Application for Work Visa

What is a work visa?

The visa that a foreign national obtains to work in Japan is generally called a "work visa",
A "work visa" is a status of residence (visa) whose purpose of stay is to work.refers to the following.

Some visa types do not allow work, so companies considering hiring foreigners,
Even if a foreigner is living in Japan, it is necessary to confirm in advance whether or not he/she has a status of residence (visa) that allows him/her to work.

If a company hires an alien who is in the country on a visa that does not allow him or her to work, the company is guilty of encouraging illegal employment.
There is a possibility that the employer will be imprisoned for up to 3 years or fined up to 3 million yen (Article 73-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act).

Here,The "Technical/Humanities/International Services Visa" is a typical work visa.This section describes the actual occupations that fall under this category, how to apply for it, and the required documents.

What are the applicable occupations?

The technical, humanities, and international services visas are divided into three main categories.

interpoint (interword separation)technology

This applies to work that requires skills and knowledge related to the natural science field.

Example,System engineers, programmers, web designers, automobile inspectors (service engineers), construction managers in the construction industryThese include professions such as

Those who have graduated from a university or a Japanese vocational school (academic background requirement) and those who have more than 10 years of work experience in a related field (work experience requirement) are also eligible. In addition, if you are engaged in the field of information processing for technology, you may apply even if you do not meet the academic and work experience requirements if you "have passed the information processing examination prescribed by the Minister of Justice, or have an information processing qualification.

interpoint (interword separation)specialist in humanities (Japanese visa category)

The work requires skills and knowledge in the field of humanities and sciences.

Example,Accounting, general affairs, sales, finance, legal, marketing, and other humanities career positionsare listed below.

As with technology, those who have graduated from a university or a prescribed Japanese vocational school (educational background requirement) or have at least 10 years of work experience in a related field (work experience requirement) are eligible to apply.

interpoint (interword separation)international service

This includes work that requires thought or sensitivity based on a foreign culture.

Example,Translators and interpreters, trade representatives, designers, language school teachersThese include professions such as

This one requires at least 3 years of work experience in a related field, though,
If you have a university degree or higher and are engaged in work related to translation, interpretation, or language instruction
No practical requirements are required regardless of major.

What documents are required for a work visa?

The required submission documents are divided into four categories based on the size of the company, and companies in categories 1 and 2 can simplify their submission documents. The categories areMinistry of Justice websiteYou can check it at

Here is an example of an application form for a Category 3 company (an organization or individual with less than 10 million yen in withholding tax in the total withholding tax table for the previous year's payroll income) to hire an overseas foreign national.

Examples of documents to be submitted
Application for Certificate of Eligibility
1 photo (4cm x 3cm, taken within the last 6 months)
Copy of passport
Return envelope (with stamped envelope for registered mail)
The total of the statutory record of withholding tax for the employee's salary income for the previous year (a copy)
Working Conditions Notice
Curriculum Vitae of the applicant
Certificate of the applicant's degree or employment history
Company brochures (e.g., copies of pamphlets, websites, etc.)
Certificate of registered matters
Copies of financial documents for the most recent fiscal year
Statement of reasons for employment, etc.

Application Support Fees

Three plans are available depending on the type of support you need.

Standard Plan

Based on the documents collected from the client, our office will prepare the documents and file the application on behalf of the client.
Services include

Unlimited consultation
Presentation of a list of required documents
Preparation of application documents (e.g., statement of reasons for employment)
Comprehensive review and consulting of application documents
Application to the Immigration Bureau on behalf of the client
Responding to additional document submissions and questionnaires
Receipt of result notification

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (to employ a foreign national in a foreign country) Change of status of residence (to employ a foreigner in Japan) Renewal of status of residence (with change of occupation)	110,000 yen(Tax included) ~
Renewal of status of residence (no job change)	44,000円(Tax included) ~

Additional fee for highly specialized positions: 22,000 yen (tax included)

Full Support Plan

We will support you in collecting documents in Japan on your behalf and receiving your residence card.
Services include

Unlimited consultation
Presentation of a list of required documents
Obtaining documents at Japanese government offices, tax offices, and legal affairs bureaus on behalf of the client
Preparation of application documents (e.g., statement of reasons for employment)
Comprehensive review and consulting of application documents
Application to the Immigration Bureau on behalf of the client
Responding to additional document submissions and questionnaires
Receipt of result notification
Receive a residence card (in case of change or renewal)

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (to employ a foreign national in a foreign country) Change of status of residence (to employ a foreigner in Japan) Renewal of status of residence (with change of occupation)	126,500 yen(Tax included) ~
Renewal of status of residence (no job change)	77,000円(Tax included) ~