Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Work Visas – Requirements, Process, and Eligibility.

If you’re planning to live and work in Japan, obtaining the correct work visa is essential. Japan offers various visa categories depending on your job type, qualifications, and employment status. This article will walk you through the key requirements, visa categories, and application procedures for securing a Japanese work visa.

Who Needs a Japanese Work Visa?

If you’re not a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident, you’ll need a work visa to engage in employment in Japan. However, your visa must correspond to the job you intend to perform, as each category has specific conditions and requirements.

Note:
While changing from a Tourist or Short-Term Stay Visa to a work visa is generally not permitted, exceptions can be made under specific conditions. For more details, see also: Changing from a Short-Term Visa to a Work Visa.

Types of Japanese Work Visas

Japan offers several work visa categories, depending on your profession or the nature of your work. Below are the most common types:

1. Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務)

This is the most common visa for professionals working in fields such as IT, engineering, international relations, education, marketing, and other office-based roles. Applicants must typically have a university degree or equivalent work experience related to their job.

2. Intra-Company Transferee (企業内転勤)

This visa applies to employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to Japan from an overseas office. It requires at least one year of employment at the overseas office prior to the transfer.

3. Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職)

Japan encourages highly skilled foreign workers by offering this visa category, which allows for benefits like faster access to permanent residency. The visa is awarded based on a points system, which evaluates factors like academic background, professional experience, and annual salary.

4. Business Manager (経営・管理)

If you plan to start a business or manage a company in Japan, the Business Manager Visa is the appropriate category. This visa requires proof of business setup, such as an office space, and financial capital of at least ¥5 million.

5. Instructor (教育)

This visa is for foreign nationals teaching at public or private schools in Japan. It is distinct from the visa for language teachers employed at private conversation schools, who typically require the Specialist in Humanities visa.

6. Skilled Labor (技能)

For individuals involved in specific skilled professions such as chefs of foreign cuisine, sommelier, or carpenters. Applicants must demonstrate professional expertise in their field.

7. Artist, Entertainer, and Journalist (芸術家・報道関係者)

These visas are for those working in creative or media-related industries, such as musicians, artists, and journalists.

Key Requirements for a Japanese Work Visa

The following are the essential requirements for applying for a work visa in Japan:

• Job Offer: You must have an offer of employment from a Japanese company or organization. Your employer will act as your sponsor.
• Relevant Experience or Qualifications: Depending on the visa category, you may need a university degree, professional certification, or several years of relevant work experience.
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE): The Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書) is a document issued by Japan’s Immigration Bureau that verifies you meet the criteria for the specific visa. Your employer in Japan usually applies for this on your behalf.

Note: While the COE simplifies the visa application process, it does not guarantee a visa. You must apply for the visa at your local Japanese embassy or consulate after obtaining the COE.

How to Apply for a Japanese Work Visa

When applying for a Japanese work visa, there are two main scenarios: either you are applying from abroad (new visa) or you are already in Japan and changing your visa status. The process and documentation required differ in each case.

1. Applying for a New Visa from Abroad (在留資格認定証明書交付申請)

If you are applying for a Japanese work visa from outside of Japan, you must go through the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application process before you can obtain your visa. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Obtain a Job Offer

Your future employer in Japan must offer you a formal job, as they will act as your sponsor. The visa process cannot begin without this.

Step 2: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The Certificate of Eligibility is an essential document issued by the Immigration Bureau of Japan. It verifies that you meet the criteria for a work visa. Your employer will submit the COE application on your behalf to the regional immigration office in Japan.

Documents typically required for the COE application:

• Completed Certificate of Eligibility application form
• Job contract or offer letter from your employer
• Copy of your passport
• Evidence of qualifications (university degree, certifications, etc.)
• Detailed company information from your employer

The processing time for the COE is usually one to three months.

Step 3: Apply for a Work Visa at a Japanese Embassy/Consulate

Once the COE is approved, you will receive the original document. You must then take the COE to your local Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a work visa.

Documents required for the visa application:

• Original COE and a copy
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photo
• Passport

Visa processing at the embassy or consulate typically takes five to 10 business days.

Step 4: Arrival in Japan and Obtaining a Residence Card

After receiving your visa, you can travel to Japan. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be issued a Residence Card (在留カード), which serves as your official identification during your stay in Japan. Be sure to carry it with you at all times.

2. Changing Your Visa Status in Japan (在留資格変更許可申請)

If you are already in Japan on a different visa (e.g., a student visa or dependent visa), you can apply to change your visa status to a work visa. This process is known as Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可申請).

Step 1: Obtain a Job Offer

Just like applying for a new visa, you must secure a formal job offer from a Japanese employer who will act as your sponsor. The visa status change cannot begin without this.

Step 2: Submit a Change of Status of Residence Application

Once you have a job offer, you need to apply for a Change of Status of Residence at the nearest Immigration Bureau in Japan.

Documents typically required:

• Change of Status of Residence application form (在留資格変更許可申請書)
• Job contract or offer letter from your employer
• Passport
• Residence Card (在留カード)
• Evidence of qualifications (university degree, certifications)
• Company information and employment details from your employer
• Proof of current visa status

The processing time is usually one to three months. During this period, you can continue to stay in Japan under your current visa while awaiting approval for the new status.

Step 3: Obtain Your Updated Residence Card

Once your application is approved, you will receive a new Residence Card with the updated visa status. This card is essential for your continued stay and employment in Japan, so keep it safe and carry it with you at all times.

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Important Notes for Both Processes

• The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required only for new visa applicants from abroad. If you are already in Japan and changing your visa status, you only need to apply for a Change of Status of Residence.
• Your visa duration may be issued for one, three, or five years, depending on your job, employer, and the Immigration Bureau’s decision.
• In both cases, your sponsor (employer) plays a critical role in supporting your application and providing the necessary documentation.

Can You Change Jobs While on a Work Visa?

Yes, you can change jobs while on a work visa, but the new job must align with the visa category under which you were originally granted permission to stay. For example, if you have a visa under the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities” category, you must continue working in a related field. If your new job falls outside this category, you may need to apply for a Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可申請).

What Happens If You Lose Your Job While Holding a Work Visa?

Employment is a key factor in maintaining your visa status, and without it, you may face challenges regarding your continued stay in Japan. However, there are specific steps you can take to protect your visa status or switch to another visa category. For detailed information on what to do in such cases, including the process and timeline, please refer to: What Happens If You Lose Your Job on a Work Visa?.

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Need Help Navigating the Process?

Navigating the visa application process in Japan can be complex, with significant paperwork involved. Whether you’re applying for a new work visa or changing your visa status, it’s essential to ensure all your documents are in order.

But you don’t have to do it alone. Book a free 30-minute consultation with our visa experts today and get personalized advice tailored to your situation. Learn how to maximize your chances of approval and avoid common pitfalls!

Contact Us Now and take the first step toward working in Japan!