So you’re dreaming of living and working abroad — maybe pouring pints in a cozy British pub, helping guests at an Aussie resort, or teaching in Japan. That’s amazing!
Before you take off, one of the biggest questions is:
“How much money do I need to start my working holiday?”
A working holiday is an incredible opportunity to travel, work, and experience a new culture — but it does require some upfront savings. Here’s your friendly breakdown of what you’ll need to budget for before jetting off.
Visa Application Fees
Each destination has its own visa or working holiday permit requirements, and fees can vary quite a bit.
Examples from popular Go International destinations:
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United Kingdom: Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa costs around £319, plus a mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge of roughly £1,552 for the 2-year visa that Canadians get. Proof of having about £2,530 (CAD $4,400) in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days is required.
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Australia: Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is currently around AUD $670, with a proof of funds requirement of AUD $5,000 (CAD $4,400).
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New Zealand: Working Holiday Visa fee is about NZD $770, and you’ll need to show NZD $4,200 (CAD $3,400) in savings.
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Japan: Visa is free, but you must show CAD $4,500 in available funds.
- Netherlands: The working holiday visa application fee is €81, and you must show proof of funds to support your initial stay.
💡 Tip: Visa fees are usually paid online during your application, and most countries require you to show proof of sufficient funds through a recent bank statement.
Estimated total: CAD $200 – $600 for visa fees and application costs. For UK YMS applications, this would be about CAD $3,500.
**All amount are as of Nov 2025.
Health Insurance
Most working holiday visas require valid health insurance. It is essential for living and working abroad — medical bills overseas can be expensive! It should cover:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation in case of death
Government of Canada – Travel Insurance
Estimated cost: Around CAD $800 – $1,800 for 12 months of coverage.
Flights and Arrival Costs
Getting there is part of the adventure — and one of your biggest expenses.
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Flights: Round-trip flights from Canada can range CAD $1,500 – $2,500, depending on season and booking timing.
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Arrival costs: Airport transport, initial accommodation, SIM card, groceries, and essentials.
Estimated cost: CAD $1,500 – $3,000 for flights and initial setup.
Living Costs and Emergency Funds
Once you arrive, it can take weeks to find housing, a job (unless you book one of our job guarantee programs), and your first paycheque. Budget for:
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Rent + security deposit
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Food, transport, and essentials
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Weekend travel and social activities
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Unexpected emergencies (medical, travel, or job changes)
Suggested safety buffer: CAD $3,000 – $5,000 for your first month or two.
Smart Money Tips
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Start saving early — automate deposits into a “Working Holiday Fund.”
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Book flights early for the best deals.
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Compare insurance plans for coverage and cost.
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Keep a financial cushion beyond minimum proof of funds.
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Use multi-currency accounts for easy access abroad.
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Lean on Go International — we guide you through visas and settling in.
A working holiday is unforgettable — it’s your chance to live abroad, gain experience, and make lifelong memories. 🗺️
Yes, it takes saving and planning, but with the right budget, you’ll start stress-free and ready for anything. Whether heading to Australia, the UK, New Zealand, or Japan, Go International is here to help you every step of the way.
Save smart. Plan early. Travel far. ✈️
Ready to take the leap?
Start your adventure abroad today! Explore our Work and Travel destinations and take the first step toward the experience of a lifetime!
Our team is always here for you, so don’t hesitate to contact us today to start planning your Working Holiday abroad.