Visa and Residence Information

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Visas and Statuses of Residence in Japan

Foreign nationals wishing to stay in Japan must have a visa and a “status of residence.”

The type of visa* held by visitors varies depending on what kinds of activities they will engage in while in Japan. There are approximately 30 types of visas in Japan. Different types of visas have different requirements and permit different activities, so care must be taken when selecting the type of visa for which to apply. Please check carefully that the type of visa you wish to apply for will allow you to do what you intend to do in Japan, and that you satisfy the requirements for that type of visa.

*The difference between a “visa” and a “status of residence”:

A “visa” is what is affixed to a passport in advance by a Japanese overseas diplomatic office for the purposes of entering Japan. It is required for the passport-bearer to be allowed to enter the country. The “status of residence” is the status of a foreign national while staying in Japan. It defines the range of activities that the person can engage in while in Japan.

Foreign nationals residing in Japan are granted permission to enter the country at ports of entry based on their visa, and they are permitted to stay based on the status of residence that is granted at that time.

Below is an explanation primarily of the visas necessary for working in Japan or for staying in Japan long-term.

Types of Work Visas and Long-Term Stay Visas

 

Working visas (some activity restrictions apply)

Status of residenceExamples
Diplomat Ambassadors and ministers of foreign governments, and family members
Official Persons involved in official duties of foreign governments, and family members
Professor University professors, etc.
Artist Composers, painters, writers, etc.
Religious Activities Missionaries sent by overseas religious groups
Journalist Reporters and camera operators working for overseas media organizations
Highly Skilled Foreign Professional Highly skilled personnel as defined by the point system
Business Manager Presidents and executives of companies
Legal/Accounting Services Attorneys, certified public accountants, etc.
Medical Services Physicians, dentists, nurses, etc.
Researcher Researchers in government-affiliated organizations and companies
Instructor Elementary, junior high, or senior high school language instructors
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Mechanical engineers, interpreters, designers, language instructors
Intra-Company Transferee People transferred from a foreign business establishment
Nursing Care Nursing care workers
Entertainer Actors, singers, professional athletes, etc.
Skilled Labor Chefs specializing in foreign cuisine, sports trainers, etc.
Technical Intern Training Technical interns
Specified Skilled Worker Persons involved in operations requiring expertise in specific industrial fields

* Working visas are granted only for work requiring advanced specialized knowledge or skills. They are not issued for physical labor or menial work.

 

Visa based on identity or position (no activity restrictions apply)

Status of residenceExamples
Permanent Resident Person who has been granted permission for permanent residence
Spouse or Child of Japanese National Spouse, biological child, or specially adopted child of Japanese national
Spouse of Permanent Resident Spouse of permanent resident or special permanent resident, or biological child thereof who was born in Japan and has resided in Japan since birth
Long-Term Resident Persons with Japanese ancestry (third generation), child of foreign spouse from a previous marriage, etc.

Visas for which work eligibility is decided by designated activity

Status of residenceExamples
Designated Activities Household employees of foreign diplomats, persons on working holidays, etc.

Visas under which work is not permitted*

Status of residenceExamples
Cultural Activities Japanese culture researchers, etc.
Short-Term Stay Tourists, conference participants, etc.
Student University students, vocational school students, Japanese language students, etc.
Training Trainees
Dependent (Family Stays) Spouses and children of foreign nationals with working visas, etc.

* Working may be permitted within specified bounds if permission is granted to work outside of the restrictions of the status of residence.

Important Information:

It is not possible to obtain a working visa for activities that are not listed in the tables above. This includes menial work such as that performed by construction workers or restaurant wait staff.

Additionally, it is not possible for one person to hold multiple types of visas simultaneously. If you qualify for multiple types of visas, you must choose one.

In most cases, acquiring a Japanese visa requires sponsorship from an accepting organization (company, association, or business-related entity) or an inviting person (visa sponsor). For a student visa, the sponsor would be the school, and for a working visa, it would be the employer, among others.

Note that certain requirements must be met in order to receive a Japanese visa. Even if you find a Japanese employer willing to hire you, you may not be eligible for a visa if you do not meet these requirements.

New visa types may be introduced, and changes may be made to existing visa types. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the following official websites: