Entry visas

Any foreign national entering Japan is required to hold a passport which is valid for the duration of their stay in Japan.

The citizens of 60 countries including most western European nations, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Japan for a stay not exceeding 90 days. They will be issued with a Temporary Visitor's Visa on entry. Visitor's Visa holders are not allowed to engage in any employment while in Japan.

Employment Visas

Japan has various categories of employment visa, corresponding to the following specific types of jobs:

Professor
Artist
Legal/Accounting Services
Medical Services
Researcher
Instructor
Engineer
Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Intra-Company Transferee
Entertainer

In order to apply for an employment visa, it is first necessary to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Japanese Ministry of Justice. A sponsor in Japan, such as an employer, spouse, school, etc. must apply to the local immigration office on behalf of the applicant for this Certificate.

If the Certificate of Eligibility is approved, the applicant must submit this to the Japanese consulate in their home country, along with their passport, one passport-sized photograph, the Japanese sponsor's name address and phone number and an additional copy of the Certificate of Eligibility. There may be additional documents required depending on the specific type of visa.