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Japan Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Japan? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

August 22, 2025

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Japan: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Japan? Navigating Japan’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Japan, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers must be registered with the Immigration Bureau to sponsor foreign nationals.

The work permit process typically takes at least 5 days.

Common visas include the Skilled Labor Visa and the Intra-company Transfer Visa, with fees ranging from ¥3,000 to ¥10,000.

Independent contractors follow a separate process, and employer sponsorship is not required.

Work permits are not location-specific but may require approval for job changes.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Japan

In Japan, any foreign national intending to engage in paid employment must obtain a work permit, typically in the form of a work visa corresponding to their job type. Exceptions include permanent residents, long-term residents, and spouses or children of Japanese citizens or permanent residents, who possess inherent work authorization. Employers must verify that prospective international hires have the appropriate work visas before commencing employment to comply with Japanese immigration laws.

Work Permits and Visas in Japan

Difference Between Work Permits and Work Visas in Japan

In Japan, there is an important distinction between work visas and work permits:

Work Visa: A visa is permission to enter Japan, issued by Japanese embassies or consulates abroad. It is essentially an entry document that allows a foreign national to travel to Japan.

Status of Residence: What is commonly referred to as a "work permit" in many countries is actually called a "Status of Residence" (在留資格, Zairyū Shikaku) in Japan. This status determines what activities you can legally engage in while staying in Japan, such as working in specific fields, studying, or residing with family members. The Status of Residence is granted by the Immigration Services Agency upon arrival or when changing/extending your status within Japan.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE): This is a document issued by Japanese immigration authorities confirming that an applicant meets the requirements for a specific Status of Residence. While not mandatory, having a COE significantly streamlines the visa application process and almost guarantees the granting of the corresponding Status of Residence upon entry.

In summary, to work legally in Japan, you need both:

A visa to enter Japan (entry permission)
An appropriate Status of Residence that allows work activities (work authorization)

Types of Work Visas in Japan

Work-Related Status of Residence Categories

Status of Residence	Description	Validity Period	Eligibility Requirements
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services	The most common work status for foreign professionals in fields like IT, engineering, business management, finance, translation, etc.	1, 3, or 5 years	Bachelor's degree in a relevant field OR 10+ years of professional experience; minimum monthly salary of JPY 200,000
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP i)	For top-tier talent with advanced skills based on a points system (academic credentials, professional experience, annual income, etc.)	5 years	70+ points on the points-based system; typically requires master's degree and monthly income exceeding ¥300,000
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP ii)	For HSP i holders who have resided in Japan for at least 3 years	Indefinite	Must have held HSP i status for at least 3 years
Business Manager	For those establishing or managing businesses in Japan	1, 3, or 5 years	Investment of at least 5 million yen; physical office space in Japan; at least one full-time employee besides the applicant or minimum capital of 10 million yen
Intra-company Transferee	For employees transferred from overseas offices to Japanese branches/subsidiaries	1, 3, or 5 years	At least 1 year of employment at the foreign office before transfer; must engage in work that falls under Engineer/Specialist category
Specified Skilled Worker (i)	For workers in specific industries with labor shortages	Up to 5 years total (non-renewable beyond this period)	Pass industry-specific skills test and Japanese language test; limited to designated sectors like agriculture, nursing care, etc.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii)	Higher tier of the Specified Skilled Worker category with more privileges	Renewable indefinitely	Must have worked as SSW(i) and obtained higher level of specialization; can bring family members
Professor	For academic activities at educational institutions	1, 3, or 5 years	Position at a Japanese university or equivalent educational institution
Artist	For artistic activities that provide income	1, 3, or 5 years	Recognized artistic achievements or relevant education
Religious Activities	For religious activities by foreign religious workers	1, 3, or 5 years	Qualification as a religious worker; invitation from a Japanese religious organization
Journalist	For news reporting and journalistic activities	1, 3, or 5 years	Assignment from a foreign media organization
Medical Services	For doctors, dentists, nurses, etc.	1, 3, or 5 years	Japanese medical license or participation in designated training programs
Researcher	For research activities at public/private organizations	1, 3, or 5 years	Research position at a Japanese institution
Instructor	For language teaching at primary/secondary schools	1, 3, or 5 years	Teaching position at a Japanese educational institution
Legal/Accounting Services	For foreign lawyers and accountants	1, 3, or 5 years	Qualification as a registered foreign lawyer or certified public accountant
Nursing Care	For certified care workers	1, 3, or 5 years	Certification as a care worker in Japan
Skilled Labor	For chefs, sports instructors, aircraft pilots, etc.	1, 3, or 5 years	At least 10 years of experience or formal training in the specific skill
Digital Nomad Visa	For remote workers staying in Japan up to 6 months	Up to 6 months (non-renewable)	From visa-exempt country with bilateral tax agreement; private health insurance; minimum annual overseas income of JPY 10 million

Non-Working Status of Residence Categories (Related to Work)

Status of Residence	Description	Validity Period	Work Permission
Dependent	For spouses and children of foreign residents with work status	Matches the principal visa holder's period	Limited work permission (up to 28 hours/week) with special permission
Spouse or Child of Japanese National	For foreign spouses and children of Japanese citizens	1, 3, or 5 years	Unrestricted work permission
Permanent Resident	For long-term residents meeting specific criteria	Indefinite	Unrestricted work permission
Long-Term Resident	For those with special ties to Japan (e.g., Japanese ancestry)	1, 3, or 5 years	Unrestricted work permission

Common Hiring Scenarios for Japan

When hiring talent in Japan, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Japan. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (at least 5 days), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Japan.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Japan

Independent professionals in Japan can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Japan.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Japan

Transferring an existing team member to Japan? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Asia, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Japan? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements for a Work Permit in Japan

To obtain a work permit in Japan, foreign employees must meet specific criteria aligned with the visa category. Generally, applicants should possess relevant educational qualifications or professional experience pertinent to the job role.

Educational Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field is often required, especially for specialized professions.
Professional Experience: Substantial work experience can sometimes substitute for formal education, particularly for Skilled Labor visas.
Job Offer: A confirmed employment offer from a Japanese company willing to act as a sponsor is essential.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Employers need to secure this document from the Japanese Immigration Services Agency to verify qualifications and job details.
Clean Criminal Record: Evidence of no prior criminal convictions may be necessary.

Japan Work Permit Application Process

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
The foreign applicant must obtain a job offer from a Japanese employer willing to sponsor the work visa.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The employer applies for the COE through regional immigration authorities, verifying qualifications and job details.
Step 3: Apply for the Work Visa
After receiving the COE, the applicant submits a visa application to the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.
Step 4: Receive the Visa and Travel to Japan
Once issued, the employee can enter Japan and begin work.
Step 5: Register Residence
Within 14 days of arrival, employees must register their address at the local municipal office and obtain a Residence Card.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Japan

Employers play a pivotal role in sponsoring work visas. This involves applying for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on behalf of the employee, providing necessary company documents, and demonstrating the legitimacy of the job offer. Ensuring compliance with immigration regulations and maintaining accurate records are crucial steps for a smooth visa sponsorship process.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Japan

The fees for obtaining a work visa in Japan vary based on the type of visa and entries permitted.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Single-entry Visa	¥3,000
Double-entry or Multiple-entry Visa	¥6,000

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Japan, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Japan

The processing time for a Japanese work visa involves two main stages. First, obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) can take up to three months, as it requires thorough verification by Japanese immigration authorities. Once the COE is issued, the subsequent visa application at a Japanese embassy or consulate typically takes about five working days, provided there are no issues with the application.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Japan

Work visas in Japan are generally issued for durations of 1, 3, or 5 years. To continue employment beyond the initial period, it is essential to apply for a renewal before the current visa expires. Renewal applications can be submitted up to three months in advance at the regional immigration office corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence.

The renewal process involves submitting the following documents:

A completed renewal application form.
A recent passport-sized photograph.
Your current passport and residence card.
Employment verification from the sponsoring company, such as a contract or employment certificate.

A fee of ¥4,000 is required for the renewal process. The review process typically takes about two weeks to one month.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Japan

Japan does offer a Digital Nomad Visa as of 2025.This is a relatively new addition to Japan's visa system that was introduced to accommodate the growing trend of remote work.

Japan's Digital Nomad Visa Details

The Digital Nomad Visa in Japan allows remote workers to stay in Japan for up to 6 months while working for employers or clients outside of Japan. Here are the key features:

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be from a visa-exempt country that has a bilateral tax agreement with Japan
Must have private health insurance coverage
Must have a minimum annual overseas income of JPY 10 million (approximately USD 67,000)
Must be employed by a company outside Japan or be self-employed with clients outside Japan

Key Limitations:

Valid for up to 6 months
Non-renewable (you must leave Japan after the 6-month period)
Does not permit employment with Japanese companies
Does not allow working for local clients in Japan

Application Process:

Typical processing time is 30-90 days
Dependents (spouse and children) are eligible to accompany the visa holder
Application must be made from outside Japan

Important Notes:

This visa is specifically designed for temporary stays and does not lead to permanent residency
Visa holders must continue to work for their foreign employer or clients
Local employment is strictly prohibited

The Digital Nomad Visa represents Japan's recognition of changing work patterns globally, though it's more restrictive than some other countries' digital nomad visa programs due to its non-renewable nature and relatively high income requirement.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Japan

Employing foreign nationals in Japan presents several challenges. To navigate these effectively, consider the following common issues and tips:

Navigating Complex Immigration Procedures: The process of obtaining work visas involves multiple steps and strict documentation requirements, which can be time-consuming and intricate.
Ensuring Compliance with Labor Laws: Employers must adhere to Japanese labor regulations, including employment contracts, working hours, and employee benefits, to avoid legal issues.
Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers: Effective communication and integration of foreign employees require addressing language differences and cultural nuances within the workplace.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Japan

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Japan?

Yes, Playroll can sponsor work visas in Japan. As the legal employer, we manage the full visa process with local authorities — from documentation to approvals — ensuring your hire is compliant and ready to work. Whether you're relocating a team member or hiring in Japan, our experts will guide you step by step.

Want to get started? book a demo and we’ll walk you through the process.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Japan?

In Japan, the terms "work permit" and "work visa" are often used interchangeably but refer to different components of the employment authorization process. A work visa is the official document issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate that allows a foreign national to enter Japan for employment purposes. In contrast, a work permit refers to the legal authorization granted to engage in specific employment activities within Japan, typically evidenced by the status of residence assigned upon arrival. Securing a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a crucial step in obtaining both the work visa and the corresponding work permit.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Japan?

The processing time for a work permit in Japan involves two main stages. First, obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) can take up to three months, as it requires thorough verification by Japanese immigration authorities. Once the COE is issued, the subsequent visa application at a Japanese embassy or consulate typically takes about five working days, provided there are no issues with the application.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Japan?

To sponsor a work permit or visa in Japan, employers must provide a formal job offer to the foreign national and apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on their behalf. The employer must submit detailed information about the company and the position, demonstrating that the role cannot be filled by a local candidate and that the foreign applicant possesses the necessary qualifications and experience. Additionally, the employer should ensure compliance with Japanese labor laws, including appropriate salary and working conditions, to support the visa application process.

What types of work permits and visas are available in Japan?

Japan offers several types of work visas tailored to specific professions and activities. Common categories include the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, Skilled Labor visa, Highly Skilled Professional visa, and Intra-company Transferee visa.