Overview
Japan's work visa system is employer-driven: you generally need a job offer from a Japanese company before you apply. But how open Japan is for you depends on your passport. The WikiVisa openness score runs from 0 (very open) to 100 (very restrictive). A lower score means easier access. For example, a UK passport holder scores 35/100 (Open) – you can realistically apply for a standard work visa with a job offer. A Chinese passport holder scores 85/100 (Very Restrictive), and a Nepali passport holder scores 95/100 (Very Restrictive) – both will face stricter scrutiny and may need higher qualifications or sponsorship. Check Japan's openness for your passport →
If your score is low (Open to Moderate), the standard Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is a realistic path. If your score is high (Restrictive to Very Restrictive), you may need to target the Highly Skilled Professional visa or secure a strong employer sponsor.
Who qualifies
To qualify for any Japan work visa, you must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a Japanese company.
- Possess a university degree or at least 10 years of relevant professional experience (for most categories).
- Meet the specific requirements of the visa type (e.g., points for HSP, language skills for certain roles).
- Have no criminal record.
- Be in good health.
Some visa types (like Intra-Company Transferee) have additional conditions such as prior employment with the same company.
Visa types
| Visa Type | Who it suits | Key Requirements | Duration | Path to PR |
|---|
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | Engineers, IT pros, teachers, interpreters, office workers | Degree or 10+ years experience; JLPT N2 recommended (required for many roles from 2026) | 1 or 3 years, renewable | Yes, after 10 years (or 5 with HSP) |
| Highly Skilled Professional (HSP i & ii) | High-earning professionals (¥250,000-¥300,000+ monthly) | Points-based (70+ for HSP i, 80+ for HSP ii); expedited processing | 5 years (HSP i), indefinite (HSP ii) | HSP ii: PR after 1 year |
| Intra-Company Transferee | Employees transferred from overseas parent company | 1+ year prior employment with same company group | 1 or 3 years, renewable | Yes, after 10 years |
How to apply
- Get a job offer. Secure a position with a Japanese employer who will sponsor your visa. They will provide necessary documents.
- Employer obtains a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). Your employer applies to the Immigration Bureau in Japan on your behalf. This proves you meet the conditions.
- Receive the CoE. The employer sends you the original CoE (valid for 3 months).
- Apply for the visa. Submit your passport, CoE, visa application form, and photo at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Wait for processing. Typical processing time: 5–10 business days after submission.
- Collect your visa. Once approved, you receive a visa sticker in your passport. You must enter Japan within 3 months.
Costs & timelines
| Item | Cost (approximate) | Notes |
|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility | Free (paid by employer) | No fee for CoE application |
| Visa application fee | ¥3,000–¥6,000 (approx. $20–$40) | Varies by nationality; check with embassy |
| Processing time (CoE) | 1–3 months | Can be longer for complex cases |
| Processing time (visa) | 5–10 business days | After CoE is submitted |
Fees and processing times change. Always verify at the official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Work or Long-term Stay Visa Information
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
- Visa application form (filled and signed)
- Passport-sized photo (45mm x 35mm, taken within 6 months)
- Original Certificate of Eligibility (provided by employer)
- Copy of your degree certificate or proof of work experience
- CV or resume
- Letter of employment or contract from Japanese company
- Additional documents may be required depending on visa type (e.g., point calculation sheet for HSP)
Common mistakes
- Applying without a job offer. Japan does not issue work visas for job seekers. You must have a sponsor.
- Submitting incomplete documents. Missing a single document can cause delays or rejection.
- Using an expired CoE. The CoE is valid for 3 months. Apply for the visa promptly.
- Assuming JLPT is optional. From 2026, many Engineer/Specialist roles require JLPT N2. Check with your employer.
- Ignoring the openness score. If your passport scores high (restrictive), prepare stronger evidence of qualifications and salary.
FAQ
Can I switch jobs on a work visa? Yes, but you must apply for permission from the Immigration Bureau. Your new job must fall under the same visa category.
How long can I stay on a work visa? Typically 1 or 3 years, renewable. Highly Skilled Professional visas can be 5 years.
Can I bring my family? Yes, you can sponsor a dependent visa for your spouse and children.
Do I need to know Japanese? For most work visas, Japanese language is not a legal requirement, but JLPT N2 is increasingly expected for Engineer/Specialist roles.
What is the Highly Skilled Professional visa? A points-based visa for high earners and advanced professionals. It offers faster PR and longer stay.
Next steps
Your passport's openness score determines how easy it is to get a Japan work visa. For example, a UK passport holder (score 35/100 – Open) can proceed with a standard job offer. A Chinese passport holder (score 85/100 – Very Restrictive) should aim for the Highly Skilled Professional visa or ensure strong employer sponsorship. Check Japan's openness for your passport →
Once you know your score, start by securing a job offer. Then ask your employer to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. For detailed requirements based on your nationality, see Japan visa requirements for your nationality. Good luck!