１，First of all

“I want to work in Japan, but how do I get a work visa?” What are the conditions? Aren’t you worried?

In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand way how to obtain a work visa, the necessary conditions, the flow of procedures, and the precautions.

We will also provide useful information to foreigners who want to work in Japan from now on, or to those in charge of companies who want to hire foreigners.

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２，What is a work visa? Review the basics

A work visa is a residence status required to work legally in Japan. Officially, it is called “status of residence (work system)” and is classified in detail by job type.

Main types of work visas

• Technical, humanistic knowledge, and international business

• Business and management

• Skills

• Nursing care

• Specific skills (specific skills No. 1 and No. 2)

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３，How can I get a work visa? Steps to get it

Step 1: Find a job

First of all, it is essential to sign an employment contract with a Japanese company. You can’t apply for a visa until you “decide to work”.

Step 2: The company applies for a certificate of eligibility for residence

The company you employ will apply for a **Certificate of Eligibility for Residence (COE)** to the Immigration Bureau.

Step 3: Visa application

After the COE is issued, apply for a visa with it at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.

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４，What are the requirements for obtaining a work visa?

The following conditions must be met:

• The place of employment must be a visa-eligible job

• Education or work experience meets the requirements (e.g. university graduate or more than 10 years of work experience)

• Japanese language ability (depending on the job type, but N2 or higher is also desirable)

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５，Note: Common failures in obtaining a work visa

• Applied for a non-target job (e.g. simple labor)

• Incomplete documents and false statements

• Do not meet the requirements of educational background and work history

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６，Summary: The key to obtaining a work visa is to prepare in advance

“How can I get a work visa?” In response to the question,

First of all, you need to find a job and start by obtaining a certificate of eligibility for residence.

In addition, the type of visa and conditions vary depending on the type of job, so it is recommended to consult an expert at an early stage.

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７，Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I get a work visa even if I can’t speak Japanese?

→ It is possible for some occupations, but the higher the Japanese language ability, the higher the pass rate of employment and examination.

Q2. Can I get a work visa for a part-time job?

→ The work visa is based on employment as a full-time employee. You can’t get it with a part-time job.

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Let’s grasp the key points of this article and aim for a smooth visa acquisition.


“Article supervision”
Kano Administrative Scrivener Office
Operation HP: Visa Application Support Navi https://visasupportnavi.net/  

Specific administrative scrivener ：Hiroyuki Kano
“Educational background”
Completed the first semester of the doctoral program majoring in public law, Graduate School of Law, Doshisha University (Master’s degree (Law))
Graduated from Meiji University School of Law
“Qualification”
Administrative scrivener (specific note), TOEIC 805 points
“Specialization”
Immigration, visa application, status of residence, permanent residence, naturalization, foreign affairs, international public law

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