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Japan Work Visa services for corporates by Lex Visas supporting global workforce mobility to Japan

Japan Work Visa Guide by Lex Visas

TYPES OF WORK VISAS / WORK PERMITS IN JAPAN

Japan operates a status of residence system rather than a single “work permit.” Foreign nationals must obtain an appropriate work-authorized residence status issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

  1. Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

    For IT professionals, engineers, translators, designers, marketing specialists, etc.

  2. Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)

    Points-based visa offering fast-track permanent residency and longer stay periods.

  3. Intra-Company Transferee

    For employees transferred to a Japanese branch or subsidiary.

  4. Business Manager Visa

    For entrepreneurs establishing or managing a business in Japan.

  5. Skilled Labour

    For specialized trades such as chefs of foreign cuisine, pilots, trainers, etc.

  6. Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)

    For workers in designated sectors facing labour shortages (e.g., nursing care, construction, agriculture).

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

Applicants generally must:

  • Have a valid job offer from a Japanese employer (except Business Manager applicants).
  • Meet educational or professional experience requirements.
  • Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
  • Hold a valid passport.
  • Provide proof of financial stability and accommodation.
  • Meet salary standards comparable to Japanese nationals.

Certain categories (e.g., Highly Skilled Professional) operate on a points-based system considering education, salary, experience, and achievements.

STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Secure a job offer from a Japanese employer (if applicable).
  • Employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan.
  • COE is issued by immigration authorities.
  • Apply for work visa at Japanese embassy/consulate using COE.
  • Receive visa and travel to Japan.
  • Obtain Residence Card (Zairyu Card) upon arrival.

PROCESSING TIME AND VALIDITY

  • Certificate of Eligibility: 1 – 3 months.
  • Visa Processing: 5 – 10 working days after COE issuance (varies by consulate).
  • Initial Stay Period: 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years depending on category.
  • Renewable if employment continues.
  • Highly Skilled Professionals may qualify for permanent residency in as little as 1 – 3 years.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Dependents (spouse/children) may work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) with special permission from immigration authorities.
Yes. Spouses of Japanese nationals can obtain a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residence status, which allows unrestricted employment.
High-paying roles typically include IT and software engineers, Investment bankers and financial professionals, Medical specialists, Senior executives and University professors. Salaries are generally higher in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.
Yes. Foreign nationals can apply for a Business Manager visa by establishing a company, securing office space, and meeting capital investment requirements (commonly JPY 5 million or more).
Yes. Even intra-company transferees must obtain the appropriate work-authorized residence status before working in Japan.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Lex Visas Pvt. Ltd. is not a law firm. Content is based on industry experience and practical case handling. Any actions taken based on this information are at the reader’s sole discretion and responsibility.