To work in Japan, you need visas such as the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa or the Working Visa. Each visa corresponds to a specific "residence status" that fits your job or purpose.
Residence status is the qualification that allows foreigners to stay in Japan. It determines how long you can live in Japan and what kind of work you can do. It's different from a visa, so be careful not to confuse them.

Differences between Visa and Residence Status

Visa: Permission to enter Japan
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa - Employment or long-term stay purposes
Residence Status: Qualification to stay in Japan Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Immigration and Residence Management Agency

Residence Status for Working in Japan

Here are the residence statuses that allow you to work in Japan:

Management/Business Administration (e.g., CEOs, executives)

Legal/Accounting Services (e.g., lawyers, judicial scriveners, certified accountants, tax accountants with Japanese qualifications)

Medical Services (e.g., doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses with Japanese qualifications)

Research (e.g., researchers, investigators)

Education (e.g., teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools)

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) (e.g., engineers, IT specialists, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers)

Intra-company Transferee (e.g., employees transferred to a Japanese branch of the same company)

Care Worker (e.g., certified care workers)

Skilled Labor (e.g., foreign chefs, animal trainers, pilots, sports trainers, sommeliers)

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) (e.g., workers in industries requiring considerable knowledge or experience, or highly skilled industries)

Technical Intern Training (TIT) (e.g., trainees from overseas subsidiaries, trainees accepted through supervising organizations)

Source quoted in part from: Foreign Service Agency, Visa - Employment or long-term stay purposes *Japanese

Each residence status has job restrictions.
Note: Permanent Resident (PR), Spouse or Child of Japanese National (SCJN), Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (SCPR), and Long-Term Resident (LTR) have no work restrictions.

Recently, more people in Japan are working under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) or Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) residence statuses.

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI)

This residence status is for jobs that require specialized knowledge or sensitivity. It is ideal for engineers, interpreters, designers, marketing professionals, and more.

Job Opportunities at JOB JOURNEY:
Engineering Jobs: Mechanical design and programming jobs available.
Humanities/International Services Jobs: Interpreter and translator positions available.

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)

For those from countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, the Specified Skilled Worker system allows you to work in Japan for up to 5 years. You can work in a variety of fields, such as construction, manufacturing, and dining services, utilizing your experience.
To work as a Specified Skilled Worker, you must pass a skills test and a Japanese language test.

More Information: Immigration Services Agency of Japan

For those who wish to work in Japan under the residence status "Specified Skilled Worker" Information on the system and exams is available in multiple languages.
Specified Skilled Worker Guidebook: Written in easy Japanese.

Conditions for Obtaining a Working Visa in Japan

Educational Background

Some residence statuses require a certain educational background, while others do not. For example, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) requires a university degree. However, if you have 3 or more years, or 10 or more years of work experience in Japan, you may be eligible for a Working Visa (documented proof required).

Work Experience and Skills

Certain residence statuses require specialized skills or experience.
For Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI):
Requires 3 or more years, or 10 or more years of work experience. The number of required years varies by job type.
For Specified Skilled Worker (SSW):
You must pass a skills test and a Japanese language test. (If changing from Technical Intern Training, you may be exempted.)
Source:Immigration Services Agency of Japan Residence Status List *Japanese

Language Skills

For Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI), Japanese language skills are not required to apply for residence status. However, the higher your Japanese proficiency, the more opportunities you'll have. A minimum of JLPT N3 or equivalent is recommended.
For Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), at least JLPT N4 is required.

Health Examination

Some residence statuses require submission of health examination results.

Duration of Stay and Renewal Procedures

Validity Period of Residence Status

Residence statuses have different validity periods.

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI)
5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months Specified Skilled Worker (i): Maximum of 5 years in total

The validity period depends on the residence status type and your employment contract with the company.

Source:Immigration Services Agency of Japan Residence Status List *Japanese

Renewal Procedures and Requirements

If you want to continue working in Japan after your residence status expires, you need to renew it. Renewal procedures must be completed within the validity period.

You will need to submit documents like your employment contract and proof of continued employment.

Keep the validity period of your residence status in mind so you can renew it in time. If you are currently working in Japan and plan to continue, consult your company's representative about renewing your residence status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Japan without a Working Visa?

No, you cannot. Working without a Working Visa is illegal. Foreigners must apply for and obtain the appropriate residence status before working in Japan. Be aware that some residence statuses do not allow work or have job restrictions.

Can I change my job type?

Yes, as long as it's within the restrictions of your residence status. You need to notify the Immigration Office and follow the renewal procedure.

How long does it take to process a Working Visa application?

The processing time varies depending on the type of visa and how busy the Immigration Office is. Generally, it takes a few weeks to 2-3 months to get a response.

Can I bring my family from my home country with a Working Visa?

Yes, depending on the type of Working Visa, you can bring your spouse and children to Japan. This is possible with the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) and Specified Skilled Worker (ii) statuses.

What should I do if I change jobs?

If you change jobs, you must notify the Immigration Services Agency of Japan within 14 days. You can do this online.
🔗 Online Procedures: Immigration Services Agency of Japan—Electronic Notification System

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan—Notification regarding the institution (contract) associated with your status *Japanese

Visa Guide to Work in Japan: Basic Information Foreigners Need to Know

Understanding Visas in Japan