A Guide to Finding Work and Obtaining a Visa in Japan

Working in Japan can be an exciting opportunity. Let me guide you through the process of finding a job and obtaining a work visa:

Finding a Job in Japan

1. Job Portals: Start by exploring job portal websites specifically designed for foreigners seeking employment in Japan. Some popular platforms include:
   • Gaijinpot: Offers job postings entirely in English.
     https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/
   • Jobs in Japan: Provides a wide variety of job listings across different industries and job levels.
     https://jobsinjapan.com/
   • Link Japan Careers: Offers recruiter support.
     https://linkjapancareers.net/
   • Daijob: Ideal for bilingual professionals.
     https://www.daijob.com/en/
2. WORK JAPAN App: Consider using the WORK JAPAN app, which allows you to find jobs and apply directly. It offers positions like waiter/waitress, factory worker, caregiver, call center staff, and more. You can search in multiple languages and find both part-time and full-time opportunities.
3. Networking: Attend job fairs, industry events, and networking sessions. Building connections with professionals already working in Japan can open doors to job opportunities.

Work Visa Types

Japan offers various work visas based on your qualifications and circumstances. Here are some key types:

1. Highly Skilled Professional Visa:
   • Special Highly Skilled Professional: For those regarded as “highly-skilled human resources” within specific conditions.
   • Highly Skilled Foreign Professional: Includes dependents of highly skilled foreign professionals.
2. Working Visa Categories:
   • Professor: For university professors, assistants, and related roles.
   • Artist: Composers, songwriters, sculptors, photographers, and other artistic professionals.
   • Religious Activities: Monks, bishops, missionaries, etc.
   • Journalist: Newspaper journalists, editors, news cameramen, announcers, etc.
   • Business Manager: Company presidents, directors, etc.
   • Legal/Accounting Services: Attorneys, judicial scriveners, public accountants, tax accountants certified in Japan.
   • Medical Services: Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses certified in Japan.
   • Researcher: Researchers, investigators at research institutes, etc.
   • Instructor: Teachers at elementary, intermediate, and high schools.
   • Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: Scientific engineers, IT professionals, foreign language teachers, interpreters, designers, etc.
   • Intra-Company Transferee: Individuals transferred to the Japanese branch of the same company.
   • Nursing Care: Certified care workers.
   • Entertainer: Musicians, actors, singers, dancers, sportspeople, models, etc.
   • Skilled Labor: Chefs specializing in foreign cuisine, animal trainers, pilots, sommeliers, etc.
   • Specified Skilled Worker: Work-ready foreign nationals with expertise in specific industrial fields.
3. Other Visa Types:
   • Technical Intern Training: For technical interns.
   • Cultural Activities: Unpaid internships, tea ceremony or Japanese flower arranging students, etc.
   • Student Visa: For college students, pre-college students, etc.
   • Dependent (Family Stays): Spouses and children of foreign nationals with working visas.
   • Spouse or Child of Japanese National: Spouses or biological children of Japanese nationals.
   • Spouse of Permanent Resident: Spouses of permanent residents.
   • Long-Term Resident: Persons with Japanese ancestry, Indochinese refugee settlers, etc.
   • Designated Activities: For specific purposes like working holidays, paid internships, etc.

Steps to Obtain a Work Visa

1. Find a Job: Approach a Japanese company willing to hire you. All work visas require sponsorship, so securing a job offer is crucial.
2. Identify the Right Visa Type: Match your skills and qualifications to the appropriate visa category.
3. Gather Necessary Documents:
   • Valid passport
   • Certificate of Eligibility (usually takes 4-6 weeks if applying from outside Japan)
   • Recent photograph
   • Curriculum vitae
   • Copies of degrees
   • Visa application form
   • Letter from your sponsor (including position and expected salary).
4. Visit the Japanese Embassy or Consulate: Apply for your work visa in person. Currently, online applications are not available for work visas³.

Remember, understanding Japanese work culture and language is essential for a successful transition. Best of luck in your job search and visa application process!

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