Types of Long-Term Visas Available in Japan

Japan offers various types of long-term visas for those who wish to work or stay in Japan for an extended period. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the type of job, duration of stay, and other restrictions vary. Therefore, there isn't a one-size-fits-all visa.

Similar to other countries, Japan provides different visas for work and non-work purposes. Here are the primary types of long-term visas available:

Work Visas in Japan

Work visas are only applicable to occupations requiring high-level expertise or skills. For foreigners engaged in manual or simple labor, obtaining this type of visa is unlikely unless it's based on a family visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that you can obtain a trainee visa or work part-time on a student visa or dependent visa.

For example, work visas are not issued for jobs like hairdressers, masseurs, waiters, salespeople, and construction workers. Instead, they are often issued for the following five industries in the private sector:

Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, International Services

This type of visa allows activities in:

• Working as an engineer in fields like engineering, physical sciences, or other natural sciences. A university degree in the field or at least 10 years of professional experience is required.
• Working as a specialist in humanities in fields like law, economics, social sciences, or humanities. Similar to engineers, a university degree in the field or at least 10 years of professional experience is required.
• Engaging in international services like translation, interpretation, or language instruction. This includes public relations, fashion or interior design, product development, and international trade. At least 3 years of professional experience in each field is required, except for interpreters, translators, or language instructors who only need a university degree.

Intra-company Transferee

This visa is for employees of foreign companies or subsidiaries of Japanese companies abroad. The applicant must have at least one year of experience working at an overseas office.

Skilled Labor

This visa includes permitted activities in:

• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Foreign Cuisine
• Sports Instructors
• Sommelier
• Aircraft Piloting
• Processing of Fur, Metal, Jewelry
• Animal Training

Workers in these visa categories need 3 to 10 years of professional experience, including training periods.

Japan's Startup Visa

As part of efforts to increase foreign entrepreneurs in Japan, the government has introduced a startup visa program with more relaxed requirements for a 6-month or 1-year residence status in specific designated areas like Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima.

In April 2021, Shibuya City in central Tokyo announced a new startup visa for entrepreneurs worldwide. Eligible entrepreneurs in fields such as health, medical care, welfare, environment, energy, food, agriculture, IT, culture, arts, and fashion can obtain a 1-year startup visa. For application details, please visit the Shibuya City website.

The municipalities issuing startup visas in Japan are:

Business Manager Visa

This visa is for individuals currently starting or managing a business in Japan, or managing businesses on behalf of investors. Requirements include a dedicated physical office space in Japan, a minimum investment of 5 million yen for new business applications, and 1,000,000 yen in sales and 500,000 yen for renewal costs.

To establish a business in Japan, you can apply for a business manager visa that allows obtaining a residence card, registering the business, and opening a bank account. A minimum investment of 5 million yen or employment of at least two full-time employees is required.

Highly Skilled Professional

Introduced in May 2012, this visa aims to attract workers who are likely to contribute the most to the Japanese economy. According to the June advisory group, applicants are awarded points based on their education level, work experience, current income, and academic achievements.

Scoring 70 points or higher grants a special visa status with preferential treatment, including:

• Engaging in multiple activities under different visa categories under certain conditions, including full-time work for spouses
• Bringing parents to Japan under specific conditions
• Hiring domestic helpers
• 5-year stay with expedited access to permanent residency
• Priority processing of entry procedures

Other Types

Other types of work visas are granted to individuals with specific knowledge, skills, or status:

• Diplomats and Officials
• Professors
• Instructors
• Artists
• Missionaries for Religious Activities
• Journalists
• Legal and Accounting Services
• Medical Services
• Researchers
• Entertainers
• Specified Skilled Workers

Non-Work Visas in Japan

Non-work visas allow individuals to stay in Japan for various non-employment-related purposes. While working on a non-work visa is possible, it is limited to specific hours per week and requires permission from the Immigration Bureau. Here are the types of non-work visas available:

Types of Non-Work Visas

• Student Visa: For students enrolled in Japanese schools.
• Trainee Visa: For individuals receiving training in technical, skills, or knowledge at private and public institutions in Japan.
• Technical Intern Training Visa: For internships following trainee programs.
• Dependent Visa: For spouses or children of those staying in Japan on work or non-work visas.
• Cultural Activities Visa: For those engaged in unpaid cultural activities or research.
• Temporary Visitor Visa: For tourism, vacations, family visits, seminars, etc.
• Specified Activity Visa: For internships, diplomatic household assistants, and long-term recreational activities, issued on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply for a Japanese Visa

Understanding the various types of visas you can obtain to work or stay in Japan is the first step. Here's how you can prepare for the application process:

General Requirements for Japanese Visa Applications

• Application form
• Visa application fee
• Certificate of Eligibility
• Passport-sized photo
• Current and previous passports
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if married)

Additional requirements may vary depending on the type of visa. For some work visas, you may need employment certificates, university diplomas, and more. You might also need to attend an interview before obtaining your visa.

Dealing with Visa Denials

If your visa application is denied, don't be discouraged. You can reapply after a certain period. Understanding what went wrong and preparing better can increase your chances of obtaining a visa in the future.

Preparing for Your Stay in Japan

Once you have your work or non-work visa, you can start preparing for your stay in Japan. If your visa is denied, take it as a learning experience and reapply with improved documentation and preparation. This will help you become a successful digital nomad in Japan.