Many industries in Japan currently suffer from a lack of human resources. The country has revised its immigration laws and is moving toward opening its doors wider to foreign workers, which can be seen from the recent implementation of the new “Specified Skills” visa status.

However, in most cases, a foreign national looking to do business in Japan must obtain a work visa. There are specific rules to applying for a visa and requirements differ depending on the job category. And of course, it’s a lot of paperwork.

 

Here we’ll be explaining in detail about the different types of Japanese work visas that are available, how to get them, and what to be careful about in the process. If you want the highest chances of getting that visa, read on.

 

1.　Types of Work Visas in Japan

A visa is issued to a foreign national wishing to reside in Japan when a government office abroad (foreign embassy/consulate) decides to allow the person into the country. Visas act as proof that you're allowed to live in Japan.

 

Work visas are for those wishing to get a job and make a living in Japan. A person can only hold one type of work visa.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists sixteen example occupations that are eligible for a work visa.

 

Foreign nationals can also work in Japan if they hold a diplomatic, student, designated activities, or highly-skilled foreign professional visa. The same goes for permanent residents and spouses of Japanese citizens. Student visas are limited to twenty-eight hours of work per week, and designated activities visas may have restrictions as well.

 

Different work visas have different requirements and validity can range anywhere from three months to three years.

If you’re considering applying for one, we recommend you to consult the local Immigration Bureau office or a specialized agent.

 

 

2.　How to Get a Work Visa

Japan doesn’t issue visas for simple labor. Foreign nationals looking to work in the country will need to have some type of skill or expertise.

This is the main point that the Immigration Bureau will be checking to see whether you meet the requirements.

 

Here we’ll explain the main procedures involved in applying for a work visa.

 

2-1.　Work Visa Eligibility

Regardless of the type of work visa, you’ll generally want to make sure of the following.

 

①Is your prospective job in accordance with the work visa applied for? ②Do you have the appropriate education for the job? ③Do you have work experience in the field?

 

These are all closely connected and will be considered as a whole. For example, even if you don’t have a certain degree, you may meet the requirements if you have enough hands-on experience.

 

You might be at a disadvantage if you’ve ever been late paying taxes. Proficiency in Japanese isn’t a must but you should be able to communicate with your coworkers.

 

2-2.　Work Visa Requirements

In order to get your visa, you’ll need to prove that you’ve been hired by a company in Japan. You’ll generally be required to show your employment contract and notice of employment.

The latter is issued by the employer when one is hired and includes information about the period of employment, payment, job description, office location, etc.

 

Foreign workers must be paid at the same standard as regular Japanese employees or higher, and this can be confirmed by examining the notice of employment. The document also shows whether your occupation fits the visa requirements.

 

If your employer company is unstable and there’s a risk that you might not have the job for very long, you may have to prepare documents that can prove the stability and profitability of the business.

 

 

3.　Necessary Documents

In order to get a Japanese work visa, your application must be accepted by the Immigration Bureau of Japan. There are specific required documents that differ depending on your occupation, so make sure to do some research beforehand.

 

Here we’ll explain the documents you need for a work visa based on where you live at the moment.

 

3-1.　Foreign Nationals Residing Abroad

If the applicant lives abroad and wants to work in Japan, he/she must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. This is submitted to the local Immigration Bureau office through a representative or agent in Japan.

 

You’ll generally need the following documents.

 

①Application for Certificate of Eligibility ②Letter of Guarantee (both Japanese and English) ③Photo (taken within six months) ④Documents of education/work experience ⑤Employer details ⑥Documents proving your residence in Japan ⑦A copy of your passport

 

Depending on the visa type, you may be asked to submit extra documents in addition to the above.

 

3-2.　Foreign Nationals Residing in Japan

If you are a foreign national already residing in Japan, there are various cases that you should take into account. Each has different requirements.

 

【Application for Change of Status of Residence】 For foreign nationals wishing to change occupations and new graduates looking to work after finishing education in Japan.

①Application form ②Photo (taken within three months) ③Return envelope (with 392 yen stamp) ④Supporting documents ⑤Residence card (or alien registration certificate) ⑥Passport or Certificate of Eligibility ⑦Resume/CV

⑧Employer details (description of the business, financial status, wage level, etc.) ⑨Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (if you have one) ⑩Tax payment certification for income tax and residence tax (if you’re changing jobs) ⑪New contract of employment (if you’re changing jobs) ⑫Graduation certificate or certificate of expected graduation (if you’re finishing education) ⑬Fee 4,000 yen

 

【Application for Extension of Period of Stay】 You must apply for an extension if you wish to continue working past your visa validity.

①-⑩ of the documents required for Application for Change of Status of Residence and, ⑪Certificate of employment ⑫Tax withholding statement ⑬Fee 4,000 yen

 

【Application for Certificate of Authorized Employment】 A Certificate of Authorized Employment isn’t mandatory, but applying for one is recommended if you wish to change workplaces within the same field. This is to lower the chances of your visa renewal being rejected because of a difference in business content.
①Application Form ②Residence card (or alien registration certificate) ③Passport or Certificate of Eligibility ④Resume/CV ⑤Career change statement	⑥New contract of employment ⑦New employer details ⑧Tax payment certification for income tax and residence tax ⑨Tax withholding statement ⑩Fee 1,200 yen

 

Not everything on this list is absolutely necessary for you to get your visa, but you’re going to want to prepare all the documents you can for the best chances.

 

 

4.　Work Visa Renewal

As aforementioned, various documents are required in acquiring or renewing a Japanese work visa. And even if you do get all the paperwork right, there's no guarantee that your application will be accepted.

 

Here are some tips to remember for the process to go as smooth as possible.

 

4-1.　Apply for Renewal Early

You have to renew your visa while it’s still valid. For visas valid for more than six months, excepting certain cases of illness or extended business trips, you can apply for renewal starting three months before expiry.

 

If you apply at the last minute and don’t get your results back in time, you'll be allowed to stay for a maximum of two more months.

The application reviewal process is said to take anywhere from two weeks to a month. You’ll also need to consider the time it’ll take to prepare the necessary documents, so use your time wisely and apply ahead of time.

 

4-2.　Use Visa Application Services for Corporate Bodies

Companies hiring foreign nationals are required to do an immense amount of paperwork. It’s not easy to do all of this preparation alongside regular business duties.

 

Visa application services can help you with any questions you might have and even do all the work for you.

 

If you’re going to get help from a visa application agent, you should choose a business that has extensive experience in the field. They’ll know all about the process and they may even be able to shorten the review period.

 

In Conclusion

The newly implemented Specified Skills visa expects to bring in 340,000 foreign national workers within five years, and the government has begun preparations to receive them.

 

Applying for a work visa takes time. Don’t wait until the last minute and start getting ready as soon as possible. We hope this article helps you get your work visa!