Europe

Germany

Germany's WHV is generous: 12 months, work rights, no quota, low cost of living outside Munich. Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne are popular bases.

Currency

EUR

1 AUD = 0.6 EUR (mid-market, 2026-05-21)

Cost of living

85% of Sydney

Working Holiday Visa for Australians

Working Holiday Visa

Age 18-30 | up to 12 months

Smartraveller

Emergency: 112 (also 110 for police)

Working Holiday Visa

Schengen visa-free entry

Up to 3 months. Work rights: none.

Australians can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day window.

Berlin is one of Europe's most affordable major cities for a working-holiday year.
Strong tech, design and English-language startup scene in Berlin.
Excellent public transport; the Deutschlandticket is EUR 58 a month for all regional trains and buses.
Healthcare via statutory insurance (TK, AOK); cheap and high-quality once registered.

Anmeldung (address registration) must happen within 14 days; many landlords have wait lists.
German language is genuinely needed outside tech and hospitality.
Sundays are quiet by law; supermarkets close. Plan your shopping.
Cash is still preferred in many small shops, bakeries and bars.

N26, Deutsche Bank and Sparkasse are the typical banks; N26 is fastest for a new arrival.
Discounter supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Penny) cut food costs by 30-50%.
Always carry an EC-Karte or cash for Berlin's Spaeti and Bäckerei.
Tipping is 5-10% in restaurants; tell the server the rounded total when you pay.

Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.

Last updated 2026-05-21.