Embedded Files
Foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan must obtain a work visa appropriate to their professional background and job activities. Japan's immigration system offers several visa categories, each designed for a specific type of employment or business activity. This guide explains the main categories, their requirements, and how the application process works.
📌Major Work Visa Categories
📌Major Work Visa Categories
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
This is the most common work visa for foreign professionals joining Japanese companies. It covers a wide range of knowledge-intensive roles, including:
This is the most common work visa for foreign professionals joining Japanese companies. It covers a wide range of knowledge-intensive roles, including:
IT engineers and software developers
Designers and UX/UI professionals
Marketing and sales specialists
Translators and interpreters
International business consultants
Finance and accounting professionals
To qualify, applicants generally need a university degree in a relevant field, or 10 or more years of professional experience in the relevant industry.
→ Full details: Engineer / Humanities Visa
Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP)
Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP)
A points-based visa designed for exceptionally qualified professionals. Points are awarded based on academic background, professional experience, annual salary, age, and other factors. Applicants who reach the required threshold receive preferential immigration treatment, including:
A points-based visa designed for exceptionally qualified professionals. Points are awarded based on academic background, professional experience, annual salary, age, and other factors. Applicants who reach the required threshold receive preferential immigration treatment, including:
Faster eligibility for permanent residence (as early as 1 or 3 years depending on points score)
Permission to engage in a wider range of activities
Simplified application procedures in some cases
→ Full details: Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Business Manager Visa
Business Manager Visa
For foreign nationals who wish to establish and operate a business in Japan, or manage an existing company. This visa is not an employment visa — it is for those who take on a management or representative role within a Japan-based entity. Key requirements typically include:
For foreign nationals who wish to establish and operate a business in Japan, or manage an existing company. This visa is not an employment visa — it is for those who take on a management or representative role within a Japan-based entity. Key requirements typically include:
- Capital investment of approximately ¥5,000,000
- A physical office in Japan
- A viable business plan demonstrating genuine commercial activity
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa
Introduced in 2024, this visa allows remote workers employed by overseas companies to stay in Japan for up to 6 months. It is not a standard work visa and does not permit employment with Japanese companies. Key requirements include an annual income of at least ¥10,000,000 from overseas sources and private international health insurance. For stays beyond 6 months, a different visa category is required.
Introduced in 2024, this visa allows remote workers employed by overseas companies to stay in Japan for up to 6 months. It is not a standard work visa and does not permit employment with Japanese companies. Key requirements include an annual income of at least ¥10,000,000 from overseas sources and private international health insurance. For stays beyond 6 months, a different visa category is required.
📌General Requirements for Employment-Based Work Visas
📌General Requirements for Employment-Based Work Visas
While each category has its own specific criteria, most employment-based work visas in Japan require the following:
A sponsoring employer in Japan (a company or organization that will employ you)
A university degree in a field relevant to the job, or substantial professional experience in lieu of a degree
A job position that requires specialized knowledge or skills — routine manual labor does not qualify
A salary equivalent to that of a Japanese employee in a comparable role
A valid employment contract with the sponsoring company
📌Application Process
📌Application Process
Step 1 — Job offer and document preparation Your Japanese employer prepares the necessary documents, including a letter of employment, company registration materials, and your educational or professional credentials.
Step 1 — Job offer and document preparation Your Japanese employer prepares the necessary documents, including a letter of employment, company registration materials, and your educational or professional credentials.
Step 2 — Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application The employer submits a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau in Japan on your behalf. Processing typically takes 1 to 3 months. The COE confirms that your planned activities in Japan are appropriate for the visa category being applied for.
Step 2 — Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application The employer submits a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau in Japan on your behalf. Processing typically takes 1 to 3 months. The COE confirms that your planned activities in Japan are appropriate for the visa category being applied for.
Step 3 — Visa application at a Japanese embassy or consulate Once the COE is issued, you present it at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country to obtain the visa. Processing at this stage is generally faster — often within a few business days.
Step 3 — Visa application at a Japanese embassy or consulate Once the COE is issued, you present it at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country to obtain the visa. Processing at this stage is generally faster — often within a few business days.
Step 4 — Entry to Japan and residence registration After arrival in Japan, you register your address at your local municipal office within 14 days. You will also receive your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) at the port of entry or from your local government office.
Step 4 — Entry to Japan and residence registration After arrival in Japan, you register your address at your local municipal office within 14 days. You will also receive your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) at the port of entry or from your local government office.
📌Processing Time
📌Processing Time
COE review by immigration authorities typically takes 1 to 3 months from the date of submission. Processing times vary depending on the visa category, the complexity of your case, and the current workload of the Immigration Services Agency. We recommend beginning the process as early as possible — ideally 3 to 4 months before your intended start date in Japan.
📌Which Visa Is Right for You?
📌Which Visa Is Right for You?
The appropriate visa category depends on several factors:
Your profession and educational background
Whether you have a job offer from a Japanese employer
Whether you plan to start your own business in Japan
Your annual income and professional qualifications
How long you intend to stay in Japan
If you are unsure which category applies to your situation, an initial consultation can help clarify your options before you begin the application process.
📌Get Started with a Free Consultation
📌Get Started with a Free Consultation
Email us first. We will review your situation, confirm whether we can assist, and outline the scope, estimated fees, and expected timeline — before any paid commitment.
Initial email consultation: Free First consultation session: 30 minutes, no charge
📩 Contact us: support@maeda-int.com Or use the contact form:
Full consultation session (detailed visa strategy and eligibility assessment): JPY 22,000 → Visa Consultation details
📌Office Information
📌Office Information
Maeda International Administrative Office Administrative Scrivener: Kumiko Maeda
Registration Number: 25082815
3-2-11 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Tel: 03-6820-7602
Email: support@maeda-int.com
Japanese site: https://www.maeda-int.com/home
Credit card payment is available for overseas clients via Stripe.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse