Any foreign national entering Japan for the purpose of taking up paid employment will require a work visa. This includes any person who is exempt from requiring a visa for leisure travel.
Both the visa system and the application process in Japan are complex and time-consuming. The requirements to qualify for the available visas vary as do the documents that must be submitted.
It is important to research exactly which visa you should apply for and to allow sufficient time to complete the process. But here is a summary of the available visas and how to apply for them.
What type of visas are available for working in Japan?
There are three types of Japanese work visa:
Regular Japan work visa, which may be issued for several different professions (further details of these can be found below). Visas may be valid for various periods from 3 months to 5 years. Please note that with a single-entry visa, you must enter Japan within the period of validity, and you will need to apply for a permit if you wish to leave and re-enter the country.
Highly Skilled Professional Visa, which is issued through a point-based system. This visa offers a longer period of stay and more benefits than most regular work visas.
Japan Working Holiday Visa, which is issued to nationals of countries that have a Working Holiday agreement with Japan.
Which professionals qualify for a regular work visa?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan publishes a list of occupations that are eligible for Japanese Work Visas:
Artists, such as photographers, composers, songwriters, sculptors, etc.
Business managers, such as company presidents and directors.
Engineers or specialists in humanities or international services including scientific or IT engineers, interpreters, copywriters, foreign language teachers and designers.
Entertainers, such as actors, musicians, singers, dancers or athletes.
Instructors, teachers and professors.
Employees transferring to another post within their company.
Journalists, including newspaper or magazine journalists, editors, news cameramen, announcers and presenters.
Legal or accounting workers, such as lawyers and tax accountants.
Medical professionals including physicians, dentists, pharmacists and nurses.
Monks, bishops and missionaries.
Researchers at research institutes.
Care workers.
Other skilled workers include chefs, animal trainers, pilots and sports trainers.
What is a Certificate of Eligibility?
To apply for a work visa, you will first need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from Japan’s Ministry of Justice. The application for the CoE would be made by your employer on your behalf. This certificate is evidence that you have the legal capacity to remain in Japan due to employment, family matters, or another legitimate reason. The process for obtaining a CoE can take up to three months.
What documents are required when applying for a work visa?
When applying for a visa, you will need to submit supporting documents. The required documents are as follows:
Your valid passport together with photocopies of it.
Passport-size pictures adhering to Japanese specifications (taken within last three months, plain white background, looking straight ahead, face fully visible, neutral expression, 4cm x 3cm).
Documents attesting to your previous academic and professional history.
Documents related to the receiving company concerned, such as company registration and accounts.
Additional documents may be required for certain professionals:
Artists: Documents which demonstrate artistic achievements.
Religious workers: Documents providing details of the organisation sending you to Japan, plus those showing details of the receiving organisation and detailing your career.
Researchers: Documents related to the receiving organization and those confirming your qualifications.
Instructors and teachers: Documents related to the receiving organization and those confirming your qualifications.
Intra-company transferees: Documents attesting to the relationship between the two offices/companies.
The Japanese immigration service or consulate may request further documents according to your profession.
Your documents should be accompanied by certified Japanese translations.
How do you apply for a Japanese work visa?
After you have received your Certificate of Eligibility you should contact the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate and obtain the relevant application form. Some embassies and consulates do not accept direct applications and so you would need to make your application via a visa application agency.
Submit the visa application either directly at the Embassy/Consulate or via a visa application agency. You may be asked to provide additional documents or to attend an interview.
Once your Japanese work visa application has been processed, you will need to collect your passport.
The processing time for visa applications is generally 5 to 10 working days.
Once you enter Japan with your work visa, you will receive a Landing Permit at the port of entry. The Landing Permit replaces the visa and works as “permission” allowing you to enter Japan. In addition to the Landing Permit, you will also need to apply for a Residence Card.
What is a Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
The Japanese Highly Skilled Professional visa is a work visa that provides preferential treatment to foreign professionals that boast advanced skills and experience, particularly in fields such as advanced academic research, specialised/technical work, or business management. The visa application process uses a points-based system to assess eligibility, considering various factors including academic background, professional experience, salary, and age.
This type of visa is valid for 5 years. There are numerous advantages to obtaining a Highly Skilled Professional Visa:
Preferential treatment: The visa provides preferential treatment in the immigration process.
Long-term residency: It can pave the way for long-term residency and even naturalization.
Spouse and children: Family members (spouse and children) can also be granted residence status as dependents.
Pathway to permanent residence: After a period of residency (3 years with a score of 70 or more, or 1 year with a score of 80 or more), individuals may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
You will need to support your application with the same documents and when applying for a work visa. As with work visa applications, the Japanese authorities may request additional documents. All documents should be accompanied by certified Japanese translations.
What is a Japanese Working Holiday Visa?
The Working Holiday scheme in Japan is designed to promote international exchange and to enhance friendly relationships between Japan and partner countries. The Working Holiday Visa may be granted for those who wish to enter Japan primarily for a holiday but to work for some of the time to provide travel funds. The visa is valid for one year and the number of visas that will be granted for residents of certain eligible countries are limited to prescribed numbers.
To qualify for this visa, applicants must:
Intend to visit Japan primarily for leisure purposes.
Be between 18 and 30 years old.
Possess an outward and return/onward travel ticket or sufficient funds with which to purchase such a ticket.
Possess reasonable funds to maintain and accommodate themselves during the initial period of their stay in Japan.
Intend to leave Japan at the end of their stay.
Have not previously applied for and been issued a Working Holiday Visa more than once.
Be in good health.
Details of the documents required to accompany an application can be found here.
Can family members accompany holders of work visas?
Yes, family members can generally accompany holders of work visas (excluding Working Holiday visas) to Japan but must obtain their own “dependent” visas. It is usually necessary to provide evidence of the relationship with the holder of the work visa in addition to proof that the holder of the work visa can support the family.
Holders of visas for dependents may be restricted in the work they can do in Japan. If they are themselves skilled workers, it would be advisable to apply for their own work visa.
