---
title: "United Kingdom Youth Mobility Scheme requirements 2026"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/youth-mobility-scheme/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-12
---

United Kingdom · Working holiday

# United Kingdom Youth Mobility Scheme

**Age limit and funds needed:** Ages vary by passport · £2,530 ≈ $3,340

Working Holiday: Youth Mobility Scheme visa

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Record corrected 12 Oct 2026](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/corrections/#change-gb-youth-mobility-scheme) [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Savings needed:** £2,530 ≈ $3,340 (Savings of at least GBP 2,530 (≈ $3,340) · Funds in the bank account for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying. A fee of GBP 340 (≈ $450) · Application fee. A fee of GBP 776 a year (≈ $1,030) · Healthcare surcharge, usually GBP 776 for each year of the visa, paid with the application and separate from the application fee.)
- **First stay:** 2 yrs (Up to 24 months; Australian, Canadian and New Zealand nationals can extend by one year.)
- **Who can apply:** 12 nationalities (Nationals of partner countries and territories (British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply at 18 to 30))
- **Work:** Casual jobs (Most jobs; self-employment only with rented premises, equipment worth under GBP5,000 (≈ $6,610) and no employees; study allowed.)
- **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Four-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime: Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025.)

## Key facts

Youth Mobility Scheme is a working holiday route for United Kingdom. Conditions: ages vary by passport · funds needed £2,530 ≈ $3,340. Local work: casual jobs. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.

- **Government fees:** £340 ≈ $450 · £776/yr ≈ $1,030
- **Processing:** Up to 21 days
- **First stay:** 2 yrs

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: 2 government fees listed below; decision: up to 21 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: £340 ≈ $450 · £776/yr ≈ $1,030**

- GBP 340 (≈ $450) Application fee.
- GBP 776 a year (≈ $1,030) Healthcare surcharge, usually GBP 776 (≈ $1,030) for each year of the visa, paid with the application and separate from the application fee.

**Shown, not spent: £2,530+ ≈ $3,340**

- GBP 2,530 (≈ $3,340) Funds in the bank account for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying.

**Renewal: Renewal rules**

Australian, Canadian and New Zealand nationals can extend by one year; other nationalities cannot.

[UK Government](https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility)

**Processing: Up to 21 days**

Decisions usually come within 3 weeks.

[UK Government](https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Only for passports from 12 countries
- Only for ages 18–35

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The applicant is a national of Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea aged 18 to 35.
- Or a national of Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino or Uruguay aged 18 to 30.
- Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan passport holders need a ballot place.
- British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply at 18 to 30.
- No children under 18 who live with the applicant or are financially dependent.
- The applicant was not previously in the UK under the scheme.

#### What you must show

- Savings of GBP2,530 (≈ $3,340) held for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying.
- Application fee: GBP340 (≈ $450).
- The healthcare surcharge is separate and is usually GBP776 (≈ $1,030) for each year of the visa.

#### Steps

1. Apply up to 6 months before travel.

## When you become tax resident

How United Kingdom decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **2 years at first**
- **Tax residence:** Statutory Residence Test.
- **Foreign-source income:** **New-resident relief (4 years)** Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025.
- **Special regime:** **Four-year Foreign Income and Gains regime** · Tax relief

[All tax rules for United Kingdom](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026

**Full official text**

Working Holiday: live and work in the UK for up to 2 years for young nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea (18 to 35) and Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay (18 to 30); Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan passport holders need a ballot place. (sources 1, 2, 3)

#### What you must show and pay

- Savings of at least GBP 2,530 (≈ $3,340) · Funds in the bank account for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying. (source 1)
- A fee of GBP 340 (≈ $450) · Application fee. (source 2)
- A fee of GBP 776 a year (≈ $1,030) · Healthcare surcharge, usually GBP 776 (≈ $1,030) for each year of the visa, paid with the application and separate from the application fee. (sources 2, 3)

#### Requirements

- The applicant is a national of Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea aged 18 to 35. (sources 1, 2)
- Or a national of Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino or Uruguay aged 18 to 30. (sources 1, 2)
- Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan passport holders need a ballot place. (sources 1, 2)
- British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply at 18 to 30. (sources 1, 2)
- No children under 18 who live with the applicant or are financially dependent. (source 1)
- The applicant was not previously in the UK under the scheme. (source 1)
- Savings of GBP2,530 (≈ $3,340) held for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying. (sources 1, 2)
- Application fee: GBP340 (≈ $450). (sources 1, 2)
- The healthcare surcharge is separate and is usually GBP776 (≈ $1,030) for each year of the visa. (sources 2, 3)
- Apply up to 6 months before travel. (source 2)

#### Stay

- Up to 24 months; Australian, Canadian and New Zealand nationals can extend by one year.
- Initial permitted stay: 24 months.

#### Nationality

Nationals of partner countries and territories (British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply at 18 to 30) Open to: Andorra, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Taiwan, Uruguay.

#### Work

Most jobs; self-employment only with rented premises, equipment worth under GBP5,000 (≈ $6,610) and no employees; study allowed.

#### Family

No dependants can accompany the holder; applicants cannot have children under 18 who live with them or are financially dependent on them.

Checked 2026-10-12

## Official sources

1. [Youth Mobility Scheme visa: eligibility](https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility/eligibility) · UK Government (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Youth Mobility Scheme visa](https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility) · UK Government (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application: how much you have to pay](https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay) · GOV.UK · checked 2026-10-12

## Youth Mobility Scheme and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | – | 2 yr | Casual jobs |
| [India Young Professionals visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/india-young-professionals/) | – | 2 yr | Casual jobs |
| [Working Holiday](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/working-holiday-youth-mobility/) Portugal | – | 1 yr | Casual jobs |
| [Working Holiday · Argentina](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/working-holiday-argentina/) Spain | – | 1 yr | Casual jobs |
| [Working Holiday · Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/working-holiday-australia/) Italy | Ages 18–35 · funds needed €10k ≈ $11k | 1 yr | Casual jobs |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Savings of at least GBP 2,530 (≈ $3,340). Funds in the bank account for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying. A fee of GBP 340 (≈ $450). Application fee. A fee of GBP 776 a year (≈ $1,030). Healthcare surcharge, usually GBP 776 (≈ $1,030) for each year of the visa, paid with the application and separate from the application fee.

### How long can I stay on the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Up to 24 months; Australian, Canadian and New Zealand nationals can extend by one year.

### How long does the Youth Mobility Scheme take to process?

Decisions usually come within 3 weeks.

### Can I work on the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Casual jobs. Most jobs; self-employment only with rented premises, equipment worth under GBP5,000 (≈ $6,610) and no employees; study allowed.

### Can I bring my family on the Youth Mobility Scheme?

No dependants can accompany the holder; applicants cannot have children under 18 who live with them or are financially dependent on them.

### Who can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Nationals of partner countries and territories (British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply at 18 to 30) Open to: Andorra, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Taiwan, Uruguay.

### Is there a tax break for Youth Mobility Scheme holders in United Kingdom?

Four-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime: Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.

## Tax

Special regime

### [Four-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/#tax-gb-fig-new-resident)

Tax relief

Foreign-source income: New-resident relief (4 years)

**Details**

- Who: UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test

Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025.

#### Taxed on

Claimed eligible foreign income and gains arising in the first four UK tax-resident years after at least ten years’ non-UK residence. Examples include foreign trade conducted wholly outside the UK, overseas property-business profits, non-UK dividends and foreign interest. Foreign employment earnings and specified employment income are outside FIG.

#### Who it applies to

- UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test.
- Within the first 4 years of UK tax residence after at least 10 years as non-UK resident.
- Claim made annually; unused years do not roll over; temporary years abroad are skipped.
- If the 4 years began before 6 April 2025, claims are available from 2025 to 2026 to the last year of the period.

#### Exclusions

- UK-source income stays taxable.
- Foreign earnings and foreign specific employment income are not eligible, though Overseas Workday Relief may apply.
- A claim loses Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax tax-free allowances, Marriage Allowance, Married Couples Allowance and Blind Person's Allowance.

#### Tax residence

Qualifying resident means UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test and within the first four years of UK residence after at least a 10-year period as non-UK tax resident.

#### Visas

Immigration permission does not qualify anyone; eligibility is tax residence only.

#### Other taxes

National Insurance, VAT, payroll, UK-source income, treaties and home-country taxes are outside the claim.

Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

[Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/)

## More in United Kingdom

[Global Talent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/global-talent/) [High Potential Individual](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/high-potential-individual/) [Innovator Founder](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/innovator-founder/) [UK Expansion Worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/uk-expansion-worker/) [Health and Care Worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/health-care-worker/) [Scale-up Worker](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/scale-up-worker/) [Senior or Specialist Worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/senior-specialist-worker/) [Skilled Worker](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/skilled-worker/)

## Similar visas elsewhere

[🇬🇷 Working Holiday · Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/working-holiday-australia/) [🇩🇪 Working Holiday](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/working-holiday/) [🇫🇷 Working Holiday](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/working-holiday/) [🇳🇱 Working Holiday](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/working-holiday/) [🇪🇪 Working Holiday · Japan](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/estonia/working-holiday-jp/) [🇨🇿 Working Holiday · Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/czechia/working-holiday-australia/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-12 against 3 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Youth Mobility Scheme visa: eligibility](https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility/eligibility) · UK Government (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Youth Mobility Scheme visa](https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility) · UK Government (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application: how much you have to pay](https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay) · GOV.UK · checked 2026-10-12

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.