Work and Travel in Germany with the Youth Mobility Agreement
Work and travel in Germany
Meet new people, discover the country and get to know its culture!
The Youth Mobility Agreement between Germany and Canada offers a unique opportunity for young people (between the age of 18 and 35 inclusively at the time of application) to complement their post-secondary education, acquire hands-on work experience, and improve their knowledge of the other country’s language, culture, and society.
Under the YMA, the German Foreign Missions may issue a visa to the following individuals:
- young Canadians interested in work and travel during their stay in Germany
- young Canadians who wish to do an internship
- Canadian post-secondary students
- young professionals
Where and how to apply
The youth mobility visa is free of charge.
The processing of an application for the Youth Mobility visa takes approximately one week after applying or receiving the application via Mail.
You can apply via mail. Please send your application with the required documents including the original passport. In this case your signature on the application forms has to be certified by a public notary. Please make sure that you include all requested documents listed on this website and the return prepaid envelope. (Please note: we are not responsible for a passport lost in the mail).
You can submit your application as well in person at the German Foreign Missions listed on the right side. You must book an appointment when applying at the German Consulate in Toronto or Vancouver.
Request an appointment with the Visa Section in Toronto
Request an appointment with the Visa Section in Vancouver
Passport requirements
Please note these important regulations concerning the passport for all applicants:
- Its validity has to extend the duration of the visa you are applying for by at least three months.
- It has to contain at least two blank pages.
- It must have been issued within the last ten years. A passport older than ten years that has been extended for a period exceeding ten years from the time of issuance cannot be accepted.
Required documents
Please refer to the information provided below on this page to find a detailed list of all the requirements for YMA visa for each of the above mentioned categories.
Young Professionals Young Canadian professionals who wish to obtain further training under a contract of employment and increase their knowledge of Germany's language, culture and society are eligible to obtain a free twelve-month full work permit according to Fig. 2a) of the memorandum. The Checklist for Young Professionals provides you with a list of all required documents you will need for your visa application. All required visa forms and further information can be downloaded below. Checklist YMA young professionals [pdf, 75,78k] |
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Internship in Germany Young Canadian citizens who wish to do a work placement in a business in Germany as part of their studies or training are eligible to obtain a free twelve-month full work permit according to Fig. 2b) of the memorandum. The Internship Checklist provides you with a list of all required documents you will need for your visa application. All required visa forms and further information can be downloaded below.Checklist Internship |
YMA for Post-Secondary Students Canadian post-secondary students who wish to engage in an occupational activity during their academic vacation can apply for a free YMA work permit according to Fig. 2c) of the memorandum. The Checklist for Post-Secondary Students provides you with a list of all required documents you will need for your visa application. All required visa forms and further information can be downloaded below. |
Work & Travel in Germany Young Canadian citizens who wish to stay in Germany for tourism and cultural discovery purposes are eligible to obtain a free twelve-month full work permit according to Fig. 2d) of the memorandum, which authorizes them to work to supplement their financial resources. The Work & Travel Checklist provides you with a list of all required documents you will need for your visa application. All required visa forms and further information can be downloaded below. |
