Step 6.
Types of visa
You’ve landed the job — now it’s time to make your move legal.
Getting a visa to work in Japan isn’t as simple as showing your job offer at the airport. It’s a process, and understanding how it works will save you time, stress, and possibly a trip back home. From choosing the correct visa type to getting your Certificate of Eligibility, to knowing what your company will (and won’t) arrange — this final step makes everything official.
In this step, we break down the different visa types, explain what the Certificate of Eligibility actually is, and show you what to expect from your employer during the relocation process.
Get this part right, and the rest of your Japan journey can truly begin.
Types of visa
Japan offers nearly 30 types of work visas, each designed for specific job categories and employment situations. Choosing the right visa is essential, as it defines what kind of work you can legally do, how long you can stay, and whether or not you can bring family members.
One of the most common options is the Engineer or Specialist in Humanities or International Services visa. This is typically used for jobs in IT, marketing, translation, design, and other office-based roles. If you are working as a teacher in a public school, you will most likely receive the Instructor visa.
Employees who are transferred from an overseas branch to a Japanese office use the Intra Company Transferee visa.
Highly qualified professionals may apply for the Highly Skilled Professional visa, which is based on a point system and includes benefits such as fast-track permanent residency.
Entrepreneurs and business managers can apply for the Business Manager visa if they plan to establish or operate a company in Japan.
For those working in fields with labor shortages such as agriculture, construction, or caregiving, the Specified Skilled Worker visa is available. It comes in two categories, depending on your skill level and whether you plan to bring family members.
Another common visa is the Technical Intern Training visa, often used by workers from developing countries who come to Japan to gain hands-on experience over a few years.
Keep in mind that most work visas are tied to a specific job type, so changing your career path may require switching to a new visa. Some visas also require Japanese language proficiency, especially the Specified Skilled Worker visa, which involves a language test.
Before applying, make sure your education, skills, and job offer match the requirements of the visa you are pursuing. In Japan, your visa is not just paperwork — it defines your professional life.
Certificate of Eligibility
When pursuing employment in Japan, obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a crucial step. Issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau, the COE serves as preliminary approval that the applicant meets the requirements for a specific status of residence, such as an employment visa.
Its primary purpose is to verify that the foreign national’s intended activities in Japan are legal and fall under a recognized status of residence. The COE is valid for three months from the date of issuance; if the holder does not enter Japan within that period, the COE becomes invalid.
Once obtained, the COE must be presented when applying for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad. It’s important to note that the COE itself is not a visa but a prerequisite for obtaining one. The application for a COE is typically submitted by a sponsor in Japan, such as an employer, school, or relative, to the local Immigration Bureau.
Processing times can vary, often taking one to three months. Therefore, it’s advisable to initiate the COE application well in advance of the intended travel date to ensure a smooth visa application process.
What does the company arrange?
When a company arranges employment in Japan, they typically handle visa applications, assist with housing arrangements, and support administrative processes like health insurance enrollment. They may also help with navigating the Japanese pension system and dealing with necessary paperwork for leaving the country.
Additionally, companies often assist in opening a bank account, obtaining a tax number (My Number), and registering your address at the local municipal office. Some employers provide cultural orientation, language training, or mentorship programs to help foreign employees acclimate to the workplace. They may also offer support in understanding employment contracts and ensuring compliance with Japanese labor laws.
However, there are responsibilities that you, as the employee, must manage yourself. These include obtaining a personal seal (inkan), setting up a mobile phone plan, and managing daily living expenses. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with local customs and workplace etiquette to ensure a smooth transition into your new environment.
By understanding the division of responsibilities between you and your employer, you can better prepare for a successful work experience in Japan.
Costs
Costs