Strategic guide to apply for the Malta Working Holiday Visa

Written by Volare | May 26, 2026

Planning a year of work and vacation in the Mediterranean requires precision and knowledge of immigration rules. Below, we detail all the parameters to successfully process your Malta Working Holiday Visa (WHV) before the official authorities.

Eligible nationalities

The working holiday program in Malta is exclusively available for citizens of the following countries with which the government maintains active bilateral agreements (presented in alphabetical order):

• Australia

• Japan

• New Zealand

Confirming that your passport is on this official list is the first fundamental step to initiate your application. Overcoming this initial validation will open the doors to legally insert yourself into the local labor market, enjoy its rich Mediterranean history, and explore the outstanding academic offer of the island without any bureaucratic worry.

Permitted age range

For all eligible nationalities (Australia, Japan, and New Zealand), the established limit is 18 to 30 years (inclusive) at the time of applying.

The program is specifically designed to promote cultural exchange and the mobility of young adults. Strictly complying with this age requirement is the main filter for the Maltese authorities to process your application successfully. Overcoming this validation stage will bring you closer to your goal of legally inserting yourself into the local labor market, enjoying the rich Mediterranean history, and exploring the outstanding academic offer of the island without any bureaucratic worry.

Quotas and application calendar

The number of vacancies and processing times depend directly on the limit assigned to your passport. The calendar rules are divided as follows:

• For Australia: Unlimited quotas. Application calendar open continuously throughout the year.

• For Japan: Reduced annual limit of 100 places. Annual opening calendar subject to official availability.

• For New Zealand: Reduced annual limit of 50 places. Annual opening calendar subject to official availability.

Monitoring the deadlines or taking advantage of the continuous availability allows you to plan your application with the necessary urgency and precision. Securing your place on time is the fundamental step for the Maltese authorities to process your file successfully. Overcoming this validation stage will bring you closer to your goal of legally inserting yourself into the local labor market, enjoying the rich Mediterranean history, and exploring the outstanding academic offer of the island without any bureaucratic worry.

Application process and ticket requirement

The application is formally processed through the service provider VFS Global before the Maltese state agency Identità. It is required to submit the complete file, written entirely in English and at least 6 weeks in advance of your planned travel date.

Strictly following this preventive advice allows you to overcome possible administrative delays and plan your trip with greater certainty. Submitting your impeccable file through the official provider is the fundamental step for the authorities to process your procedure successfully.

Furthermore, for all nationalities, it is a transversal and indispensable requirement to demonstrate the possession of a return ticket to the country of origin, or else, to accredit having sufficient additional economic funds to acquire said ticket at the end of the program.

To ensure you have the appropriate support and the most detailed information at every step of your application, we recommend consulting the complete guide on Volare's Malta Working Holiday Visa (WHV).