What visa should I get to live in Japan?, If you are looking for ways to move to Japan, here you can find everything you need to know about the best types of visa for living in Japan.
Japan offers various types of visas for those looking to reside in the country, each catering to different purposes and durations of stay. Below is an overview of the best visa types:
Working Holiday Visa in Japan
Japan offers a Working Holiday visa to young people from several countries, providing them with an opportunity to experience life in Japan while allowing them to work to support their stay.
This visa category is designed to promote mutual understanding and deepen the relationship between Japan and partner countries.
Benefits of a Working Holiday Visa:
- Cultural Exchange: Experience day-to-day life in a new country.
- Travel Funding: Earn money while traveling to fund your adventures.
- Skill Development: Gain new skills and work experience that can enhance your resume.
- Networking: Meet locals and expatriates which can lead to international job opportunities.
Remember, while on a working holiday, you’ll have not just the opportunity to work, but also to explore new places and make lasting memories.
Be sure to balance your work commitments with ample time to enjoy the sights and experiences of Japan.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Working Holiday visa in Japan, candidates must:
- Be a citizen of a country that has a “Working Holiday” agreement with Japan. Common countries include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and several EU nations, among others. (check here all the countries)
- Be typically aged between 18 to 30 years old, although this may vary slightly by country.
- Intend to primarily holiday in Japan, with work being a secondary intention to fund travel expenses.
- Possess a valid passport and a return travel ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket.
- Have sufficient funds to support the initial part of their stay.
- Not be accompanied by dependents, unless they have their own Working Holiday visa.
- Be in good health and have no criminal record.
Visa Application Process
Applicants must submit their application to the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country. The application process usually involves:
- A completed visa application form.
- A passport valid for the duration of the stay.
- A detailed itinerary of your planned activities in Japan.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- A passport-sized photograph.
- Various other documents as required by the specific embassy or consulate.
Conditions
- You’re allowed to stay in Japan for up to one year on a Working Holiday visa.
- You can work to finance your holiday, but employment should not be the primary purpose of your stay.
- Working at certain establishments such as bars, nightclubs, or gambling establishments is strictly prohibited.
- You cannot extend the Working Holiday visa. However, if circumstances warrant, a change of visa status to a different type might be possible within Japan.
Working & Living in Japan
While in Japan on a Working Holiday visa, visa holders can engage in employment to supplement travel funds. The kind of jobs typically available include service industry positions like waitstaff, hotel staff, language instructors, or farm work.
Finding accommodation can vary from renting apartments, opting for share houses, or staying in guesthouses specifically catering to foreigners on a Working Holiday visa.
Experiencing Japanese Culture
The Working Holiday visa is an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing visa holders to immerse themselves in Japanese society. Participants often take language courses, travel extensively around the country, participate in cultural events, and establish international friendships which can be long-lasting.
For anyone interested in experiencing Japan beyond tourism and wants to learn more about Japanese life and culture, the Working Holiday visa can provide an enriching and life-changing experience.
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Working Visa
Acquiring a Working Visa for Japan
If you’re planning to take your professional career to Japan, obtaining a working visa is a critical step in the process. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know before applying:
Find an Employer and Get a Job Offer
A job offer from a Japanese company is essential before applying for a working visa. The employer typically sponsors the visa and aids in the application process.
Compile Necessary Documentation
With your employer’s assistance, you’ll collect documents required for the visa application:
- Visa application form
- Your valid passport
- A passport-sized photograph
- The Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Types of working visa in Japan
Japan offers various types of work visas depending on your profession and the nature of your work in the country. Foreign nationals wishing to work in Japan must apply for a work visa, which generally requires the employer in Japan to sponsor the applicant. Here are some of the common types of work visas in Japan:
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa:
This category often includes IT professionals, engineers, designers, international traders, legal/accounting services, and more. Applicants need to have a university degree or professional experience in their field. - Intra-company Transferee Visa:
For employees who are transferred to the Japanese branch of their existing company. The employee must have worked for the company for at least one year. - Business Manager Visa:
For individuals who are managing a business in Japan or investing in a business in Japan. Certain financial requirements must be met. - Skilled Labor Visa:
This category includes chefs specializing in foreign cuisine, sports instructors, pilots, and other jobs requiring specific skills or knowledge. - Highly Skilled Professional Visa:
Based on a points system evaluating educational background, career achievements, salary, and age. This visa comes with various benefits like easier access to permanent residency. - Entertainer Visa:
For those engaged in the entertainment industry. Strict regulatory controls and criteria apply. - Specified Skilled Worker Visa:
A new category introduced for sectors struggling with labor shortages. It requires specific skills and proficiency in the Japanese language.
Steps to Obtain a Work Visa in Japan
- Job Offer:
Secure a job offer from a company in Japan; they will act as your sponsor. - Certificate of Eligibility:
Your employer in Japan will apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf. This document verifies that you meet the visa requirements. - Visa Application:
Once you receive the COE, you can apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. - Submit Required Documents:
With your visa application, submit the COE, passport, visa application form, photograph, and any additional requested documentation. - Issuance of Visa:
After processing, the embassy or consulate will issue your visa, allowing you to enter Japan and take up your employment.
It’s important to note that the process and requirements can change, so it is always best to check the latest information from official Japanese immigration resources or consult with immigration specialists. Keep in mind that working in Japan without the proper visa is illegal and can result in penalties, including deportation.
Student Visa in Japan
Language Student Visa
For those seeking to improve their proficiency in the Japanese language, enrolling in a language school in Japan can be an enriching experience. To do this, a specific type of visa, known as a language school or student visa, is required. Below is an overview of the important aspects of securing a language school visa for Japan.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a language school visa, you must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Secure enrollment in an accredited language institution in Japan.
- Demonstrate financial sufficiency to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
- Have educational qualifications equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Maintain a clean criminal record and pass a health examination.
Application Steps
- Find an Accredited Language School: Research and choose a school that has Japanese government accreditation.
- Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Once accepted by the school, they will assist in applying for your CoE from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
- Prepare Required Documents: Collect necessary documentation, such as your valid passport, the CoE, passport-sized photographs, filled-out visa application forms, financial proof, and educational certificates.
- Visa Submission and Processing: Apply for your visa through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country with the prepared documents and wait for the processing.
- Receive Your Visa: Once approved, you will receive your language school visa, allowing you to legally study in Japan.
Visa Validity
- Typically, the language school visa is valid for either 6 months or 1 year and can be extended if you decide to continue your studies for maximum of two years.
Work Authorization
- Students with a language school visa may be permitted to work part-time for a maximum of 28 hours per week after acquiring the appropriate work permit.
Living in Japan
- As a student, you will need to arrange your accommodations, manage your living costs, and follow the laws and societal norms of Japan.
- Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and apply your language skills in daily life.
Obtaining a language school visa for Japan involves careful planning and adherence to the country’s immigration guidelines. It’s a pathway to not only educational growth but also cultural immersion.
Ensure you have a clear understanding of the process, prepare all necessary documents, and stay informed about your responsibilities as a student visa holder in Japan.
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Undergraduate/ Graduate Visa
The country offers a specific visa category referred to as the “College Student” visa. This visa allows international students to stay in Japan for the purpose of full-time study at universities, colleges, and vocational institutions.
Pre-Application Requirements:
- Acceptance by a Recognized Institution: Securing admission to a Japanese university for undergraduate or graduate courses is the first step.
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE): This is crucial and is obtained from the regional Immigration Bureau in Japan through the educational institution. The COE demonstrates your acceptance to a school and your qualifications as a student.
Visa Application Process:
- Visa Application Form: You should complete and sign the required visa application form, which can be obtained from the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
- Passport: A valid passport with sufficient validity for your intended period of stay.
- Photograph: Passport-sized photo that meets the requirements.
- Certificate of Eligibility: The original and a copy of your COE.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Documentation showing you have sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay or proof of a scholarship.
- Health Insurance: Evidence of enrollment in a health insurance plan may be required.
Working as a Student:
- Part-time Work Permission: While on a college student visa, you’re allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 28 hours a week during term time and up to 40 hours a week during long school holidays.
- Permission Application: Apply for work permission at the Immigration Bureau in Japan before you start working.
Post-Graduation Options:
- Change of Visa Status: If you find employment in Japan after graduation, you’ll need to change your visa status from “College Student” to the appropriate working visa category.
Always check the latest guidelines on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan or your home country’s Japanese Embassy or Consulate, as visa policies and procedures can change. Starting the process early is advisable to accommodate for potential processing times and ensure you have your visa well in advance of your intended start date for your studies in Japan.
MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship, also known as the Monbukagakusho Scholarship, is a comprehensive and generous offer funded by the Japanese government intended to support eligible international students. It caters to various fields of study and types of education, such as undergraduate, research (masters and Ph.D.), teacher training, and specialized training.
Benefits
Benefits include
- full tuition coverage
- a monthly allowance
- and an airline ticket to and from Japan.
Applying
The process of applying involves screening through academic records, language proficiency (usually Japanese, although there are programs in English), and personal interviews.
Application guidelines, forms, and detailed information about the fields of study and host institutions can be typically found through official MEXT resource channels or by contacting the nearest Japanese diplomatic mission.
Spouse visa in Japan
those who are married to a Japanese citizen may be eligible for a spouse visa in Japan for 6 months up to 5 years.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- A passport size photograph
- Certificate of eligibility (COE)
It’s important to note that visa requirements and regulations change frequently, and it’s advised to check with the Japanese embassy or a legal expert for the most current information.
Japan offers a variety of visas that cater to different purposes, lengths of stay, and qualifications of applicants. If you’re considering experiencing life in Japan, you’ll need to choose the visa that aligns with your specific plans and circumstances. Now you know about some of the best types of visas that you can apply for if you wish to stay in Japan for an extended period.
