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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

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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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.

Types of Work Visas in Japan

Japan offers various work visas tailored to specific professions and activities.

Visa Type	Description
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services	For professionals in engineering, humanities, or international services, such as IT specialists, translators, and designers.
Intra-company Transferee	For employees of multinational companies transferred to a Japanese branch, requiring at least one year of prior employment with the company.
Skilled Labor	For individuals with specialized skills in fields like cuisine, architecture, or craftsmanship.
Highly Skilled Professional	For workers with advanced skills, assessed through a points-based system considering qualifications, experience, and salary.
Specified Skilled Worker	For workers with specific expertise in designated industrial fields facing labor shortages.

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 currently does not offer a specific visa for digital nomads. Foreign nationals intending to work remotely from Japan must obtain a visa that aligns with their professional activities. Working in Japan without the proper visa status can lead to legal complications.

Employers and digital nomads should consider the following:

Secure a suitable work visa: For example, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa may be appropriate for certain remote work activities.
Comply with immigration laws: Ensure that the nature of the remote work does not violate the terms of the granted visa.

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.