Where Can You Work and Wander? Here’s 2025’s Best Visas for Young Professionals Abroad

By SGN | Updated 24 Apr 2025

Want to work while you travel? We’ve compiled a list of some available Working Holiday Visas (WHVs) and Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs). 

So, what’s the difference? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
Designed for young adults to work and travel temporarily in a foreign country
Allows individuals to work remotely while travelling in a foreign country
Typically has age restrictions and limited duration of stay
Usually requires proof of income from remote work and other requirements
Often involves opportunities for cultural exchange and experiencing life in a new country
Primarily focused on facilitating remote work and may not involve cultural exchange

Whether you’re envisioning a gap year adventure abroad or exploring remote work opportunities, this article has got you covered with an overview of these visa options.

Working Holiday Visas

A Working Holiday Visa (WHV) lets young adults work and travel abroad for a temporary period, usually a few months to a year. It promotes cultural exchange and allows them to experience life in another country while earning money through temporary jobs. 

Here are some Working Holiday Visas available for Singaporeans and other nationalities.

AUSTRALIA
Saying g'day to Aussie is closer than you think. (Photo: Avanse)

Want to say g’day to life down under? Australia is one of the only two countries that offers Working Holiday Visas (WHVs) to Singaporeans, providing an incredible opportunity to work and explore the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Who knows, you might even encounter a kangaroo or a koala on the job

Programme Overview
  • Young adults aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for citizens of Ireland, Canada, and France) can work and travel in Australia for up to one year. 
  • The visa may be extended for another year under certain conditions. 
  • It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for eligible candidates. 
  • WHV holders can’t work for the same employer for more than 6 months or engage in study/training for more than 4 months.
Visa Requirements
  • Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including age and health requirements. 
  • They must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. 
  • Applicants must have health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Potential Opportunities
  • Job opportunities include working on farms, as park rangers, or at ski resorts. 

Find out more here.

NEW ZEALAND
Did you know? New Zealand has more sheep than people. (Photo: Celebrity Cruises)

New Zealand is the home of the cute flightless kiwi bird! As the second of two countries offering Working Holiday Visas to Singaporeans, it’s your chance to experiencing the breathtaking nature of the Southern Alps and other iconic landscapes from the Lord of the Rings series in both the North and South islands.

Programme Overview
  • Individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for citizens of Canada, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary) can live and work in New Zealand for up to one year (Canadian and UK citizens can extend up to 23 months). 
  • Participants cannot engage in study/training for more than 3 months.
Visa Requirements
  • Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including age and health requirements. 
  • They must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.  
  • Applicants must have health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Potential Opportunities
  • Job opportunities include working in restaurants and cafes, factories, and farms. 

Find out more here.

THAILAND
Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches. (Photo: kimkim)

The Land of Smiles beckons with its warm weather and mouthwatering cuisine. From the beautiful beaches of Phuket and Krabi to the majestic mountains of Chiang Mai and Pai, Thailand promises unforgettable experiences during your working holiday.

Programme Overview
  • Available to citizens of Australia and New Zealand. 
  • For individuals aged 18 to 30. 
  • Participants can stay for up to one year.
Visa Requirements
  • Applicants must have tertiary qualifications from a full-time course with at least 3 years of study. 
  • They must hold an Australian passport valid for at least 6 months or a New Zealand passport valid for at least 12 months. 
  • Applicants must have funds of at least A$5,000 or NZ$7,000 and maintain good health with medical insurance coverage.
Potential Opportunities
  • Job opportunities include working in Thai restaurants, on farms (such as coffee or tea plantations), or teaching English. 

Find out more here.

JAPAN
Japan is a dream destination for many travellers. (Photo: Celebrity Cruises)

Home to delicious food like sushi and ramen, and iconic manga and anime culture, Japan is a dream destination for adventurers. Explore bustling Tokyo and its neon lights, Osaka and its vibrant street food scene, or historic Kyoto and its stunning temples.

Programme Overview
  • For citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and South Korea. 
  • Participants must be aged 18 to 30.  
  • Depending on citizenship, the visa allows for a 1-year stay (for citizens of Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, and the UK) with no extension, or a 6-month stay (for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) with possible extensions. 
  • It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for eligible candidates.
Visa Requirements
  • Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide necessary documentation (be in good health and not have any dependents or children). 
  • Participants must hold a valid passport and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Potential Opportunities
  • Job opportunities include working in Japanese restaurants, tea houses, farms (such as strawberry farms), or teaching English. 

Find out more here.

PORTUGAL
Traditional boats on the canal in Aveiro, Portugal. Colorful Moliceiro boat rides in Aveiro are popular with tourists to enjoy views of the charming canals. Aveiro, Portugal.

Portugal is a popular destination known for its affordability in Western Europe, delicious food and wine, gorgeous coastlines, and heritage towns. Beyond Lisbon, Portugal also is conveniently located near other European countries like Spain, making it an ideal spot for a working holiday.

Programme Overview
  • For citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the US, Japan, and South Korea. 
  • Participants must be aged 18 to 30. 
  • The visa allows for a 2-year stay for citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, and the USA. 
  • Visa holders can travel within the Schengen Area (EU countries) for up to 3 months in a 6-month period.
Visa Requirements
  • Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide necessary documentation (be in good health and not have any dependents or children). 
  • Participants must hold a valid passport and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Potential Opportunities
  • Job opportunities include working at a restaurant or cafe, as a sports instructor, or at a resort.

Find out more here.

Singapore Work Holiday Pass

If you’re a foreigner eyeing a Working Holiday Visa in Singapore, you’ve come to the right place! The Work Holiday Programme lets eligible students and young graduates work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months.

Singapore is one of Asia’s top business hubs. (Photo: The Telegraph)

Singapore’s vibrant cityscape, celebrated for its cleanliness and lush greenery, reflects a melting pot of cultures. Its dynamic hawker food culture tantalises taste buds with iconic dishes such as chicken rice and wonton noodles. Strategically located, Singapore also serves as a gateway to ASEAN and East Asia.

Programme overview
  • For citizens of Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. 
  • Young adults aged 18 to 25 at the time of application. 
  • A 6-month and non-renewable visa.
Visa Requirements
  • You have a Bachelor’s degree at least. 
  • Your university is recognised by the government of your respective country. 
  • For undergraduates: you have been a resident and a full-time student at the university for at least 3 months before applying for the pass. 
  • For graduates: you were a resident and a full-time student at the university.

Find out more here. And if you’re looking for a more permanent arrangement, you can check out the range of work passes Singapore has to offer here.

Digital Nomad Visas

Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) enable remote workers to live and work in another country for an extended period. They cater to individuals who work online, providing them the opportunity to explore new destinations and cultures while maintaining their employment. 

Here are some Digital Nomad Visas available for Singaporeans and other nationalities.

GERMANY
Germany is home to majestic historic architecture. (Photo: The Telegraph)

Germany is a standout digital nomad destination, offering a robust economy and relatively modest living costs. Renowned for its Christmas markets, sausages, and high-quality beer, Germany boasts vibrant cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, providing numerous opportunities for exploration.

Programme overview
  • Open to all non-EU nationalities. 
  • The visa programme offers a 3-month residency right, which can be converted to an EU residence permit thereafter. 
  • Participants can extend their stay for up to 3 years.
Visa Requirements
  • Applicants must be self-employed or freelancers in fields such as healthcare, law, tax, business counseling, science, technology, linguistics, or information transmitting. 
  • They must have at least €3,000 (S$4,350) in their bank account.

Find out more here.

SPAIN
Spain is renowned for its stunning coastlines. (Photo: Natucate)

Spain is one of the most popular havens for digital nomads, boasting cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. Famed for delectable dishes like paella and patatas bravas and its vibrant flamenco and bullfighting cultures, Spain offers a myriad experience for nomadic adventurers.

Programme overview
  • Open to all non-EU/EEA nationalities.  
  • The 1-year visa can be converted to an EU residence permit of up to 5 years. 
  • Participants can obtain Spanish permanent residency after the 5th year.
Visa Requirements
  • Applicants must hold a university degree or have at least 3 years of work experience. 
  • They must provide proof of having worked for at least 3 months for a foreign company. 
  • Digital Nomads must earn at least €2,140 (S$3,110) per month.

Find out more here.

NORWAY
Norway offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. (Photo: TimeOut)

Norway is the top destination in Scandinavia for digital nomads. With cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Norway’s solid infrastructure, reliable travel insurance, and efficient public transportation make it ideal for nomadic lifestyles.

Programme overview
  • Open to all non-EU nationalities.  
  • The programme offers lifelong validity, allowing participants to maintain permanent residency in Norway as long as they work remotely.
Visa Requirements
  • Nomads must earn at least €35,000 (S$50,725) annually. 
  • They must have at least one Norwegian client.

Find out more here.

CZECH REPUBLIC
Charles Bridge, Prague is the oldest stone bridge in Europe. (Photo: TravelPulse)

The Czech Republic, particularly Prague, is renowned among digital nomads for its stunning countryside and historic cities. From charming castles to iconic landmarks like the St. Vitus Cathedral, there’s plenty to explore. Don’t forget to try the national dish, vepřo knedlo zelo, a delicious combination of roast pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut. 

Programme overview
  • For citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Canada, the US, and the UK 
  • The 1-year visa may be extended for another 2 years.
Visa Requirements
  • Digital nomads must have at least €5,085 (S$7,370) in their bank account.

Find out more here.

HUNGARY
Budapest is a significant economic hub for digital nomads. (Photo: th.hotels)

Hungary offers digital nomads a high quality of life, affordability, and diverse leisure options. Explore distinctive neighbourhoods, enjoy delicious Hungarian cuisine, and discover iconic landmarks like Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, and the Parliament House, all set along the picturesque Danube River.

Programme overview
  • Open to all non-EU nationalities.  
  • The 1-year visa can be extended for another year.
Visa requirements
  • Nomads must earn at least €3,000 (S$4,340) annually.

Find out more here.

Remember, this article only scratches the surface of available visas, so be sure to do your own research too. Safe travels and have fun!

Want to explore getaways from Singapore instead? Check out our article here.

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