work and seasonal harvests
- 🗣️ Language-related roles: Informal English-speaking or conversation-based positions, subject to local demand and legal conditions
After Arrival in Italy: What You Must Do
- Apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno: In general, Working Holiday Visa holders must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within the first days after arrival in Italy (usually within 8 days). This is a mandatory administrative step handled through the Italian authorities and is required to remain legally in Italy beyond a short stay.
- Register with local authorities: The application process usually involves submitting documents through a post office and attending an appointment with the local immigration office (Questura). Requirements and procedures may vary depending on the place of residence.
⚠️ Not applying for the permesso di soggiorno within the required timeframe may result in loss of legal status, fines, or difficulties working and travelling.
FAQ
In general, no. The Italy Working Holiday Visa must be applied for from Australia, through the Italian consulate responsible for the applicant’s place of residence. Applications lodged from Italy or another country are not accepted.
No. A job offer is not required to apply for the Italy Working Holiday Visa. The visa is designed for travel first, with work permitted only as a secondary activity.
In general, short courses such as language classes may be allowed, provided they remain secondary to the holiday purpose. The visa is not intended for full-time or long-term study, which would normally require a student visa. This should be confirmed with the competent authority.
Yes. The Italy Working Holiday Visa allows travel within the Schengen area, subject to general Schengen rules. Italy must remain the main place of stay.
In general, the Italy Working Holiday Visa cannot be extended or renewed. Changing to another type of residence permit may be possible only in specific circumstances and is subject to Italian immigration law. This must be confirmed with the local authorities.
Italian is not a formal requirement for the visa. However, speaking Italian significantly increases job opportunities, especially outside tourist areas. Some seasonal or tourism-related jobs may be accessible with limited Italian.
No. The visa includes a validity start date set by the consulate. Entry into Italy must take place within this validity period. The 12-month stay is counted from the first entry into Italy.
Your passport should remain valid for the entire duration of your stay. If it expires while in Italy, this may cause serious administrative issues. In general, passport validity should always be checked before applying, and renewal should be completed prior to departure.
