Japan Work Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Indians need a visa to work in Japan, which allows them to stay and work for a specified period, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years, with possibilities for extension. The visa duration depends on the type of work visa issued. While Japanese is the primary language, English proficiency may be sufficient for certain roles, particularly in international companies, but learning Japanese is highly beneficial for better integration and career opportunities.

a. Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa

• Introduced: 2019
  
  
• Eligibility:
  
  
• University degree or higher
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience
• Pass a skills test and Japanese language proficiency test (N1, N2, or a designated language proficiency for specific industries)
  
  
• Fields:
  
  
• Healthcare
• Technology
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Hospitality
• And more
  
  

b. Intra-company Transferee Visa

• Eligibility:
  

• Employed by an Indian company with a Japanese branch/subsidiary
• Transferring to the Japanese branch for work
  
  

• Requirements:
  

• Employment certificate
• Company documents (registration, tax returns, etc.)
  
  

c. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa

• Eligibility:
  

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in the relevant field
• At least 3 years of relevant experience
  
  

• Fields:
  

• Engineering
• Humanities
• International Services
• And more
  
  

d. Skilled Labor Visa

• Eligibility:
  

• Relevant vocational training or experience in specified fields
  
  

• Fields (Non-exhaustive):

• Cooking (for specific cuisines)
• Care Worker
• Specified Skilled Worker fields with less stringent requirements

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

• Action: Review the eligibility criteria for your chosen Japan work visa category.
  
  
• Details:
  
  
• Age: Typically, 18-65 years old, but can vary by category.
  
  
• Education: Varies by category; common requirements include a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
  
  
• Work Experience: Required for most categories; the duration varies (e.g., at least 3 years for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services).
  
  
• Language Proficiency: Japanese language proficiency (e.g., JLPT N1, N2) might be required for certain categories or employers.
  
  
• Health and Background: You may need to provide health certificates or background checks, depending on the employer or category.
  
  
• Resources:
  
  
• Japanese Embassy/Consulate's website for general guidelines.
• Direct communication with your potential Japanese employer for specific requirements.

2. Secure a Job Offer

• Action: Obtain a job offer from a Japanese employer (required for most work visa categories).
  
  
• Details:
  
  
• Employer Eligibility: The employer must be registered in Japan and meet specific requirements (e.g., having a certain number of employees).
• Job Offer Letter: Should include job title, salary, work hours, and a statement confirming the intention to hire you.
• Employment Contract: Review and sign a contract outlining the terms of your employment.
  
  
• Tips:
  
  
• Networking: Utilize job fairs, professional networks (e.g., LinkedIn), and recruitment agencies specializing in international placements.
• Company Research: Ensure the company is legitimate and aligns with your career goals.

3. Gather Required Documents

• Action: Collect all necessary documents for your visa application (refer to Section 4: Required Documents (Category-wise) for specifics).
  
  
• Details:
  
  
• Personal Documents: Passport, birth certificate, etc.
• Educational Documents: Degree certificates, transcripts, etc.
• Professional Documents: Work experience certificates, skill test results, etc.
• Employer-Provided Documents: Job offer letter, employment contract, etc.
  
  
• Tips:
  
  
• Authentication: Ensure documents are properly authenticated by the relevant Indian authorities (e.g., apostille or attestation).
• Translations: Provide Japanese translations for non-English documents.

4. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• Action: Typically, your Japanese employer will handle the application for a COE on your behalf.
  
  
• Details:
  
  
• Purpose: The COE confirms that the Ministry of Justice, Japan, has no objection to your entry into Japan for work.
  
  
• Application Process:
  
  
• Submission: Your employer submits the COE application to the Japanese immigration authorities.
• Review: Authorities review the application.
• Issuance: If approved, the COE is issued and sent to your employer.
  
  
• Timeline: Allow at least 2-3 weeks for the COE to be processed.

5. Fill Out the Visa Application Form

• Action: Download and complete the visa application form from the Japanese Embassy/Consulate's website.
  
  
• Details:
  
  
• Form Type: Ensure you download the correct form for your visa category.
• Completion:
  
  
• Fill Accurately: Provide all required information.
• Sign: Sign the form as required.
  
  
• Resources:
  
  
• Japanese Embassy/Consulate's website for the application form and guidelines.

6. Submit Your Application

• Action: Submit your visa application in person or through an authorized agent.
  
  
• Details:
  
  
• Submission Locations:
• Japanese Embassy in New Delhi
• Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, or Hyderabad
  
  
• Authorized Agents: Check with the embassy/consulate for a list of approved agents.
  
  
• Required Items:
• Completed Application Form
• All Required Documents
• COE (original)
  
  
• Tips:
  
• Appointment: Book an appointment in advance, if possible, to avoid waiting.
• Double-Check: Ensure all documents are in order before submission.

7. Pay the Visa Fee

• Action: Pay the required visa fee at the time of application submission.
  
  
• Details:
  
  
• Current Fee: 550 INR for a single entry (subject to change).
• Payment Methods: Typically cash or demand draft, as specified by the embassy/consulate.
  
  
• Tips:
  
  
• Confirm Fee: Check the embassy/consulate's website for the latest fee structure.
• Receipt: Obtain a receipt for your payment.

8. Wait for the Decision

• Action: Await the outcome of your visa application.
  
  
• Details:
  
  
• Processing Time: Typically 5-10 working days, but may vary.
• Outcome:
  
  
• Approved: Collect your visa.
• Rejected: Reason for rejection will be provided; you may reapply after addressing the issues.
  
  
• Tips:
  
  
• Patience: Allow the full processing time before inquiring about your application.
• Follow-up: If necessary, contact the embassy/consulate with your application reference number.

9. Enter Japan and Register

• Action: Enter Japan within the specified timeframe and register with local authorities.
  
  
• Details:
  
  
• Entry Timeframe: Within 3 months of visa issuance.
• Registration:
  
  
• Residence Card: Issued upon arrival (for stays over 3 months).
• Local Authorities Registration: Within 14 days of finding a permanent residence.
  
  
• Tips:
  
  
• Understanding Your Residence Card: Familiarize yourself with its usage and implications.
• Finding Permanent Residence: Plan ahead to meet the registration deadline.

Common Documents for All Categories

• Valid Indian Passport (at least 6 months' validity)
  
  
• Completed Visa Application Form
  
  
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos (2)
  
  
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  
  
• Degree and Transcripts (authenticated by the Indian government, if required)
  
  
• Proof of Language Proficiency (Japanese language proficiency tests like JLPT for certain categories)
  
  

Category-Specific Documents

• Specified Skilled Worker:
  
  
• Skills test results
• Proof of work experience
  
  
  
• Intra-company Transferee:
  
  
• Employment certificate
• Company documents (e.g., registration, tax returns)
  
  
  
• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services & Skilled Labor:
  
  
• Relevant work experience certificates
• Vocational training certificates (for Skilled Labor)

The Japan work visa photo specifications are as follows -

• Two copies must be provided
  
  
• Photo size: 50mm x 50 mm.
  
  
• Coloured copy must be provided.
  
  
• The face must cover about 60-70% of the frame - 32mm x 36mm.
  
  
• Head should well-centred.
  
• A gap of 2mm to 6mm must be kept between the top of the head and the frame.
  
  
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
  
  
• The background must be white
  
  
• Neutral expressions
  
  
• Glasses are not permitted.
  
  
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
  
  
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

• Submission Location: Japanese Embassy in New Delhi or Consulates in other major cities.
  
  
• Submission Method: In person or through authorized travel agents.
  
  
• Processing Time: Typically 5-10 working days, but may vary.

• Current Fee: 550 INR for a single entry (subject to change; check with the embassy/consulate).
  
  
• Payment Method: Usually in cash or by demand draft, as specified by the embassy/consulate.

• Processing Time: 5-10 working days.
  
  
• Outcome:
  
  
• Approved: Collect your visa.
  
  
• Rejected: Reason for rejection will be provided; you may reapply after addressing the issues.

• Enter Japan: Within 3 months from the visa issuance date.
  
  
• Residence Card: Issued upon arrival (for stays over 3 months).
  
  
• Register with Local Authorities: Within 14 days of finding a permanent residence.

• Cultural Adaptation: Japan has a unique culture; preparing yourself culturally can ease your transition.
  
  
• Language Learning: While English might suffice in some roles, learning Japanese enhances your experience.
  
  
• Health Insurance: Consider purchasing health insurance that covers you in Japan.
  
  
• Housing and Lifestyle: Research areas to live, cost of living, and lifestyle adjustments.

• Japanese Embassy in India: https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/
  
• Japanese Government's Visa Website: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
  
• Consulates in India:
  
  
• Mumbai: https://www.mumbai.consulate.jp/
• Kolkata: https://www.kolkata.consulate.jp/
• Bengaluru: https://www.bengaluru.consulate.jp/
• Chennai: https://www.chennai.consulate.jp/
• Hyderabad: https://www.hyderabad.consulate.jp/

Need more clarity on the Japan Work visa? Check out helpful resources below

Japan Visa Requirement
Japan Tourist Visa Requirement
Japan Business Visa Requirement
Japan Visit Visa Requirement
Japan Study Visa Requirement
Japan Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection