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United KingdomWork permitsLast checked October 30, 2026

Youth Mobility Scheme visa

Official name: Youth Mobility Scheme visa

A visa for young people from listed countries to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months. Age limits are 18 to 35 for Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea, and 18 to 30 for Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay, Hong Kong, Taiwan and some British nationals. Hong Kong and Taiwan applicants must first be selected in a ballot. It costs £340 plus the healthcare surcharge, and applicants need £2,530 in savings.

See requirements ↓
Entry restrictions apply to 1 passports for United Kingdom

The government has suspended some or all visas for holders of these passports. Exceptions exist; see the source.

  • Afghanistan

Source: GOV.UK - Visa brake: changes to the UK visa systemSource: UK Parliament - Written ministerial statement HCWS1379, 5 March 2026Source: GOV.UK - Explanatory memorandum to the Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules HC 1691, 5 March 2026

Life in United Kingdom

Finance

3

Currency

British Pound

GBP

British Pound

Cost of living

92

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

20–45%

Income tax (national)

VAT 20% · social security 8%

Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.

Official rates, 2026/27 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.7

#27 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Young adults from the listed countries who want to work and travel in the UK.

Eligibility

  • Nationality and age

    You need to be in the age range for your nationality when you apply.

    Age range when applying

    Australia
    18 to 35
    Canada
    18 to 35
    New Zealand
    18 to 35
    South Korea
    18 to 35
    Andorra
    18 to 30
    Iceland
    18 to 30
    Japan
    18 to 30
    Monaco
    18 to 30
    San Marino
    18 to 30
    Uruguay
    18 to 30
    Hong KongSAR passport
    18 to 30
    Taiwan
    18 to 30
    British overseas groupscitizens, territories citizens, BN(O)
    18 to 30
    • Indian nationals use the separate India Young Professionals Scheme.
    Official wording

    18 to 35 when applying: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea. 18 to 30 when applying: Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay, Hong Kong (SAR passport), Taiwan, British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British National (Overseas). Indian nationals use the separate India Young Professionals Scheme.

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  • Ballot (Hong Kong and Taiwan)Hong Kong, Taiwan

    If you are from Hong Kong or Taiwan, you must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you apply.

    Official wording

    Applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before they can apply.

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  • Savings

    You need to have savings of £2,530.

    £2,530

    Savings to show

    Official wording

    £2,530 in savings.

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SourceYouth Mobility Scheme visa: eligibilitygov.ukChecked Oct 30, 2026

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Document checklist
  • Fees
  • Steps to apply

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