Work Permits for Japan

Work permits in Japan are issued in the form of a work visa, which grants the holder permission to enter and work in the country. Japan offers a range of categories for different types of work and lengths of stay.

Types of work permits for Japan

There's a wide variety of visa options available for work and long-term stays in Japan. These include highly skilled professional visas and working visas that cover roles such as professors, artists, journalists, business managers, medical professionals, technical interns, researchers and instructors, among others. Additionally, there are visas for specific skilled workers and start-up entrepreneurs.

These cover a variety of professional areas, and the type of work an expat intends to do will determine the visa they will apply for. Most expats will fall under the Working Visa, which is divided into subcategories. Of particular interest to expats is the Specified Skilled Worker subcategory, while English teachers will apply for either the Instructor or Specialist in Humanities/International Services subcategory.

Useful links

• Work or Long-term Stay Visas – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility in Japan

If you wish to study, live, or work in Japan, you are usually required to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) before applying for a long-term visa at a Japanese embassy. Your sponsor in Japan, such as your employer, will apply for the certificate on your behalf, verifying that you meet the requirements for a visa. This certificate is typically valid for three months, so you need to obtain your visa and arrive in Japan before it expires.

Due to complex documentation requirements, securing a CoE can be challenging. You will need to provide proof of financial stability, detailed personal information, and documents relating to your purpose of stay. The process can take one to three months, and any delays might affect your travel plans. Having a reliable sponsor in Japan, such as an employer, is essential since they submit the application on your behalf. Even minor discrepancies in the paperwork can lead to rejection, so it’s important to be thorough.

You don’t need to change your visa status if you change employers while in Japan as long as you still work in the same visa category. You can renew your visa from within Japan on an annual basis at the local Immigration Office. The renewal process has recently been streamlined, with some visa categories now eligible for online renewal, and extended validity periods introduced to ease the burden of frequent renewals.

Specified skilled worker visas in Japan

The specified skilled worker subcategory is split further into two types of visa. These visas aim to encourage foreign workers to fill employment gaps in the Japanese labour market.

Expats working in one of 16 specified fields, including construction, agriculture, and nursing care, are eligible to apply for this visa. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for a maximum of five years.

Specified Skilled Worker (i)

Under this visa, expats are authorised to live and work in Japan but can't bring dependants with them. If you wish to stay in Japan for more than five years, or who want to bring your family with you, you'll need to apply under the second category.

Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

This visa can be renewed indefinitely, and allows holders to bring their families to Japan. Only foreigners already in Japan under the first visa and who have a high level of specialisation in their field can apply for this visa.

Useful links

• Specified Skilled Worker Visas – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Work visas for teaching English in Japan

Your intended place of employment will determine which Working Visa subcategory you'll need to apply for. They are as follows:

• Instructor (for expats working in public schooling)
• Specialist in Humanities/International Services (for expats working in private schooling)

Both categories are renewable and valid for 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years.

Useful links

• Working Visas – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

*Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats are advised to contact their nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for the latest information.