Work Visa

Japan's Visa System

Short-Term Stay

Short-stay visas are primarily for tourism, short-term business trips, or visiting relatives and friends in Japan. In principle, they do not permit any activities within Japan aimed at generating income or remuneration.

Tourist visas: These are divided into group tours (maximum stay of 15 days) and individual single-entry tours (maximum stay of 15 or 30 days). For individuals with sufficient financial means or higher incomes and their families, Japan offers multiple-entry tourist visas valid for 3 or 5 years, with each stay allowed for a maximum of 30 or 90 days.
Business/Family Visit Visas: These are suitable for cultural exchanges, attending conferences, business negotiations, signing contracts, after-sales service, and visiting relatives within three generations in Japan. Eligible individuals can apply for multiple-entry business/family visit visas valid for 1, 3, or 5 years.

General Working Visas

Foreign nationals wishing to be legally employed and reside long-term in Japan must obtain a “Residence Status” (work visa) corresponding to their occupation.

Technical/Humanities/International Business: This is the most common work visa in Japan, broadly covering most white-collar positions such as IT engineers, corporate administrators, finance personnel, translators, and language teachers.
Business Manager: Specifically for foreign nationals investing in or starting businesses in Japan or being hired as senior executives in companies.
Intra-Company Transfer: Applicable to multinational corporations directly transferring employees from their overseas branches to their Japanese branches or affiliated companies.

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)

To alleviate Japan’s severe labor shortage, the government established the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa system to attract foreign blue-collar and skilled workers:

Specified Skilled Worker No. 1: For foreign workers with specific professional knowledge or experience; applicants must have a formal employment contract with a Japanese government or private organization.
Specified Skilled Worker No. 2: Requires applicants to possess a higher level of “skilled expertise.” Compared to No. 1, No. 2 visas offer more lenient renewal options and allow foreign workers to bring their families.

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)

This is Japan’s points-based privilege visa designed to attract top global talent. The government scores applicants based on multiple factors, including education, work experience, annual income, and age. A minimum score of 70 points qualifies an applicant as a highly skilled professional. The visa is primarily divided into three categories: academic research, professional skills, and business management.

Core Privileges: Initial approval grants a stay of up to 5 years; spouses enjoy greater freedom in full-time employment; and under certain conditions (such as a sufficient family income and the need to support young children), applicants may even be allowed to bring their parents or foreign domestic helpers.
Fast Track to Permanent Residency (Green Card): Compared to the 10-year continuous residency requirement for regular work visas, highly skilled professionals with 70 points can apply in just 3 years. Those with 80 points or more (i.e., “Special Highly Skilled Professionals”) are eligible to apply for permanent residency after one year of relevant work experience in Japan. Furthermore, even those currently holding a regular work visa can apply for permanent residency directly through this privileged pathway if they meet the required points.

Application Process

Candidate Assessment: Based on individual qualifications and job requirements, we determine the most suitable visa type and verify eligibility.
Document Preparation and Application Submission: Applications require candidate information, company details, job descriptions, and relevant supporting documents. Our team will prepare and submit materials throughout the process, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
Visa Issuance and Follow-up Support: After approval, visas are typically issued within 3–6 months. We assist applicants with biometrics, document verification, and visa collection to ensure smooth entry and legal work.

Kindly contact us for more information on available work visa options.

MSMC ASIA

#19-06 160 Robinson Rd, SBF Center, Singapore 068914