Japan is one of the emerging countries economically and technologically and is a desired destination for many people around the globe.in this article, we shared comprehensive knowledge for those who want to work and live in japan.
Types of Work Visas in Japan
Japan has close to 30 work permits and long-term visas depending on the expat’s job and reason for moving to Japan. There are occupation-specific work visas, including options for artists, lecturers, journalists, professors, and skilled workers. The type of permit an employee applies for will determine how long they can stay in Japan. Typically, the term varies from three months to five years.
In addition to work permits for occupations, Japan has recently introduced professional skills visas, including:
- Specified Skilled Worker Visa: This visa is offered to foreign workers coming to Japan for employment and is designed to fill gaps in specific labor sectors. Japan hopes it can bring in about 500,000 new foreign workers by 2025.
- Professional Skills Visa 1-SSV1: Only skilled workers in particular industries (such as shipbuilding, agriculture, nursing, etc.) can apply for this visa. It is necessary to pass a Japanese language test and a technical test. The certification is valid for one year and can be renewed for a maximum of five years. If job seekers want to stay for more than five years, they need to apply for a 2-SSV2 visa.
- Professional Skills Visa 2-SSV2: Job seekers can renew this visa indefinitely and bring their family members to Japan. Individuals who are currently living and working in Japan on a 1-SSV1 visa can apply for this specific visa only after they have acquired more advanced expertise.
Requirements for obtaining a work visa in Japan
Individuals entering Japan for any reason other than tourism must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before getting a work permit or visa. The COE will state that the job seeker may legally enter Japan for work, family, or other qualifying reasons. This certificate is required for the visa application process and, therefore, must be obtained by the employee before taking any further steps.
Remember that different visas have different specific requirements. For example, individuals seeking a work visa in Japan may be required to provide original resumes and university degrees. Other standard requirements include the following:
- Job opportunities offered by Japanese companies
- passport
- visa application
- photo
application process
The first step in applying for a work permit in Japan is to find a sponsor, usually an employer. Individuals or local sponsors must apply to the regional immigration agency to obtain a COE. The COE application process includes the following:
- Submit a completed job application form.
- Submit a 4cm x 3cm photo.
- Provide a reply mail envelope with a stamp worth 392 yen.
- Prepare all supporting documents.
- Submit a letter of guarantee.
Employees must submit a point calculation if they apply for a specialist skills visa. A point system will rate candidates based on their skills, with a score above 70 being a condition for certification. As an employer, you will also need to prepare some documents for the visa application process, including:
- Guarantee
- Invitation card
- List of visa applicants
- Details of your company or organization
- Travel itineraries in Japan
Other Important Considerations
Applicants must pay for the type of Japan work visa they are applying for. The fee depends on the type of visa, the applicant’s nationality, and whether they want to apply for a single or multiple entry process. Typically, the fee for a single-entry permit is 3,000 yen, or US$30, and for a multiple-entry visa, it is 6,000 yen, or US$60.