Foreigners entering Japan for paid employment need a Japan Work Visa. The three types are:
1. Regular Japan Work Visa for various professions like professors or artists.
2. Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa, issued through a point-based system, offering a longer stay and more benefits.
3. Japan Working Holiday Visa for nationals from countries with a Working Holiday agreement.
This article details the regular Japanese Work Visa, including eligibility, application requirements, and process.
What Professions are Eligible for a Japan Work Visa?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan offers a list of occupations that are eligible for Japanese Work Visas:
- Artists, such as photographers, composers, songwriters, sculptors, etc.
- Business managers, such as a company president, director, etc.
- Engineer or specialist in humanities or international services, such as a scientific or IT engineer, an interpreter or copywriter, a foreign language teacher, designer, etc.
- Entertainer, such an actor, musician, singer, dancer, sportsperson, etc.
- Instructor or teacher at elementary, intermediate schools, or high school.
- Intra-company transferee (someone transferred to the Japanese branch of a company)
- Journalists, such as newspaper or magazine journalists, editors, news cameramen, announcers, etc.
- Legal or accounting workers, such as attorneys, judicial scriveners, public accountants, tax accountants, etc.
- Medical services, such as physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, etc.
- Nursing care
- Professor, such as a university professor or an assistant professor, etc.
- Religious activities, such as monks, bishops, missionaries, etc.
- Researchers at research institutes
- Skilled workers, such as foreign chefs, animal trainers, pilots, sports trainers, or foreigners who have expertise and skills in certain industrial fields, etc.
- Technical interns
What Documents Do I Need for a Japan Work Visa Application?
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 website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (here).
- Your valid passport along with photocopies of it
- Passport-size pictures in line with Japan following specifications:
- Dimensions: 4cm x 3cm
- Taken within the last three months
- Plain white background, without any patterns and shadows
- You must be starting straight ahead, with a neutral facial expression
- Your face has to be fully visible
- The picture must be good quality (focused, clear, and sharp)
- Documents detailing your position in the company/organization, the salary you will receive, 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.
- For artists: Any documents which show your artistic achievements.
- For religious workers:
- Documents which show the details of the religious organization sending you to Japan
- Documents which show the details of the receiving Japanese organization
- 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.
- Any additional documents that the Japanese Embassy or Consulate requests, depending on your profession
Note:
- Before you apply for the Japan Work Visa, you have to send most of the documents to your employer or sponsor on Japan so they can apply for the Certificate of Eligibility at the Immigration Services there.
- This is not an exhaustive list of documents and the Immigration Service in Japan as well as the Japanese Embassy or Consulate reserve the right to request any documents as they see fit.
How to Apply for a Japan Work Visa?
The application process for applying for a Work Visa for Japan is divided into two parts:
- Getting a Certificate of Eligibility
- Applying for a Japan Work Visa
Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility in Japan
Every foreigner who enters Japan for long-term purposes needs to get a Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services in Japan. Your sponsor (employer) handles the COE application on your behalf (since you must submit it in Japan). You must send them any relevant documents.
The Certificate of Eligibility for Japan does not replace the Work Visa; it is merely a prerequisite, and you still have to apply for a Japan Work Visa from your home country.
However, the COE shows that you have the approval of the Japanese Immigration Services and that you meet the entry requirements set by the Japanese government for foreign workers. Once you obtain the Certificate of Eligibility, the process for getting a visa becomes easier.
Applying for the Japan Work Visa
After you receive the Certificate of Eligibility, your employer must send it to you so you can use it to apply for the Work Visa from a Japanese Diplomatic Representative Office (Consulate or Embassy) in your country. You have to:
- Contact the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. You can find a list of the Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions here.
- Some Representative Offices don’t accept direct visa applications, which means you have to apply through an accredited travel agency or a visa application agency.
- Collect the required documents for a Japan Work Visa
- Submit the Japan Work Visa application either directly at the Embassy/Consulate or at the travel agency or visa application agency. If the Consulate or Embassy considers it necessary, you may also have to bo back for an interview or to submit additional documents.
- Collect the visa. Once your Japan Work Visa application has been processed, you have to go back to receive your passport. If the application was approved, you may enter Japan.
How Long Does it Take to Process a Japanese Work Visa Application?
The processing time for the actual Japan Work Visa is between 5 to 10 working days (although the actual time depends on the specific office in which you apply).
However, the process for getting the Certificate of Eligibility for the Work Visa can take up to three months
How Much is the Fee for a Japan Work Visa?
The fees for Japan Visas are as follows:
- Single-entry visa: 3,000 Yen
- Double-entry or multiple-entry visa: 6,000 Yen
Notes:
- You only have to pay the fee if the application of approved
- If you apply through an agency, they will ask for an additional service fee
- Visa fees can change depending on the country in which you are applying, the local currency, as well as your nationality
What is the Duration of a Japan Work Visa?
Japan Work Visas can be issued for the following durations, based on several factors such as your profession and the duration of your work contract:
- Three months
- Four months
- One year
- Three years
- Five years
How to Extend a Japan Work Visa?
However, regardless of the duration of your visa, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for an extension of your Work Visa before it expires.
Apply for a Japan Visa Extension (also called Extension of the Period of Stay) at the local Immigration Office where you live and work. Prepare the following documents:
– Completed and signed Extension of the Period of Stay Application Form
– Your passport and Residence Card
– A passport-size photo with these specifications:
– Dimensions: 4cm x 3cm
– Taken within the last three months
– Plain, light-colored background without patterns or shadows
– Facing straight ahead with a neutral expression
– Full visibility of your face
– High-quality (clear and focused)
– Proof of your financial capability to live in Japan
– Proof of continued employment, including your salary, position, and duration
– Company registration documents
– Proof of annual income and tax payment
Can My Family Members Come to Japan With Me if I Gave a Work Visa?
Yes, if you are working in Japan as a foreign worker, then you can sponsor your spouse and children to join you there through a Japan Spouse Visa .
Changing the Status from a Different Type of Visa to a Japan Work Visa
If you are living in Japan with a type of Japanese visa which does not authorize employment, such as a Student Visa or Spouse Visa, you can apply for a “Change of Status of Residence” at the local office of the Immigration Services in Japan. If you want to change your existing visa into a “Work Visa”, you need to submit documents similar as you would when you first apply for one (documents detailing your position in the company/organization, the salary you will receive, and the duration of the work.)
The application takes from two weeks to one month to process, and you have to submit the necessary documents along with your Residence Card.
The cost of changing your Residence Status is 4,000 Yen.
Conclusion
Navigating Japan’s work permit visa process seems challenging but manageable. Prepare necessary documents early. Follow the application steps carefully. Seek help from experts if needed. Stay patient throughout the process. A successful application opens doors to exciting opportunities in Japan.
Working in Japan offers rich cultural experiences. Start your journey today with confidence. Good luck!
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