Work Employment Visa In Japan: Explained

Japan’s dynamic economy and advanced technological landscape make it a coveted destination for professionals worldwide. Looking to travel Japan for work? Worry not! We’ve got you covered!

Securing a work or employment visa is the first step towards realizing your career aspirations in this innovative country. This article aims to simplify the process, offering a detailed guide on how to navigate the complexities of Japanese work visa requirements and application procedures.

Let’s dive in!

Long-Term Visa Types For Working In Japan

Foreigners wishing to enter Japan for a long-term period (exceeding 90 days) or for activities other than those permitted under the status of a Temporary Visitor will require any of the multiple visa types.

Multiple visa types are as follows:

Diplomatic visa
Official visa
Working visa
General visa
Specified visa

Foreigners who enter Japan with the purpose of taking up paid employment need a Japan Work Visa.

There are three types of Work Visas for Japan:

Japan Work Visa: It is issued for a number of professions, such as a professor or an artist.
Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa: It is issued through a point-based system and offers a more extended stay and more benefits than a regular Work Visa.
Japan Working Holiday Visa: It is issued to nationals of countries with a working holiday agreement with Japan.
Intra-Company Transferee Visa: Foreign nationals currently working for an organization outside Japan and will be transferred to that organization’s branch in Japan can apply to travel and reside in Japan.

Several countries have a working holiday visa agreement with Japan, and they are as follows:

Argentina
Australia
Canada
Chile
France
Germany
Hong Kong
Ireland
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Taiwan
USA

It is important to note that the requirements and application process may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

Purpose Of Long-Stay Visa Types For Working In Japan

These are primarily long-term visas for employment, education, training, and long-term residence.

The regular Japan Work Visa is issued for:

Employment: If you already have a job offer in Japan.
Self-Employment: If you wish to establish a business in Japan or to work as a freelancer.
Jobseeker: If you wish to look for a job while in Japan.
Professor: University professor, assistant professor, assistant, etc.
Artists: Composers, songwriters, artists, sculptors, craftspeople, photographers, etc.
Religious activities: Religious people such as monks, bishops, missionaries, etc.
Journalists: Newspaper journalists, magazine journalists, editors, news cameramen, announcers, etc.
Business manager: Company presidents, directors, etc.
Legal/Accounting Services: Attorneys, judicial scriveners, public accountants, tax accountants, etc., certified in Japan.
Medical services: Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, etc., certified in Japan.
Researcher: Researchers, investigators, etc. at research institutes, etc.
Instructor: Teachers, etc., at elementary schools, intermediate schools, and high schools.
Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services: Scientific engineers, IT engineers, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers, etc.
Intra-company transferee: People transferred to the Japanese branch (head office of the same company), etc.
Nursing care: Certified care worker.
Entertainers: Musicians, actors, singers, dancers, sportspeople, models, etc.
Skilled labor: Chefs specializing in the food of a foreign country, animal trainers, pilots, sports trainers, sommeliers, etc.
Specified skilled worker: Work-ready foreign nationals with expertise and skills in specific industrial fields.
Technical intern training: Technical intern.

How To Apply For A Work Visa In Japan?

One requires a sponsor in Japan (most likely the employer) to get a work visa in Japan. The sponsor has to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility on behalf of the employee at the local immigration office.

It takes at least three months for the certificate to be issued, and is valid for three months.

Once the COE is issued, one can apply for a Japanese work visa. However, the documents for the visa application may vary for different types of visas.

Employees must submit a points calculation based on their skills for a specified skills visa. To be eligible for the visa, the applicant must have a score of more than 70.

The employer must also have some required documents for the visa application process.

The requirements include:

A letter of guarantee
An official invitation letter is issued to the candidate
A list of visa applicants
Essential details of your company
A detailed itinerary in Japan

Remember that additional documents may be required.

Documents Required For Japanese Work Visa

When you apply for a Japan Work Visa, you have to submit the following supporting documents:

The Certificate of Eligibility.
Japan work visa application form, completed and signed. You can download a copy of the application form from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Your valid passport, along with photocopies of it.
Passport-size pictures, 4cm x 3cm dimensions, taken within the last three months, with a plain white background without any patterns and shadows.
Position in the company/organization, salary, and the duration of the work.
Documents attesting to your previous academic and professional history
Documents related to the receiving company, such as company registration, statement of profit and loss, etc.

Remember that depending on your profession, you may be asked to present any additional documents that the Japanese Embassy or Consulate requests.

For instance, as follows:

For Artists: Any documents that show your artistic achievements.
For Religious Workers: Documents that show the details of the religious organization sending you to Japan and the details of the receiving Japanese organization. You must also bring documents attesting to your religious position and career.
For Researchers: Documents related to the receiving organization, Academic and professional qualifications.
For Instructors Or Teachers: Documents related to the receiving organization, Academic qualifications, or an educational license.
For Intra-Company Transferees: Documents attesting to the relationship between the two offices/companies.

Where To Apply For A Japanese Work Visa?

You may submit your visa application at the nearest Japanese consulate or embassy in one of four ways:

In-person.
By writing a proxy letter and sending a representative to the Japanese consulate.
Via an accredited travel agent approved by the Japanese consulate.
Via the JAPAN eVISA website.

Depending on the circumstances in the foreign national’s home country or region, you may need to submit your documents in person or through an accredited travel agent.

You may also need to return for an interview or provide additional documents at the consulate’s request.

Processing Time For The Work Visa

The application processing time for a standard work visa COE case submitted in Tokyo recently takes about 2 to 5 months from the application date for a smooth standard case.

The processing time is usually shorter for cases where the sponsoring entity in Japan is a large or listed corporation (around 2 to 4 weeks) and cases utilizing the Highly Skilled Professional Visa Option (around 4 to 6 weeks).

The processing time for the actual Japan Work Visa is 5 to 10 working days, depending on the specific office you apply to.

The time required from visa application to visa issuance is 5 working days from the day following the date of receipt, provided that everything is fine with the application’s content.

What Is The Cost Of Obtaining A Japanese Work Visa?

Japanese work visa fees vary depending on the visa type, the applicant’s nationality, and whether it’s a single or multiple-entry visa.

A single-entry work visa generally costs about ¥‎3,000, while a multiple-entry visa costs roughly ¥6,000.

Applicants only pay the visa fee if the application is approved and must pay it in cash.

However, if you apply for an eVISA via the JAPAN eVISA website, online payment by credit card is available for select countries and regions.

Arriving In Japan On A Work Visa

When arriving in Japan on a work visa, foreign nationals are required to present certain documents to the immigration authorities.

The specific documents required may vary depending on the type of visa and the individual circumstances of the applicant.

The following are the general documents required when arriving in Japan on a work visa:

A valid passport.
A Japan Work Visa.
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued by a regional immigration authority under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
A completed and signed Japan Work Visa Application Form.
Contract with the employer, letter of appointment, invitation letter, or any other documents to prove the activities, position, salary, period the applicant will need to stay in Japan, etc.
Registry Certificate of the company that employs the applicant in Japan.
Passport-size pictures, 4cm x 3cm, taken within the last three months, plain white background, without any patterns and shadows.
Documents attesting to the relationship between the two offices/companies for intra-company transferees.
The Japanese Embassy or Consulate requests any additional documents, depending on the profession.

It is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the specific office in which the application is submitted, the type of visa, and the time of year.

It is recommended to check with the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate for specific information on the application process and requirements for a Japan Work Visa.

Conclusion

Securing your work visa in Japan is more than just a bureaucratic step; it’s the gateway to a world of professional opportunities and personal growth in a culturally rich environment.

With the insights from this guide, you’re now equipped to embark on this exciting journey with clarity and confidence. Your dream career in Japan is now within reach, and it all starts with the right visa.

Job Ready!

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