Introduction

For foreigners who want to work in Japan, understanding the visa system is essential. Japan offers several types of work visas depending on your skills, profession, and job category. In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions about Japanese work visas and provide clear guidance for applicants.

What Types of Work Visas Are Available in Japan?

Japan has different categories of visas designed for foreign professionals:

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa

For IT engineers, business roles, translators, designers, and other professionals with specialized skills.

Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW)

For 12 labor shortage industries, such as nursing care, construction, food service, agriculture, and cleaning.

Highly Skilled Professional Visa
For experts with advanced academic backgrounds, research achievements, or high-level professional experience.

Instructor or Education Visa
For teachers in schools, universities, or language institutions.

Choosing the correct visa category is the first step to starting your career in Japan.

What Are the General Requirements for a Work Visa?

Job Offer: You must secure a job with a Japanese employer before applying.
Qualifications: A relevant degree, technical training, or years of work experience.
Japanese Language Proficiency: Required for certain jobs, especially under the SSW program (often JLPT N4–N3).
Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): Issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, provided by your employer.

How Long Is a Japanese Work Visa Valid?

Work visas are typically issued for 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, depending on your contract and employer. They can be renewed if you continue working in Japan.

Can I Change Jobs with a Work Visa?

Yes, but you must update your visa status if your new job falls under a different visa category. For example, moving from an English teacher position to an IT engineer job requires changing from an Instructor visa to an Engineer visa.

What Is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa?

The SSW visa is designed to attract foreign workers to industries experiencing severe labor shortages.

SSW Type 1: For 12 industries such as nursing care, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and food service. Requires basic Japanese (JLPT N4 or equivalent).

SSW Type 2: For advanced skilled workers in construction and shipbuilding. Allows long-term residence and the possibility of bringing family members.

Many candidates use Japan Talent Matching to connect with employers offering SSW sponsorship.

Do I Need Japanese Language Skills for a Work Visa?

It depends:
For SSW jobs: Basic Japanese (N4–N3) is mandatory.
For technical/professional jobs (Engineer / Specialist in Humanities): Language ability is preferred but not always required if the job uses English.
For Highly Skilled Professional visas: Japanese proficiency is less strict, but it helps integration.

How Do Employers Support Visa Applications?

Most Japanese companies hiring foreigners are responsible for providing:
Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Supporting documents for your visa application

In some cases, coordination with Registered Support Organizations (for SSW visas) is also provided.

Can My Family Join Me in Japan on a Work Visa?

Yes, under certain conditions. With long-term or Highly Skilled Professional visas, you can apply for a Dependent Visa for your spouse and children.

Conclusion

Working in Japan as a foreigner requires understanding the visa system, but once you know the categories, requirements, and process, it becomes much easier. Whether you are aiming for an IT career, skilled work under the SSW program, or teaching opportunities, there is a visa pathway for you.

Need guidance or looking for employers who sponsor visas? Explore opportunities on Japan Talent Matching, where we connect overseas talent with Japanese companies.