Ireland and Australia have a reciprocal agreement under which each country allows young citizens from the other to fund a holiday through casual work. Each of the schemes is open to applicants aged 18-30 (although both are in practice open to slightly older participants because the age limit applies to making the application, not to completing the holiday). Both schemes allow participants to work for a maximum period of six months with any one employer.

Working Holidays in Ireland for young Australians

Because Australian citizens do not require a visa to enter Ireland, our scheme is not based on a visa, but on a Working Holiday Authorisation. This allows a qualifying traveller to engage in casual or temporary work in Ireland without the need for a work permit. It is valid for employment only when the bearer also presents a valid Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) Registration Card. You should apply for this card as soon as possible after arrival, either through the GNIB office at 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 (for residents of Dublin) or through your local Garda (police) station outside Dublin.

The Authorisation must be activated within twelve months of issue or it will lapse. It is not possible to extend the period of validity of Working Holiday Authorisations, or to accept a second application from someone who has already been granted an Authorisation (whether or not they availed of it).

The current Working Holiday Authorisation is activated by arrival of the holder in Ireland.  The holder is subject to normal border immigration controls upon arrival.  Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves for at least the initial part of the holiday or in the event of failing to secure employment. Immigration officials may request evidence of sufficient funds at the point of entry to Ireland. The Authorisation is valid for a period not exceeding 12 months after entry into Ireland.

Please note that these conditions apply to Working Holiday Authorisations issued since March 2009. Participants no longer receive a visa-type sticker in their passport but are issued instead with a document which they must carry with them when they travel to Ireland and produce upon request. If you hold an older type Authorisation it is still valid under the previously advised terms and conditions. The new conditions do not apply retrospectively.

 You can download an application form here.

Fee details are here.

The completed form, with supporting documents, fee and photos, should be sent by registered mail or courier to the Embassy of Ireland, 20 Arkana St, Yarralumla, ACT 2600. Please note also that it is NOT possible to apply for a Working Holiday Authorisation from inside Ireland.