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Destination guide

Work visas for moving to Japan

Companies hiring into Japan have 3 realistic visa routes for technology and engineering roles. The most common are the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa and the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa. Requirements, government fees, and processing times for each are below.

Reviewed July 2026 · Sourced from official government fees and requirements

The short answer

Most employees moving to Japan for work use the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa or the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa. Every option:

Visitor entry rules and a few special visa categories vary by passport. Check options for your passport in the visa checker.

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa

Likely Eligible

Japan's standard work visa for engineers, developers, and international business professionals.

Processing time
1-3 months (COE) + 1-2 weeks (visa)
Validity
1, 3, or 5 years, renewable
Government fees
COE free; visa fee approx JPY 3,000 single / JPY 6,000 multiple entry

Requirements

  • Job offer from a Japanese employer
  • University degree, or 10+ years of relevant professional experience
  • Role must match the visa category (engineering, IT, business)

Documents you will need

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Applied for by the employer in Japan
  • Degree certificates or proof of experience: Transcripts, employment verification letters
  • Valid passport: With adequate validity

Worth knowing

  • The COE is the real approval step; the visa stamp afterward is fast
  • Job changes within the same category don't require a new visa, only notification
  • Permanent residence typically possible after 10 years (shorter via HSP points)

Path to residency: Permanent residence, typically after 10 years

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa

Potentially Eligible

Points-based visa for advanced professionals with preferential treatment, including a fast track to permanent residence.

Processing time
1-3 months (COE) + 1-2 weeks (visa)
Validity
5 years
Government fees
COE free; visa fee approx JPY 3,000 single / JPY 6,000 multiple entry

Requirements

  • Score 70+ points on the HSP points table (education, career, salary, age)
  • Job offer or contract with a Japanese organization
  • Annual salary generally JPY 3 million or higher

Documents you will need

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Applied for by the employer in Japan
  • Points calculation sheet with evidence: Degrees, salary statements, career records
  • Valid passport: With adequate validity

Worth knowing

  • 70+ points allows permanent residence application after 3 years; 80+ points after 1 year
  • Spouse may work full time; parents and household help may accompany under conditions
  • Most tech salaries at international firms clear the points threshold comfortably

Path to residency: Permanent residence after 1-3 years depending on points score

Business Manager Visa

Requires Assessment

For founders and executives starting or running a business in Japan.

Processing time
1-3 months (COE) + 1-2 weeks (visa)
Validity
1 year initially, renewable (3-5 years later)
Government fees
COE free; visa fee approx JPY 3,000; incorporation costs separate

Requirements

  • Physical office space in Japan
  • Capital of at least JPY 5 million, or two full-time employees
  • Concrete business plan

Documents you will need

  • Company registration documents: Or incorporation plan for a new company
  • Business plan: Activities, financials, staffing
  • Proof of capital: Bank statements showing JPY 5M+

Worth knowing

  • Several municipalities offer startup visa programs that relax the initial requirements for 6-12 months
  • A virtual office does not satisfy the office requirement
  • Renewals scrutinize whether the business is actually operating

Path to residency: Permanent residence, typically after 10 years

Common questions

What is the main work visa for moving to Japan?

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa: Japan's standard work visa for engineers, developers, and international business professionals. Typical processing time is 1-3 months (COE) + 1-2 weeks (visa), with validity of 1, 3, or 5 years, renewable.

How much does the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa cost?

COE free; visa fee approx JPY 3,000 single / JPY 6,000 multiple entry. Fees change; confirm current amounts on the official government source before applying.

Do visa requirements for Japan depend on my passport?

Work visa requirements for Japan are largely the same across nationalities, but visitor entry rules and a few special categories differ by passport. Use the Gullie visa checker to see options for your specific passport.

Does this guide replace an immigration lawyer?

No. It is an informational starting point, not legal advice. Visa eligibility depends on your specific circumstances, so confirm your options with a qualified immigration professional before relying on them.

Official resources

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