How to apply for a work visa in Japan?

1. Main Types of Japanese Work Visas

(1)  Technical/Humanities/International Business Visa

• Applicable Population: University graduates or individuals with professional skills (e.g., IT, translation, design).

• Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher, Japanese language proficiency at N2 level (N3 for some positions), and relevant major and work.

(2)  Specified Skills Visa

• Applicable Population: Skilled workers engaged in designated industries (e.g., food service, construction, nursing).

• Requirements: Japanese language proficiency at N4 level, passing the industry skills examination, and some positions require 3+ years of work experience.

(3)  Skill Internship Visa

• Applicable Population: No educational requirements, engaged in manual labor (e.g., factories, agriculture).

• Restrictions: Maximum of 5 years, no freedom to change jobs during this period.

(4)  Highly Skilled Professional Visa

• Applicable Population: Highly educated, high-income individuals, or experts in special fields (need 70+ points under the points system).

2. Application Process

(1)  Obtain Employment from a Japanese Employer

• A formal employment contract must be signed, and the employer must provide a business license, tax payment certificate, etc.

(2)  Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• The employer submits the application to the Japanese Immigration Bureau, providing:

◦ Applicant's passport, academic credentials, resume

◦ Employment contract, company information

◦ Japanese language proficiency certificate (e.g., JLPT certificate).

• Approval time: 1-3 months.

(3)  Exchange COE for a Work Visa

• Apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad with the COE, providing:

◦ Original COE, visa application form, photo

◦ Passport, health certificate, police clearance certificate.

(4)  Entry and Registration

• Register for a residence card and address within 14 days of entry, and enroll in the National Health Insurance.

3. Key Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher (except for Specified Skills Visa).

• Language: N2-N4 Japanese language proficiency depending on visa type.

• Financial Capability: The employer or the individual must prove the ability to cover living expenses in Japan.

• Health and Police Clearance: Medical examination report and police clearance certificate are required.

4. Notes

• Visa Validity: Typically 1 year initially, renewable; Specified Skills Visa can be up to 10 years.

• Family Accompanying: After a certain period of holding a work visa, family visas can be applied for.