A Guide to Work Visas in Japan
If you're thinking, "I want to work in Japan!" the first thing you'll need is a status of residence. Although commonly referred to as a "work visa," this is the official qualification granted by the Ministry of Justice that aligns with your purpose for staying in Japan. This guide will provide a clear overview of the main types of statuses of residence required for working in Japan and offer some tips on how to find the right one for your skills and experience!
Main Types of Work-Related Statuses of Residence
Japan offers a variety of statuses of residence to suit different professions and specialties. Here are some of the most common ones.
1．Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
| What kind of work? |
|---|
| This includes specialized jobs in fields like IT engineering, programming, design, translation/interpretation, language instruction, overseas sales, marketing, and planning. |
| Key Points |
| The main requirements include graduating from a university or a Japanese vocational school, or having at least 10 years of relevant work experience. The connection between your job duties and your major is also strictly scrutinized. |
2．Skilled Labor
| What kind of work? |
|---|
| This is for jobs that require highly specialized skills, such as foreign cuisine chefs, pilots, or sports trainers. |
| Key Points |
| This status has strict requirements for practical experience and skill level. For example, a chef specializing in a particular foreign cuisine needs at least 10 years of practical experience. |
3．Specified Skilled Worker
| What kind of work? |
|---|
| This applies to jobs in 12 specific sectors with severe labor shortages (such as nursing care, restaurant services, construction, agriculture, and hospitality) that require a certain level of skill. |
| Key Points |
| This status requires passing specific exams to demonstrate a certain skill level and Japanese language ability. |
4．Intra-company Transferee
| What kind of work? |
|---|
| This is for people who are being transferred from an overseas affiliated company to a head office or branch in Japan. |
| Key Points |
| You must have been working at the overseas business office for at least one year before the transfer. |
5．Performer
| What kind of work? |
|---|
| This is for individuals engaged in entertainment activities such as actors, singers, dancers, and athletes. |
| Key Points |
| This status is based on your achievements and abilities in your field of performance. |
Steps to Finding the Right Status of Residence for You
| 1.Assess your skills and experience |
|---|
| Make a detailed list of your past work experience, educational background, and any qualifications you hold. |
| 2.Clarify your career goals |
|---|
| Clearly define the specific field and type of job you want to do in Japan. |
| 3.Research the requirements for each status |
|---|
| Look for more detailed information on the statuses of residence that seem to match your skills and desired job. |
| 4.Consult with a professional |
|---|
| If you're unsure which status is right for you, it's a good idea to consult with a specialist, such as a certified administrative procedures specialist. The requirements and necessary documents vary for each individual case. |
There are many different types of statuses of residence for working in Japan, each with its own set of required skills and experience. The most important first step is to clearly define your own skills and desired job, and then check the requirements for each status. We hope this information serves as the first step in your job search in Japan!
Note
This information is current as of August 2025. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, so please be sure to check the latest information.
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