Working visas in Japan

Many people who come to Japan have the idea of getting a “work visa” after completing their Japanese studies at a language school or after a Working Holiday visa. However, did you know that a work visa as such does not exist?
What actually exists are various visa categories that, depending on the sector you work in, allow you to work in Japan.Below you can see the different types of visas:

Professor Visa (教授-きょうじゅ)

This visa is granted to people who work as university professors, assistant professors, school principals, vice-principals, etc.

Artist Visa (芸術-げいじゅつ)

This visa is granted to people who work as painters, sculptors, writers, photographers, art instructors, etc.

Religious Activities Visa (宗教-しゅうきょう)

This visa is granted to representatives of foreign religions whose activity in Japan provides them with a living wage, such as archbishops, priests, monks, imams, etc.

Press Visa (報道-ほうどう)

Jobs associated with this visa include correspondents, reporters, photographers, presenters, editors, etc. It also includes freelancers contracted by foreign media for specific reports.

Business/Management Visa (経営・管理-けいえい・かんり)

For people who want to start their own company in Japan and thus receive a residence visa. Generally, an investment of 5 million yen or employment of at least two residents in Japan is required. Experience in management and administration is also necessary.

Legal/Accounting Services Visa (法律・会計業務-ほうりつ・かいけいぎょうむ)

This visa is for jobs such as lawyers, judicial advisors, tax advisors, accountants, appraisers, etc.

Medical Services Visa (医療-いりょう)

For people working as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists, etc. A certificate according to Japanese law is required since foreign medical degrees are not sufficient.

Researcher Visa (研究-けんきゅう)

For people conducting paid research in Japan.

Instructor Visa (教育-きょういく)

This visa is for teachers at elementary, junior high, and high schools, etc.

Engineer/Humanities/International Services Visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務-ぎじゅつ・じんぶんちしき・こくさいぎょうむ)

The most common work visa in Japan, covering jobs related to engineering, programming, sales, and trade that require foreign language skills, such as translators or interpreters.

Intra-company Transferee Visa (企業内転勤-きぎょうないてんきん)

For people transferred from their job in their home country to a branch office of their company in Japan.

Caregiver Visa (介護-かいご)

A visa for professionals who take care of the elderly or vulnerable individuals.

Entertainer Visa (興行-こうぎょう)

Granted to people involved in entertainment, music, sports, film promotion, commercial shooting, etc. Also includes non-artistic roles related to organizing shows.

Skilled Labor Visa (技能-ぎのう)

For people with specialized skills and more than 10 years of experience, such as chefs, jewelers, animal trainers, or construction technicians. For soccer coaches or sommeliers, 3 and 5 years of experience are required, respectively.

Specified Skilled Worker Visa (特定技能-とくていぎのう)

For sectors facing labor shortages in Japan. There are two types: Type I (max 5 years, requires N4 Japanese and a sector exam plus contract) and Type II (renewable, requires higher skills and language proficiency).

Technical Intern Training Visa (技能実習-ぎのうじっしゅう)

Focused on people who want to learn a trade in Japan and return to their countries. This program mainly targets nationals of Southeast Asian countries.