Are you a German citizen dreaming of living and working in Canada? Whether you’re planning a gap year, looking to gain international work experience, or want to experience life abroad, Canada offers one of the easiest ways for young Germans to do just that. Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, eligible German citizens can apply for a Working Holiday open work permit, allowing you to live, travel, and work for almost any employer in Canada for up to 12 months.
A Canada Working Holiday is an excellent way to build your resume, improve your English, and explore, all while earning money to support your travels.
Stepwest is a Recognized Organization (RO) under International Experience Canada by the Government of Canada. We’ve helped thousands of young travellers navigate the IEC process and start their Canadian adventure with confidence.
Year-round
5-12 Months
From $1,390
| Moving to Canada from Germany | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Visa for Young Travellers | IEC Working Holiday |
| Age Limit | 18–35 years |
| Working Holiday Duration | Up to 12 months |
| Minimum Funds | CAD $2,500 |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD $85 (if required) |
| IEC Participation Fee | CAD $184.75 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee | CAD $100 |
| Processing Time | Approximately 8 weeks |
| Can You Work Anywhere? | Yes. The IEC Working Holiday work permit allows you to work for most employers across Canada. |
If you’re a German citizen who wants to live and work in Canada, the International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers one of the easiest ways to do it. Through the Working Holiday category, eligible applicants receive an open work permit, allowing you to work for almost any employer while travelling throughout Canada for up to 12 months.
To qualify, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
If you’re looking to spend a summer or winter season in Canada, the IEC Working Holiday permit gives you the flexibility to work, travel, and gain international experience without being tied to a single employer.
German citizens can participate in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program up to two times, with each participation lasting up to 12 months under one work permit category at a time. However, repeat participation in the same category is not allowed. Therefore, applicants must choose from the following eligible categories:
| IEC Category | Work Permit | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday | Open | Up to 12 months | Travel + work |
| Young Professionals | Employer-specific | Up to 12 months | Career development |
| International Co-op | Employer-specific | Up to 12 months | Students |
Participating in the IEC program with a working holiday visa in Canada allows German citizens to explore Canada while gaining valuable international work experience.
To complete your biometrics for a Canada visa from Germany, you can visit any Visa Application Center (VAC) in Germany, such as those in Düsseldorf or Berlin.
If you live in Munich, you can also travel to Vienna, Austria to complete this step. Canada allows you to complete your biometrics at any VAC worldwide.
If you’re applying from overseas, contact us, and our team will help you find the closest VAC for your location. This flexibility ensures you can fulfill this requirement wherever you are.
When planning to move to Canada from Germany, remember it’s different from working within Europe, as you’ll need a work permit, often referred to as a “Working Holiday Visum”. This process takes time since you’re applying for work authorization from the Government of Canada.
Here are key steps to keep in mind for your Working Holiday Canada Germany application:
Did you finish your studies right after university or Fachhochschule? Now might be the perfect time to transition from student life to working in Canada.
Working in Canada through one of our programs is a great way to kickstart your international career. You’ll meet people from all over the world and gain valuable work experience abroad, which will benefit your career and provide a rewarding personal experience.
We specialize in helping German graduates move to Canada from Germany to work and travel and obtain a work travel visa Canada. Gain practical skills and expand your global perspective with our guidance.
Ready to start your Canadian working holiday adventure? We’re here to support you every step of the way!
When it comes to Canadian resort jobs, being proactive is crucial. Popular resorts such as Whistler, Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise have two main hiring periods for each season: Summer and Winter.
For those applying for a working holiday visa Canada from Germany or seeking a Canada work and holiday experience, early applications significantly enhance your chances of securing a job in your preferred resort. Here are the recommended application deadlines:
Summer Season: Apply before February of the same year you plan to travel.
Winter Season: Apply before May of the same year you plan to travel.
Being organized pays off. The sooner you’re ready for interviews, the more positions you can apply for. If you tend to plan last minute, start thinking ahead to the next season in order to move to Canada from Germany.
Did you miss the Winter deadline? Explore Stepwest’s Summer Resort Working Holiday program. You can begin with a summer job and potentially extend your stay for the winter season!
Most of the required documents are straightforward to obtain. However, there are two that applicants should pay particular attention to.
You must request a police certificate once you get your invitation to apply for the work permit for Canada. Keep in mind that it will take a while for you to receive the certificate and it is only valid for six months after being issued, so do not apply until you have your invitation.
If you have lived outside of Germany for six months or more, Canada will request a police certificate from that specific country. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back here! We have worked with participants from more than 36 countries, so there are only a few certificates in the world that we have not done before.
You do not need medical insurance to apply for your working holiday visa, but you will need it once you are approved and ready to move to Canada from Germany. You will need to present proof of medical insurance to receive your work permit. Please click here to understand everything you need to know about IEC insurance and everything that needs to be covered!
Do not miss a thing, medical services in Canada are expensive, so getting good insurance is a must!
Are you thinking about moving to Canada from Germany, but want to know more before taking the plunge? Get in touch to learn about our Working Holiday Programs, and how we can help you embark on the trip of a lifetime to Canada!
Yes, you need a work permit – You can not work with an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). German citizens have access to International Experience Canada – a program focused on youth between the ages of 18 and 35 from Germany that allows them to work in Canada up to 12 months.
No for the Working Holiday visa, this is an open work permit, which means that you can work all over the country for up to 12 months.
Yes, but you should apply for an extension as a visitor, even when germans do not need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. Having a valid eTA does not allow you to remain in Canada after your work permit expires. Make sure to apply for an extension as a visitor 30 days before your working holiday expires. As long as you submit your visitor extension application, you will be allowed to remain in Canada until you hear back from it.
German citizens are eligible to apply for an eTA to travel to Canada up to 6 months as a visitor. This does not allow you to work in Canada. A working holiday visa will allow you to work in Canada like you are back home, for a limited period.
Yes you can! Germany does not have a residency requirement in Germany so as long as you present a copy of your valid german passport and you provide all the required documents to Canada you could be eligible for this working holiday visa.
Yes, you must request a Führungszeugnis – If you are in Germany you can request it online and it will be mailed to your home address.
If you are living outside of Germany you should contact your closest Consulate or Embassy to check how to request it from overseas.
Besides this, If you have lived in any other country for 6 months or more, Canada will require a police certificate from those other countries.
Yes, you can decide if you want to work during the summer or winter season, and if you need to leave after because you have plans back in Germany (for example, you’re going to University), you can do so easily.
The minimum stay for each season will always be at least six months, so make sure you apply early for your working holiday, that way you don’t have to wait for your work permit to travel and can secure your job far in advance.
Yes, but under a different work permit category. German citizens are allowed to participate in the IEC Program. If you already used your working holiday visa, you will be able to apply for:
Young Professionals – your job offer must fall into NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 to count for professional development. TEER 4 jobs may qualify only if they directly relate to your post-secondary field of study. Check the NOC categories here.
International Co-op – doing an internship in Canada while studying back in Germany
Absolutely not. In Canada, if you are planning to work for a company, you MUST get paid and you need a work permit, that’s why Canada put the International Experience Canada program in place. Make the most of it! Plus, the good news is that it is super easy for German citizens to get an invitation so there really is no need to secure a permit.
As long as there are spots available, you can become a candidate! Normally our recommendation applies as soon as the IEC season opens for the year (normally between December – January). Example during IEC 2026 the rounds of invitations (ITA) started on February 09th, 2026! Check the spots available at this time here
6 - 24 Months
CAD $1190
Our Winter Resort Working Holiday program provides a great opportunity to secure employment before you arrive in Canada. Partnered with top Canadian ski resorts, we assist in job placement and guarantee staff accommodation while you're still in your home country.
6 - 24 Months
$1190
Our summer resort program is perfect for experiencing the beauty of a Canadian summer firsthand. With various job opportunities, you can earn income while immersing yourself in Canada's wonders. Plus, you can even extend your stay for the winter season if you choose!
12 Months
CAD $490
Our Canada Send Off Package helps you obtain your Working Holiday Visa, marking the start of an exciting journey. While job placement isn't included, it's a great way to begin your return to Canada affordably.