Japan Work Visa Ultimate Guide for Foreigners 2023 – Have you ever considered moving to Japan? It’s such a peaceful and beautiful country, right? But if you’re thinking of making the move, there’s one important thing you need to know. Just like in most countries, if you want to work in Japan, you’ll need to get a work visa.
The government requires all foreign nationals to have a valid visa before they can start working in Japan.
So, what makes Japan such a great place to move to? Well, for starters, it’s famous for its traditional arts like calligraphy and flower arrangements. But it’s not just about the culture and beauty. Japan is also known for its advanced technology and gadgets.
And let’s not forget about the economy. It’s the third largest in the world in nominal GDP, so there could be great career opportunities for you.
If you’re ready to take the leap, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll go over all the procedures for getting your work visa and settling into your new home in Japan.
We’ll try to answer all your questions, but make sure to read through the whole thing for all the details.
Country | Japan |
Type | Work visa Eligible |
Nationals | Foreigners |
So basically, if you’re a foreign national and you’re planning to work in Japan, you’ll need a work visa.
There are three different types of work visas in Japan
- the Regular Japan Visa,
- the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa,
- and the Japan Working Holiday Visa.
If you are not a tourist, short-term visitor, businessperson, or simply visiting for enjoyment, you will require a work visa for your long-term stay.
This applies whether you are visiting Japan for work, study, or to reunite with family.
It is critical that you have the proper visa in order to legally work and stay in Japan.
Also read: Work As A Nurse In Dubai 2023: Earn $3,267 Monthly
Who requires a work visa in Japan?
Every foreign national who wishes to visit to Japan for employment must get a Japanese work visa.
There are a few individuals of various professions from various countries that do not require a work visa for Japan. These are some examples:
- Tourists
- Short-term visitors
- Business people
- And other recreational people.
For all other types of job, you must get a legitimate work visa (long-term stay). Long-term stays include the following:
- Work permit
- Study permit
- Visa for family reunion
Professions Eligible for a Japan Work Visa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has provided a list of jobs that highlights some of the qualifying professions for a Japan work visa, such as;
| ARTISTS | BUSINESS MANAGERS | ENGINEER/SPECIALIST |
|---|---|---|
| Photographers | Directors | Interpreter |
| Sculptors | Company Presidents | Copywriter |
| Composers | Humanities Specialist | |
| Songwriters | International Services Specialist | |
| etc. | Scientific Engineer | |
| IT Engineer | ||
| Designer | ||
| Foreign Language Teacher | ||
| etc. |
| Entertainers | TEACHER | INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFEREE |
|---|---|---|
| Musicians | High School Teacher | Person transferred from home country company |
| Actors | Elementary Teacher | to a branch of a company in Japan |
| Singers | Intermediate Teacher | |
| Dancers | etc. | |
| Sportspeople |
| JOURNALIST | LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING WORKERS | MEDICAL |
|---|---|---|
| Editors | Judicial Scriveners | Dentists |
| Cameramen | Attorneys | Physicians |
| Magazine Journalists | Public Accountants | Nurses |
| Newspersons | Tax Accountants | Pharmacists |
| Announcers | Lawyers | etc. |
| PROFESSORS | RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES | RESEARCHERS |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professors | Bishops | Researchers at Research Institutes |
| University Professors | Monks | |
| Lecturers | Missionaries |
| SKILLED WORKERS | TECHNICAL INTERNS |
|---|---|
| Pilots | Technical Interns |
| Sports Trainers | |
| Foreign Chefs | |
| Animal Trainers |
Japan Work Visa Essentials
A few papers are required for the application procedure for a Japan work visa, which you must maintain on hand throughout the process:
- Validity certificate
- Form for Japan Work visa application signed and completed. It may be downloaded from here (form).
- A valid passport
- Photocopies of every page of your passport
- Passport-size pictures with white backdrop
- Contractual documentation showing your pay, term of employment, and firm name.
- Academic and professional credentials documentation
For creatives:
Any evidence of your artistic accomplishments.
For religious workers:
Information about a religious group
Receiving Japanese business
Documents attesting your religious career and position
For researchers:
Documents pertinent to the recipient institution
Professional and educational credentials
For educators:
- Academic qualifications
- Professional credentials
- Receiving organization document
- Educational permit
For intra-company transferee:
Receiving organization document
Supporting paperwork of embassy declaring your necessity
The Japanese embassy maintains the right to request additional documentation. Before you apply, you must provide all the paperwork to your employer/sponsor so they may apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at the Immigration Services.
How to Apply for a Work Visa for Japan?
To apply, you will need to complete the two steps outlined below.
- You must first get an eligibility certificate from Japan’s Immigration Services. Your sponsor or business is responsible for submitting an eligibility application on your behalf; for this, you must transmit all of your paperwork to the sponsor in Japan. Once you have been granted permission to visit Japan, securing a work visa will become simpler.
Second, you will apply for a work visa in Japan through the Japanese Diplomatic Representative Office after obtaining your certificate (embassy or consulate). - If you wish to apply through an embassy, please follow the steps below;
- contact the embassy closest you. Here you may discover information.
- Collect the necessary paperwork.
- Submit the employment visa application form for Japan.
- Participate in the interview.
- Upon acceptance, obtain your visa.
Time Required for Visa Processing
In average, the processing period ranges from 5 to 10 business days, however it varies according on the area of the office you apply to. Likewise, the certificate of eligibility (COE) may take up to three months to arrive.
What occurs upon landing in Japan?
At the entrance port, you will be issued a Landing permission after you enter the nation with a Japanese work visa. This permit will serve as “permission” to enter Japan, replacing the visa.
Residence Card.
You will be permitted to enter the nation after acquiring a landing permission, but you will require a residency card to live and remain in Japan. You can obtain this card at any municipal office near your home. After acquiring a residency card, you must register with the local municipal office and report your movements within fourteen days of your arrival.
A cost for the 2023 Japan Visa
- Single-entry visa – 3,000 Yen
- Double-entry or multiple-entry visa – 6,000 Yen
Note that the charge may vary based on your country and office.
Length of the Japan Work visa
The term of your Japan work visa depends on your occupation and employment contract.
The duration of three months
- Four months
- An entire year
- Three decades
- Five decades
Can a family member accompany you to Japan on a work visa?
Japan Spouse Visa will allow you to bring your family to Japan.
Conclusion
Obtaining a work visa in Japan as a foreign national requires having the right documentation, including a valid passport, academic and professional credentials, and obtaining an eligibility certificate from Japan’s Immigration Services.
It’s important to research the different types of work visas offered and choose the one that best suits your qualifications and needs, before applying for the actual visa at a Japanese Diplomatic Representative Office.