A Guide to Visa Types & Work Permits in Japan

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• Work permits & employment-based visas
• Self-employment visas
• Temporary & permanent residence permits

Work permits & employment-based visas

The type of work permit or employment visa you need in Japan will be dependent on the type of work that you do. Japan has over 30 different work and long-term visas for expats to apply for based on their job and reason for moving to Japan.

Types of work visas you can apply for:

• artist
• business manager
• engineer/specialist in humanities/international services
• entertainer
• instructor
• intra-company transferee
• journalist
• legal/accounting services
• medical services
• nursing care
• professor
• religious activities
• researcher
• skilled labor
• technical intern training

The length of time each permit allows an expat to remain in Japan varies dependent both on the permit you’re applying for and your individual needs and circumstances.

For most permits listed above, the length of time to obtain the visa can take anywhere from three to four months primarily because obtaining the certificate of eligibility (COE) can take up to 2 months. No work visa is valid for more than five years and the visa must be used to enter Japan within three months of issuance.

Skilled worker visas

In addition to the above work visa categories, Japan’s government also has a Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP) which consists of 3 types:

• Type 1: people who are skilled in advanced academic research activities
• Type 2: people who are highly skilled in advanced specialized/technical activities
• Type 3: people who are involved in advanced business management activities

Highly skilled visas differ from regular work visas by granting preferential status to top foreign professionals. They offer benefits like quicker permanent residency, fewer restrictions, and better family support. Unlike standard work visas, the HSP visa uses a points system and can be challenging to obtain.

Another type of visa is the Specific Skilled Worker Visa (SSW) which consists of two types:

Specific Skilled Worker Visa 1 (SSW 1)

This visa is applicable to foreign nationals who work in jobs that require a considerable knowledge of or experience in specified industry fields. Applicants applying for this visa must pass a Japanese language test as well as technical exams. Your level of Japanese proficiency will depend upon the job you’ll be doing, but you may be required to pass an N4 level exam or higher. See the language section below for more info.

This visa is only valid for one year and renewable for up to five years. Workers are not able to bring their families with them. If a worker wants to remain in Japan for longer than five years or wants their family to join them, they can apply for the Visa 2-SSV2.

Specific Skilled Worker Visa 2 (SSW 2)

This visa is for foreign nationals to engage in jobs that require proficient skills in specified industry fields. Unlike the SSW 1, this visa is valid for 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely, and visa holders may bring their family to Japan. Currently, workers living and working in Japan on SSW 1 can apply for this visa only after achieving higher levels of specialization in their field.

Skilled workers applying for this visa must work in one of the following 16 fields:

• accommodation industry
• agriculture
• automobile repair and maintenance
• automobile transport
• aviation
• building cleaning management
• construction industry
• fishery and aquaculture
• food and beverage
• food service industry
• forestry
• manufacture of industrial products
• nursing care
• railway
• shipbuilding and machinery
• wood Industry

It’s important to note that automobile transport business, forestry, nursing care, railway, and wood industry are the only industries/fields available to SSW 1 visa holders.

Japan work permit requirements

While specific requirements may fluctuate from visa to visa, these are the general requirements you will need when applying for a work permit in Japan:

• an offer of employment from a Japanese company
• your valid passport
• a visa application form
• a recent photograph
• a Certificate of Eligibility

Given the type of visa you’re applying for, you may also need to provide a CV and your original university degrees or certificates.

Language requirements to work in Japan

Most visa types have varying language requirements, but generally, N2-level Japanese is recommended, as it’s considered the minimum for professional or business settings. Below are the five Japanese language proficiency levels, along with examples of the types of jobs you may qualify for at each level.

N1 (advanced)

At this level, you can understand complex texts and take part in professional discussions. This level opens up almost any job for you, including corporate, management, government, and translation roles.

N2 (upper-intermediate)

At this level, you can understand everyday conversations and some complex topics. Commonly needed for jobs in tech, hospitality, administrative work, and some translation or teaching positions.

N3 (intermediate level)

At this level, you can manage general conversations and read/write basic work documents. Suitable for IT support, teaching (like English conversation schools), or part-time jobs.

N4 (elementary level)

At this level, you can understand basic Japanese used in daily life. This level qualifies you for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa and certain entry-level or technical trainee roles.

N5 (basic level)

At this level, you can understand simple greetings and everyday expressions. This level may qualify you for some entry-level or cultural exchange programs, such as the JET programme.

Certificate of Eligibility

The Certificate of Eligibility is an important document when applying for any Japanese work visa. It’s required for every type of long-term visa application. This certificate is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. You can submit this form either in person at a Japanese consulate or embassy in another country, or you can mail it.

Requirements to submit the certificate include:

• completed application form
• passport-sized photograph
• filled out and stamped return envelope

You’ll also be asked for extra documentation dependent on the type of work visa you’re applying for. For example, those applying for a researcher visa will be asked to provide the following:

• a research proposal and an invitation letter
• material showing the profile and activities of the organization
• diploma, CV, and other documents certifying your career position
• documentation certifying the activity, its duration, position, and remuneration

Engineers will need to show:

• copies of the company registration and a statement of profit and loss of the recipient organization
• materials showing the business substance of the recipient organization
• diploma or a certificate of graduation with a major in the subject regarding the activity for the visa being applied for
• documents certifying your professional career
• documents certifying the activity, its duration, position, and the remuneration

For a complete list of documents required for each Japan work permit visa application form, see the government’s website.

In some cases, the work visa can be issued without the Certificate of Eligibility, but an applicant may have to provide extra paperwork, and the processing time could take longer. In other cases, a visa cannot be issued without this certificate. Either way, it’s best that you obtain this certificate.

The only expats who are able to receive a visa swiftly without a Certificate of Eligibility are intra-company transferees who work for highly trusted companies in Japan, typically those listed on the stock exchange.

Japan visa costs

The visa costs for all applications, regardless of the type of visa, are the same because Japan only offers an entry visa. Once you arrive in Japan, your visa would be converted into a residency permit/card.

In general, the cost of entry is 6,000 JPY (approx. 40 USD), but the cost of your work permit, or residency status, as it’s officially known, whether it’s a researcher’s visa, entertainer’s visa, or highly skilled professional permit, depends heavily on your nationality. The work permit requirement costs would range from 30,000–100,000 JPY (approx. 200–650 USD), which comprises of legal services and the basic application fee.

Other visas

If you’re interested in a business visa or family visa, you can read more about them in the sections below. Business visas are the same as self-employment visas. Family visas are also called dependent visas.

Self-employment visas

Expats interested in a self-employment visa in Japan will need to apply for a business manager visa. This is a self-sponsorship visa for individuals interested in establishing their own business in Japan rather than working for a Japanese company. While this type of visa and work opportunity does provide for greater flexibility when living in Japan, the visa application process is difficult.

Japan self-employment visas: Requirements

Because there is no self-employment visa in Japan, you will instead need to establish a business to support yourself. There are a few ways foreigners can do this. The first is by entering Japan on a work visa through a Japanese company, remaining in Japan for a year and building up a network to eventually start your business.

For some expats, this is an ideal way to become self-employed in Japan because many Japanese companies will sponsor your visa even if you only work contractually for them. It’s also possible to start your business this way and then apply for a business manager visa as someone who is starting a brand-new company in Japan.

If you’re starting your own business from scratch, you’ll need to apply for the business manager visa with the following:

• proof of a 30 million JPY (approx. 200,000 USD) capital investment
• business plan (that is professionally reviewed)
• copies of the company registration
• financial statement
• material showing the number of full-time staff (you’ll need at least one other full-time staff member — who is a Japanese citizen or can speak at least N2 level Japanese and has permanent residency in addition to yourself)
• proof that you have at least three years of business experience, a master’s degree or higher
• copies of residence cards and documents regarding wage payments of the staff
• proof of an official business office
• your Japanese residence card
• proof you have paid regular income and residence tax

Another way to apply for a business manager visa is by applying with a company that is already established. For a company to be considered already established, it will need to be at least three years old. You’ll then need to submit the following along with the application form, which can be found on the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:

• proof of 30 million JPY (approx. 200,000 USD) capital investment
• company’s registration
• monthly bank statements
• invoices from previous clients
• signed contracts from previous clients
• proof of income tax contributions
• official office address

No matter which of the two business manager options you decide to apply with, you’ll also need a university degree as well as any applicable certificates for the field in which you’ll be working.

Self-employment visa costs

Just as with the other work visas, the cost of a self-sponsored business manager visa permit will range between 150,000–250,000 JPY (approx. 990–1,600 USD). Your costs would also include corporate registration fees.

Temporary & permanent residence permits

Knowing how to apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit in Japan first depends on how long you intend to stay. For short-term stays for tourism or business purposes, nationals of certain countries can enter Japan visa-free for anywhere between 15 to 90 days. You can find this complete list of countries on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

The requirements and fees for a temporary residence permit vary depending on your nationality. For all nationalities, you’ll at least need to show your passport, arrival card, and customs declaration form (given to you in the plane; read more below) upon arrival into Japan.

For most expats, your application for a temporary residence permit will be made at the airport upon your arrival. For some nationalities, it’s possible to renew your short-term stay for an extra 90 days by either applying at a local government office or leaving Japan and immediately returning. However, for most expats wishing to live and work in Japan for longer than three months, you’ll need a long-term visa.

How to get your residence card in Japan

To do this, you must start the application process before arriving in Japan. If you enter Japan on a tourist visa and take up employment, you’ll still need to leave the country and start the application from abroad. You can’t change a tourist visa to a long-term or working visa. However, once you have a long-term visa, it’s possible to change or alter its status.

Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility

If you have a job offer or are moving to Japan to study, your sponsor usually applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document confirms you’re allowed to enter Japan. If you don’t have a sponsor, you can still apply for a COE — visit the Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s website to find your category and required documents.

Once you have the COE, bring it and your passport to your closest Japanese consulate. Processing times vary by consulate. You’ll receive an entry visa, typically valid for three months from the date you get your passport back. You must enter Japan before your visa expires.

Step 2: Residence card

On your flight heading to Japan, you’ll receive a customs declaration form. If you don’t, be sure to ask for one because these will be needed when going through customs. However, to make the process much simpler, you can use the Visit Japan Web and can digitally register yourself with Japanese customs and you only have to scan a QR code on arrival.

The forms are standard. You’ll be asked to list:

• your personal information
• passport number
• origin of departure and final destination
• address where you’ll be staying in Japan
• intended length of stay
• purpose of stay
• any declared goods

If you don’t know the address of where you are staying, you can just list the city or the name of your hotel. If you’re arriving at one of Japan’s major airports, such as Narita, Haneda, Chubu, New Chitose, Fukuoka, or Kansai, you’ll need to join a line that’s separate from everyone else queueing for a visa on arrival. It’s best to show your COE / entry visa to an airport staff member and have them direct you to the correct area.

You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken, and then you’ll wait for your laminated residence card to be made right there in the airport.

Keep in mind that everyone entering Japan has their fingerprints and photograph taken for security purposes. If you don’t receive a laminated card, that means you didn’t receive your residence card. The residence card is only issued in these major airports. If you’re arriving through a different port, you can get your card at your municipal office.

In Japan, a residence card is called a zairyu card.

Step 3: Register your residence

Once you’ve arrived in Japan, you’ll have two weeks to register your residence with the local city hall. You’ll need to do this in the same municipality in which you live, so it’s important to find at least a temporary place to live as quickly as possible.

However, it’s also possible to change your address on your residence card when you move, so registering with a temporary residence is also an option. When you register, you’ll do so with the residence card you received at the airport and your passport. The process should take less than an hour.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you should be issued your long-term visa. For nearly every expat, this visa will need to be tied to a form of employment or as a dependent/family member of a Japanese resident. The length of stay will depend on the visa type, but most will be for somewhere between one to five years.

How to obtain permanent residency in Japan

In recent years, Japan has loosened its requirements for permanent residency. The standard route is that foreigners could apply for permanent residency status after ten years of continuous living in Japan (five of those years must be under a work visa). It’s also possible for expats to apply for permanent residence status as early as one to five years after they arrive, if they meet certain requirements.

These requirements are based on a point system. When completing an application for permanent residence in Japan, you’ll fill out a form that will score you based on several factors:

• your profession
• years working in your profession
• academic qualifications
• work achievements
• age
• licenses and certificates you may hold
• salary

People with high scores will have doctorates, senior-level positions, and/or multiple years of work experience. You can also boost your score by proving knowledge of the Japanese language.

To qualify for permanent residency within one to five years of living in Japan, you’ll need to score a minimum of 70 points. Those with a score of 80 points or higher are eligible to obtain permanent residency after just one year.

Japan permanent residence visa requirements

While the length of time you must live in Japan varies based on each individual, these are the general requirements for anyone applying for permanent residence in Japan:

• original passport and a copy
• certificate of residence
• residence card
• proof of income
• proof of employment
• proof of adequate financial means
• proof of no criminal record while residing in Japan
• proof that you have contributed to taxes and social security
• satisfy the requirements of your current visa, whether that means you’re still married or employed

Benefits of permanent residence

One benefit of having permanent residence in Japan is no longer having the need to switch your visa status if you change jobs. You’ll also no longer be required to renew your visa, although you’ll still need to renew your residence card every seven years. For those looking to own property in Japan, it’ll also be easier to get a loan from a Japanese bank.

Spouse visa

A spouse visa in Japan is the same as a dependent visa or a family visa. Dependent visas include children and other family members that residents can claim as dependents. Spouse visas can be used only for opposite-sex couples. Same-sex couples can apply for a visa called Unspecified Designated Activities, provided that same-sex marriage is legal in both partner’s home countries.

The process to get a spouse visa in Japan is straightforward. Most of the documents required will be ones supporting the Japanese residence status of the sponsoring spouse. Once you have that, the applicant applying for the spouse visa will need the following:

• certificate of eligibility
• passport-sized photograph
• certified copy of family register (marriage registration)
• proof of financial stability
• marriage or birth certificate (if applying as a spouse or child)

There is no such thing as a fiancé visa in Japan.