Maeda International Administrative Office

Japan Work Visa Guide

Introduction

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.

📌 Major Work Visa Categories

🛂Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

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

🛂Highly Skilled Professional Visa

A points-based visa for highly qualified professionals.

Benefits include:

・faster permanent residence eligibility
・permission for multiple activities
・preferential immigration treatment

🛂Business Manager Visa

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

📌General Requirements for Work Visas

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

📌Application Process

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

📌Processing Time

Immigration review typically takes 1 to 3 months, depending on the visa category and the complexity of the case.

💡🛂Other Visa Options for Remote Workers 💡

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:

Digital Nomad Visa Japan

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.