How to Work in Japan Legally: Japanese Work Visas and Eligibility
With a highly developed free-market economy and the fourth-largest nominal GDP in the world, it’s easy to see why Japan is an attractive destination for workers who want to relocate abroad.
Japanese authorities launched a new range of work visas for Japan in 2019, which has led to an increase in foreign workers joining the country’s workforce.
More and more international professionals are deciding to make the move to Japan to work: in October 2024, there were 2.3 million foreign workers in Japan — an increase of 12.4% year-on-year.
In this post, we outline the most common types of work visas for Japan, including the eligibility requirements and application process. If you’re interested in relocating to Japan for work, read on to find out about the different permits available.
What Types of Japanese Work Visas Available?
Different types of work visas for Japan are available for foreign workers. The types you can apply for depend on various factors, including your:
- Nationality
- Qualifications and skills, including previous work experience
- Plans for work: employment in a Japanese company or self-employment
The only travel authorization for Japan that can be obtained entirely online is the Japan eVisa for tourism purposes. The eVisa is not valid for work.
To get a business or work visa, you need to visit a Japanese embassy or consulate in person.
Invest in Japan: Business visas
Japanese business visas are designed for foreigners who wish to work and invest in the country. Eligible professionals include:
- Investors
- Stockholders
- Company directors
- Deputy directors
- Technical officers
- Volunteers for non-governmental organizations
- Staff members of Diplomatic Missions, General Consulates, the United
- Nations Agencies and other international organizations.
These visas also include subcategories to match specifically the sector and type of project the applicant will be involved in while in Japan — for example, Diplomatic, Official, Media, Investor, etc.
Work in a Japanese company with a work visas
There are 4 types of working visa categories to match different employee profiles. Regardless of the specific category that matches their skillset, you need to be hired by a Japanese company in order to obtain the visa.
Work visas are intended for a variety of professional profiles, including:
- Highly-skilled and specialized workers
- Professors and researchers
- Blue-collar employees working in industries with a high demand for labor such as catering, cleaning, construction, agriculture, and fishing
Some of these visa schemes are designed around a point-based system that evaluates your academic achievements and professional background.
It’s also possible, in some cases, for work visa holders to bring their families to Japan.
How Long Is a Work Visa in Japan Valid For?
Japanese work visas are long-term permits that allow you to live and work in Japan for an extensive period of time — from 3 months to 5 years, depending on the circumstances. There’s also the opportunity for renewal.
The validity of a Japanese business visa is 90 days. During this time, you can enter and leave the country multiple times.
How Can I Get a Working Visa for Japan?
In order to be eligible for a work visa for Japan, you’ll need to meet the conditions to obtain a Status of Residence (SOR) that permits employment within the country.
The application process varies on a case-by-case basis To start the process, you can take the following steps:
- Apply for jobs that fit your profile, or approach a Japanese company that can act as a visa sponsor and is looking to hire someone with your credentials.
- Once you have been appointed, ask for support from Human Resources to prepare your work visa application. The hiring company will be able to advise you on the right type of visa.
- Visit the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to start the application in person. Make sure to bring all the required documents, like your passport, recent photographs, and a letter of guarantee, etc.)
The processing time and cost of your work visa for Japan will depend on the type of visa you’re applying for. Check with your sponsor company how this will be handled.
Can I Work in Japan Without a Visa?
It’s illegal to work without an appropriate visa in Japan and doing so may expose you to serious consequences.
Even if you’re legally in the country with another visa (for example, a tourist visa or other short-term travel authorization), performing work on Japanese soil would break the conditions of your stay.
As a result, you may face fines, deportation, and even detention. Moreover, breaking the law may prevent you from applying for a Japanese visa or entry permit for another country in the future.
If you intend to work in Japan but are unsure about your eligibility or are already in the country on another visa, you can contact the Japanese authorities (your nearest embassy or a Japanese migration office) to explore your options.
