Work Visa

Work Visa

When working in Japan, foreign nationals must obtain a working visa. The specific type of visa required is determined by the nature of the job and the individual's educational and professional background.
Engaging in work outside the scope of your visa status is illegal for both the employee and the employer, and it can result in various penalties such as fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
The visa application process requires detailed explanations and supporting documents to prove that the job aligns with the visa category. Each visa type has specific job roles it covers, and the work performed must be authorized under your residence status.

For instance, those with the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa can only engage in office-related work and are not permitted to work in roles such as restaurant or factory jobs. Such work falls under the "Specified Skilled Worker" visa category instead.
Working outside the permitted scope is considered a crime, punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 3 million yen. Even if the employer is unaware of the illegal nature of the work, both parties are still liable.

During the immigration application process, you must clearly demonstrate that your job fits within the allowed activities for your visa and provide supporting evidence if necessary. Additionally, the job must be substantial and adequately compensated to meet visa requirements. Factors such as your educational qualifications, company size, and the quality of your documentation will influence the Immigration Office's decision.

Visa requirements and application procedures vary by type. If you have concerns about obtaining a visa, please provide details of your situation, and we will recommend the best course of action to assist you.

Technical, Humanities, and International Services visa" which allows for a wide range of occupations and work.

The "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" visa covers a broad range of occupations and is designed for foreign residents who use their specialized knowledge gained through academic or professional experience. Freelancers are also eligible if their work is based on their specialized knowledge. However, this visa does not cover simple labor roles.

When applying for this visa, you must provide documents verifying your education and work experience relevant to the job. Education and experience unrelated to the intended work will not support your application.

Typically, you can only perform the work outlined in your application to the Immigration Bureau, and it must provide a sufficient workload throughout the year. The Immigration Bureau will also consider factors such as the employer's establishment in Japan, the salary offered (which must be at least equivalent to what a Japanese national would earn), the company's size and stability, and your previous residency status.

In some cases, limited simple labor work may be allowed during "entry-level training," where new employees undertake general company duties, including basic labor tasks, to familiarize themselves with the company's operations. This type of training must be disclosed to the Immigration Bureau beforehand. However, performing only simple labor without engaging in the specified work is considered illegal.