Japan Work Visa Guide
Foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan must obtain an appropriate work visa.
Japan offers multiple visa categories depending on professional background and job activities.
This visa is for professionals working in fields such as IT, engineering, marketing, translation,
international business, and other specialized professions.
Typical applicants include:
・IT engineers
・software developers
・designers
・marketing specialists
・consultants
A points-based visa for highly qualified professionals.
Benefits include:
・faster permanent residence eligibility
・permission for multiple activities
・preferential immigration treatment
This visa allows foreign nationals to start and operate a company in Japan or manage an existing business.
Typical applicants include:
・entrepreneurs
・startup founders
・company directors
While each visa category has specific requirements, most work visas require:
・a sponsoring company in Japan
・relevant education or professional experience
・a job position that requires specialized knowledge
・salary equivalent to a Japanese employee in a similar role
Typical steps include:
①Preparation of application documents
②Certificate of Eligibility application
③Visa issuance at a Japanese embassy or consulate
④Entry to Japan and residence registration
Immigration review typically takes 1 to 3 months, depending on the visa category and the complexity of the case.
In addition to traditional work visas, Japan has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa for certain remote workers.
This visa allows foreign nationals who work for overseas companies to stay in
Japan temporarily while continuing their remote employment.
Key characteristics of the Digital Nomad Visa include:
• maximum stay of 6 months
• minimum annual income requirement of approximately 10 million yen
• private international health insurance required
Unlike standard work visas, this visa does not allow employment with Japanese companies and is designed primarily for short-term stays.
For more details, please see our guide:
For professionals who wish to stay in Japan for a longer period, work visas such as the Engineer / Specialist visa or the Business Manager visa may be more appropriate.
If you are unsure which visa category is appropriate for your situation, we recommend scheduling a visa consultation.
First, try a free consultation