VISA CATEGORY
You will need a visa that enables you to enter and stay in Japan. Such visas are normally tied to the specific activities you will engage in.
Currently, there are 27 types of visas in Japan. Basically, you will need a visa sponsor to be able to obtain a visa, and meet the requirements of each visa. These visas are commonly divided in several groups:
WORKING VISA
Highly Skilled Professional
This is point-based visa, calculated based on educational and professional background, amount of salary, Japanese language skills or other skills.
Period of Stay
- Highly Skilled Professional(i) 5 years
- Highly Skilled Professional(ii) unlimited
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
This is the most common type of work visa, which is granted based on the contract with a company or public organization in Japan (visa sponsor). Engineer visa is for jobs in the filed of science, engineering (for engineers, consultants). Specialist in Humanities visa is for jobs in the field of law, economics, social fields or human science. International Activities visa is for interpreters, translators, interior designers, international trade and other international activities.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Business Manager
Set-up or management of business in Japan, such as international trade or other business.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Skilled Labor
Visa for Chef, Sommelier, sports instructors and other skilled worker, based on a contract with a company or public organization in Japan.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Instructor
Teaching language or other subjects at elementary schools, junior high school, high school, school for secondary education, school for special needs education, or vocational school.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Professor
Research, guidance of research or education at university, equivalent educational institution, or technical school (“kotosen-mongakko”).
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Legal/Accounting Services
Visa for Attorney (including Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi, Registered Foreign Lawyer), Certified Public Accountant and other specialists with legal qualifications.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Artist
Music, art, literature and other artistic activities that provide income including composers, painters, sculptors, writers, and photographers (except for the activities of “Entertainer”).
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Journalist
Conducting interviews and other activities in Japan as journalist (including freelance journalist), based on contract with a foreign media organization.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Intercompany Transferee
To transfer employee to a branch office, subsidiary in Japan.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Entertainer
For Musicians, Models, theater performers, and other show business.
Period of Stay
3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months or 15 days
Medical Services
Doctors, physicians, dentists or other medical specialists who is qualified in Japan based on the Medical Care Act.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Religious Activities
For Missionaries from foreign religious organizations.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Reseacher
Visa for researchers based on a contract with a company or public organization.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Care Worker
Visa for care workers who is qualified in Japan as Certified Care Worker (called Kaigo-Fukushishi).
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
FAMILY-RELATED VISA
Spouse or Child of Japanese National
The spouse of a Japanese national, or a child specially adopted by a Japanese national or those born as the child of a Japanese national.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months
Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
The spouse of a permanent resident or those born as the child of a permanent resident in Japan who continuously lives in Japan.
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months
Long-Term Resident
Those who are authorized to reside in Japan with a period of stay designated by the Minister of Justice in consideration of special circumstances, including Japanese descendent (Nikkei 3-sei).
Period of Stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months
OTHERS
Student
To study in University, High School, Junior High School, or other vocational schools including language schools.
Period of Stay
4 years and 3 months, 4 years, 3 years and 3 months, 3 years, 2 years and 3 months, 2 years, 1 year and 3 months, 1 year, 6 months or 3 months
Dependent
Daily activities on the part of a spouse or child supported by the foreign national staying in Japan with the status of residence of Work visa (except for “Diplomat”, “Official” and “Technical Intern Training”) or staying with the status of residence of “Student”.
Period of Stay
5 years, 4 years and 3 months, 4 years, 3 years and 3 months, 3 years, 2 years and 3 months, 2 years, 1 year and 3 months, 1 year, 6 months or 3 months
Cultural Activities
For academic or artistic activities that provide no income, or activities engaged in for the purpose of pursuing specific Japanese cultural or artistic studies, or for the purpose of learning and acquiring Japanese culture or arts under the guidance of experts.
Period of Stay
3 years, 1 year, 6 months or 3 months
Designated Activities
For activities designated by the Minister of Justice, including Working Holiday visa, Summer Job visa and Housekeeper visa.
Period of Stay
Period of Stay is determined for each designated activity.
PERMANENT RESIDENT
This visa is granted to those who are permitted permanent residency by the Minister of Justice, based on the length of time in Japan (usually 10 years with some exceptions), tax payment and other factors. There is no restriction in activities, unlike other visas.
Period of Stay
unlimited