As you may all know, Japan is known for its traditional arts, calligraphy, flower arrangements, and gardens. Not only are you attracted by the beauty of this country, but the technological advancement of Japan is popular worldwide. They are famous for making handy and advanced gadgets. Moreover, the economy of Japan is the third largest in the whole world in nominal GDP. So, if you think you will find better career opportunities in Japan, you should consider moving there.

Furthermore, we will explain all the procedures for getting yourselves ready. We will try to answer all your questions, but please read the complete article for more elaborated information and processes.

Japan Work Visa Process 2023 Details

• Country: Japan
• Type: Work visa
• Eligible Nationals: Foreigners

What is Japan Work Visa

A document issued to foreign nationals that gives them permission to enter the country and take up paid employment is called a work visa. There are three types of Japan Work Visa, such as;

• The Regular Japan Visa
• Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa
• Japan Working Holiday Visa

Who needs a Japan Work Visa?

Every foreign national needs a Japanese work visa and wants to travel to Japan based on work at any time.

There are few citizens of different professions from different countries who don’t need a work visa for Japan. These include;

• Tourists
• Short-term visitors
• Business people
• And other recreational people.

You must acquire a proper work visa for all other sorts (long-term stay). Long-term stays include;

• Work visa
• Study visa
• Family reunion visa

Eligible Professions for a Japan Work Visa

There is a list of occupations assigned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan that shows some of the eligible professions for a Japan work visa, such as;

• ARTISTS – Such as photographers, sculptors, composers, songwriters, etc.
• BUSINESS MANAGERS – such as directors, company presidents, etc.
• ENGINEER/SPECIALIST – such as an interpreter or copywriter, humanities or international services, scientific or IT engineer, designer, a foreign language teacher, etc.
• Entertainers – include musicians, actors, singers, dancers, or sportspeople.
• TEACHER – such as high school, elementary, intermediate, etc.
• INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFEREE – a person transferred from a home country company to a branch of a company in Japan.
• JOURNALIST – such as editors, cameramen, magazine journalists, newspersons, announcers, etc.
• LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING WOKERS – such as judicial scriveners, attorneys, public accountants, tax accountants, lawyers, etc.
• MEDICAL – such as dentists, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc.
• Professors – such as assistant professors, university professors, lecturers, etc.
• RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES – such as bishops, monks, missionaries, etc.
• RESEARCHERS – at research institutes.
• SKILLED WORKERS – pilots, sports trainers, foreign chefs, animal trainers, etc.
• TECHNICAL INTERNS

Japan Work Visa Requirements

There are a few documents necessary for the application process for a Japan work visa, which you must keep ready during the process, including;

• Eligibility certificate
• Application form for Japan Work visa signed and completed. Download it from here (form).
• A valid passport
• Photocopy of all the pages of your passport
• Passport-size photographs with white background
• Documents of contract stating your salary, duration of the job, and name of the company.
• Academic and professional qualifications documents

For artists:

• Any documents that prove your artistic achievements.

For religious workers:

• Details of a religious organization
• Receiving Japanese organization
• Documents attesting your religious career and position

For researchers:

• Documents related to the receiving organization
• Professional and academic qualifications

For instructors:

• Academic qualifications
• Professional qualifications
• Receiving organization document
• Educational license

For intra-company transferee:

• Receiving organization document
• Supporting document of embassy stating your need

NOTE:  The Japanese embassy reserves the right to ask for more documents. Before you apply, you must send all the documents to your employer/sponsor so they can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at the Immigration Services.

How to Apply for Japan Work Visa?

To apply for a Japan work visa, you will need to go through the following two parts procedure;

• First, you will need to get a certificate of eligibility from the Immigration Services in Japan. Your sponsor or employer is responsible for applying for your eligibility, for which you will need to send all your documents to the sponsor in Japan. Once you are approved to enter the premises of Japan, the process of acquiring a work visa will get easier.
• Second, after you get your certificate, you will apply for a work visa in Japan via the Japanese Diplomatic Representative Office (embassy or consulate). Follow the steps given below if you want to apply through an embassy;

1. contact the nearest embassy. You can find details here.
2. Gather the essential documents.
3. Submit the application form for a Japan work visa.
4. Attend the interview call.
5. If accepted, then collect your visa.

The processing time usually depends on the region of office you apply to, but generally, it takes up to 5 to 10 working days. At the same time, the certificate of eligibility (COE) may take up to three months.

What happens after the arrival in Japan?

Once you reach the country with a work visa from Japan, you will receive a Landing permit at the entry port. This permit will replace the visa and works as a “permission” to enter Japan.

Residence Card.

Upon arrival and receiving the landing permit, you will be allowed to enter the country, but you will further need the residence card to live and stay in Japan. You can get this card via any local municipal office near your residence. After receiving a residence card, you must register with the local municipal office within 14 days of arrival and register your whereabouts.

A fee for Japan Work Visa 2023.

• Single-entry visa – 3,000 Yen
• Double-entry or multiple-entry visa – 6,000 Yen

Note: the fee may change according to your country and offices.

Duration of Japan Work visa.

The duration of the work visa in Japan depends on the profession and your contract;

• Three months
• Four months
• One year
• Three years
• Five years

Can you take your family member to Japan on a work visa?

You can bring your family to Japan through Japan Spouse Visa.