Japan Working Visa 2024: Visa Types, Requirements & Application Process

Eric Nkom May 18, 2024

0 3 5 minutes read

Japan Working Visa 2024: Visa Types, Requirements & Application Process

Getting a work visa could open doors to a fulfilling journey. Japan is actively welcoming people from different nations to join its workforce in response to its aging population and growing global talent market.

The purpose of this article is to give a general overview of the straightforward and user-friendly Japan work visa application procedure for 2024, including job opportunities that sponsor visas.

Why Japan? The Requirement for Foreign Laborers

Japan faces a demographic dilemma due to its aging population while being known for its advanced technology and beautiful landscapes. Japan plans to take in some 500,000 foreign workers by 2025 as a reaction. For those who are interested in getting a personal look at living in this remarkable country, this offers a unique opportunity.

Types of Japanese Work Visas

Every one of the two main types of Japanese work visas belongs to a certain category:

1. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Expertise-focused Professional (i) (a) (b) (c): Designed for people working in highly specialized fields or conducting cutting-edge research. equivalent to five years.
Extraordinary Skilled Professional: Candidates must have relevant job experience in addition to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Highly qualified foreign specialists with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

2. Japan Working Visa

This regular work visa is available to many international workers and does not require any prior job experience. That could last for one, three, or five years.

Eligible Professions for Japanese Working Visa

A variety of occupations are eligible for working visas from Japan, including but not limited to:

IT Professional
Translator
Banker
School Teacher
Professors
Service staff
English Speaking
Mechanics
Medical services
Researchers
Instructors
Specialists in humanities and international services
Electrical
Religious activities
Intra-company transferees
Nursing care
Journalists
Business managers
Legal/accounting services
Artists
English teacher
Technical intern training
Military personnel
Engineer
Skilled labor
Specified skilled workers

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility or COE: Become employed by a Japanese company. Give your employer the supporting materials needed for the COE application.
Visit the Embassy to request a work visa for Japan: Find the Japanese consulate, embassy, or permanent mission in your area. Get the required paperwork, which includes your academic records, a letter of recommendation, a photograph, a passport, and a visa application form.
Compiling and submitting: You need to submit your visa application together with any other paperwork.
You should receive a response in five to six business days.

Payment for a visa is required upon approval and ranges from 3000 JPY for a single entry to around 6,000 JPY for multiple entries.

Japan Visa Requirements

1. Temporary Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa):

A passport that will remain valid after the date of departure from Japan for at least six months
Official application for a visa. This form can be obtained via their official website or by visiting the Japanese consulate or embassy in your home country.
Passport-sized photos that meet specific requirements, such as size and background color
A thorough itinerary that includes bookings for lodging and airfare in addition to a thorough travel schedule
Proof of having enough money to pay for one’s costs while visiting Japan, such as bank statements or a certificate of deposit
Proof of strong ties to one’s home nation, such as proof of job or ownership of real estate
Visa processing costs differ depending on the country, consulate, and embassy.

2. Labor Visa:

A valid passport
The Japanese Immigration Bureau has granted a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Usually, this application is filed on your behalf by your prospective employer in Japan.
Official application for a visa.
Passport-sized pictures.
A contract of employment or letter of appointment from your Japanese employer
Record of the educational and professional qualifications needed for the role
Evidence of sponsorship or stability of finances, such as bank statements or a guarantee letter,
Visa processing fees.

3. Student Visa:

A valid passport
A formalized visa application together with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Japanese educational institution or school.
Passport-sized pictures.
Proof of sufficient funding to pay for living and educational costs
Evidence of your close ties to your nation of origin, such as a letter of guarantee from your sponsor
Visa processing fees.

4. Dependent Visa (applicable to relatives of those in possession of a valid Japanese visa):

A valid passport
A parent, spouse, or child’s Certificate of Eligibility (COE) may be submitted with the formalized visa application of the primary visa holder.
Passport-sized pictures.
Documents attesting to a relationship with the primary visa holder, like a marriage license or birth certificate
Visa processing fees.

Benefits of Japan Working Visa

Employment Law: A Japan Working Visa ensures that you can work lawfully in Japan and that you have the right to look for work and be paid according to Japanese labor laws.
Accessing the Labor Market: Individuals who have a valid work visa in Japan are afforded greater access to a plethora of career opportunities, some of which may be unavailable to holders of tourist or short-term visas.
Employment Protection: Since firms are required to abide by labor laws and can only hire foreign workers through approved methods, employment security is a popular advantage linked to working visas.
Prolonged Stay: Visas for work usually allow holders to remain in Japan for a longer period, giving them enough time to travel throughout the country, start businesses, or take part in certain initiatives.
Career Advancement: Having a working visa can help people advance professionally by enabling them to apply for more senior-level jobs in their respective fields.
Getting Social Benefits: Under some conditions, holders of a working visa may be eligible for social benefits such as health insurance, pension plans, and extra employee perks.
Opportunities for Skill Development: A large number of people come to Japan on work visas to acquire specialized knowledge or skills in fields like technology, culture, language, or other fields.
A Cultural Exploration: Working and living in Japan allows one to immerse oneself completely in Japanese culture, language, and daily life, offering a unique cultural experience.
Promotion of Networking Opportunities: Building strong professional and interpersonal relationships in Japan can be very useful to your future professional and personal development.
Literacy competence: Living and working in Japan offers individuals looking to learn or develop their Japanese language competence an immersion setting.
Many Workplaces: Japan offers a variety of both modern and traditional workplaces, allowing you to experience a range of sectors and working cultures.
Limitations on Permanent Residents: Individuals with working visas may someday be able to apply for Japan’s permanent resident status, which would allow them to stay there indefinitely.

Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Japan

There are lots of job options in Japan that help with visas. You could begin your employment hunt by visiting the following websites:

Conclusion

In 2024, obtaining a work visa for Japan offers a straightforward way to travel throughout this fascinating country and contribute significantly to its labor force. Through investigating the potential for employment sponsored by a visa in a variety of industries, an individual might begin a new chapter in their career path. Take advantage of this opportunity and begin planning your trip to Japan!