Do you Need a Work Permit in Japan?
In Japan, a work permit is essential for foreign nationals due to the country’s specific economic policies and labor market conditions. One of the primary reasons for this requirement is to protect employment opportunities for Japanese citizens. With a highly developed economy and a focus on maintaining high employment rates for its residents, the Japanese government prioritizes local employment. By requiring work permits, the government ensures that foreign workers are employed only in positions where there is a clear shortage of local expertise, thus safeguarding jobs for Japanese nationals.
Japan’s work permit system also supports the country’s goals of addressing demographic challenges and economic development. Japan faces an aging population and a shrinking workforce, which creates gaps in various sectors such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. The work permit process allows the government to attract skilled foreign professionals who can contribute to these critical areas, filling skill shortages and promoting innovation. This targeted approach is vital for maintaining productivity and fostering sustainable economic growth in Japan.
Ensuring compliance with labor laws and standards is a fundamental aspect of Japan’s work permit system. The government uses the work permit process to ensure that foreign workers are employed under conditions that adhere to Japanese labor laws. This includes guaranteeing fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits. By enforcing these standards, the government aims to prevent the exploitation and abuse of foreign workers, ensuring that all employees in Japan are treated with respect and fairness.
About the Japan Job Market
Number of Expats:
2.93 million
Expats Job Websites:
Popular Industries for Expats:
English teacher, Military personnel, Engineer, Service staff, IT Professional, Translator, Banker
Types of Japan Work Visa Available
There are different types of Japan work visa available which are used for different purposes. However, here are some of the most common ones used:
Specified Skilled Worker Visa:
This visa is issued to foreign workers who are visiting Japan to fill the employment gaps in some sectors.
Specified Skills Visa 1-SSV1:
People working in sectors like shipbuilding, agriculture, nursing care and others are considered skilled workers in Japan and can apply for this visa. To get approval for the visa, one has to appear for Japanese language tests and technical exams.
The visa is issued for one year and can be renewed for up to five years. However, if one wants to stay longer than five years, they must apply for the 2-SSV2 visa.
Specified Skills Visa 2-SSV2:
The holders of this visa can renew it innumerable times and can also bring their family members to the country. One with visa 1-SSV1 can also apply for this visa after they get a higher level of expertise in their field.
Requirements for a Japan Work Permit and by Japan Employers
People entering the country for anything besides tourism must have the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before getting a Japan work visa or permit. The COE is valued as proof that the applicant is eligible and can legally come to Japan for work, family or any other valid reason. This is also required during the visa application process, so employees must have it beforehand.
This may vary from visa to visa, but some of the Japan work visa requirements are common, including:
- You must have a job offer from a Japanese company
- You must have a valid passport
- You must fill and submit the Visa application form
- You must submit your photograph (not older than six months)
Japan Work Permit Application Process
Thinking about how to get a working visa in Japan? Here is the step-by-step application process to apply for the visa without any hassle.
- For getting a work visa in Japan, one requires a sponsor in Japan (most likely the employer). The sponsorer has to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility on behalf of the employee at the local immigration office. It takes at least three months for the certificate to be issued, and it is valid for three months.
- Once the COE is issued, one can apply for a Japan work visa. However, the documents for the visa application may vary for different types of visas.
- In the case of a specified skills visa, the employees have to submit a points calculation based on their skills. To be eligible for the visa, the applicant must have a score of more than 70.
- The employer must also have some required documents for the visa application process. The requirements include:
- A letter of guarantee
- An official invitation letter issued to the candidate
- A list of visa applicants
- Essential details of your company
- A detailed itinerary in Japan
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