Japan Work Visa Process (Types and Requirements)
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Japan Work Visa Process (Types and Requirements)

Getting a work visa for Japan is easy and quick. I’ll explain how the process works for foreign workers. To start, you must get a job offer from a Japanese employer. Luckily, many jobs in Japan come with visa sponsorship in various industries. Finding a job with visa sponsorship is simple, and I’ve listed some sources below.

Japan wants more foreign workers because most of its people are getting old. The plan is to welcome 500,000 foreign workers by 2025. Initially, the visa will be given for 5 years. People in Japan are friendly, honest, and disciplined. It’s an affordable country. In this post, I’ll explain the different types of Japanese work visas, what you need to get them, and the step-by-step process to apply for one.

  • Job Country: Japan
  • Visa Type: Work Visa
  • Who can Apply: Anyone from any country
  • Visa Sponsorship Jobs: Yes
  • Passport Ranking: 2nd Powerful, 190 Visa-Free Destinations

Popular Fields of Getting a Job

  • English teacher
  • Military personnel
  • Engineer
  • Service staff
  • IT Professional
  • Translator
  • Banker
  • School Teacher
  • English Speaking
  • Mechanics
  • Electrical

Types of Japanese Work Visas

There are two main kinds of Japanese work visas, each with different categories. The types of Japanese work visas are:

1) Highly Skilled Professional Visa:

    1. Talented Foreign Workers: This visa allows highly skilled professionals 5 years to stay in Japan to work on advanced academic research activities and advanced specialized or technical activities.
    2. Special Highly Skilled Professional: This Visa requires a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree and if you have any experience in your field, you can apply for the Highly skilled Visa.
    3. Skilled Foreign Experts: This Work visa is also for one with advanced skills and experience to work in Japan.

2) Japan Working visa

This is a regular work visa in Japan given to lots of foreign workers. You don’t need any past work experience for this visa. You can live in Japan for 1, 3, or 5 years with this visa.

Japan’s Visa-Approved Professions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has provided this list. It includes jobs that qualify for Japanese Working Visas.

  • Professor
  • Artists
  • Religious activities
  • Journalist
  • Business Manager
  • Legal/Accounting services
  • Medical services
  • Researcher
  • Instructor
  • Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services
  • Intra-company transferee
  • Nursing care
  • Entertainers
  • Skilled labor
  • Specified skilled worker
  • Technical intern training

How long you can stay in Japan?

Each visa is granted for a duration of either 1, 3, or 5 years, and there is an option for renewal.

Processing Time

You’ll find out if your visa application is approved or not in 5 to 6 business days.

Visa Cost

Usually the Single Entry Visa Costs around 3,000 Japanese Yen. While Multiple Entry Visas for Japan cost around 6000 Yen. You’ll only need to pay the fee if your application is accepted.

Requirements for Japanese Work Visa

  • You are required to secure a job offer from a Japanese company or employer.
  • A valid passport is mandatory for the application process.
  • You must diligently complete and submit the Visa application form.
  • Additionally, you are obligated to provide a recent photograph, not exceeding six months in age. Lastly, obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from your Japanese employer is a prerequisite.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

All foreign workers must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services in Japan.

After receiving a job offer from a Japanese employer, you’ll need to provide your documents to the employer. They are responsible for managing the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application on your behalf and will obtain it for you.

Required Documents

  • Passport
  • One visa application form
  • One photograph
  • Certificate of Eligibility
  • Job offer Letter with all details.
  • Documents related to your education (Submit it to your employer to get COE)

Depending on where the applicant is from, they might need to provide more documents along with the ones mentioned earlier. For details please refer to the website of a Japanese embassy or consulate-general in your area.

Visa Sponsorships Jobs in Japan for Foreign Candidates

In Japan, many jobs offer visa sponsorship, and you can find these opportunities through employers, recruitment agencies, or directly from companies.

I’ve included the most well-known websites where you can search for jobs in Japan. Once you open these websites. Make sure to click on the “Overseas Applicants“, or “Visa Offered” or simply type “Visa Sponsorship” in the search bar.

  • Career cross
  • Gaijinpot Jobs
  • Yolo Japan
  • Rikunabi
  • Miidas
  • Daijob
  • JobsInJapan.com

Where to Submit Your Work Visa Application for Japan? – Steps Required to Apply for the Japanese Work Visa

Here is the step-by-step application process to apply for the Japanese Work Visa.

  • Apply for the Job.
  • Get a Job offer.
  • Get a Certificate of Eligibility.
  • Book an appointment at the Japanese Visa.
  • Do check if you need a Visa to travel to Japan.

To get a Japan Work Visa, go to the closest Japanese embassy in your country and submit your application there.. You can find a list of the Japanese Embassies, Consulates, and Permanent Missions here

Find your country name, and click on that. Next, click on “Work in Japan” and find out how to apply for a Work Visa for Japan. Keep in mind that the process might be different for each country.

Helpful Links for Japan Work Visa

You can find more details about the Japan Work Visa process, requirements, and information on each visa type on the website provided below.