- Professor (Examples: university professor, assistant professor, assistant, etc.)
- Artist (Examples: composers, songwriters, artists, sculptors, craftspeople, photographers, etc.)
- Religious activities (Examples: religious people such as monks, bishops, missionaries, etc.)
- Journalist (Examples: newspaper journalists, magazine journalists, editors, news cameramen, announcers, etc.)
- Business manager (Examples: company presidents, directors, etc.)
- Legal/Accounting services (Examples: attorneys, judicial scriveners, public accountants, tax accountants, etc. certified in Japan)
- Medical services (Examples: physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, etc. certified in Japan)
- Researcher (Examples: researchers, investigators, etc. at research institutes, etc.)
- Instructor (Examples: teachers, etc. at elementary schools, intermediate schools and high schools)
- Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services (Examples: scientific engineers, IT engineers, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers, etc.)
- Intra-company transferee (Examples: people transferred to the Japanese branch (head office of the same company, etc.)
- Nursing care (Example: certified care worker)
- Entertainer (Examples: musicians, actors, singers, dancers, sportspeople, models, etc.)
- Skilled labor (Examples: chefs specializing in the food of a foreign country, animal trainers, pilots, sports trainers, sommeliers, etc.)
- Specified skilled worker (Work-ready foreign nationals who possess certain expertise and skills in certain industrial fields.)
- Technical intern training (Examples: Technical intern)
Hiring Foreign Workers in Japan and How to Apply for Visa
Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2022
This article provides information on how to hire a foreigner in Japan from abroad. If you currently live outside Japan and would like to work in Japan, your first step is to find an employer (sponsor). Applicants who would like to work, study, or live in Japan should get a Certificate of Eligibility first. The Ministry of Justice in Japan issues the Certificate of Eligibility. To get a Certificate of Eligibility, the applicant must seek a Japanese sponsor (employer, spouse, school, etc.) to contact the local immigration office on their behalf and file an application. The sponsor in Japan must submit the application.
Alternatively, if you would like to start your own business in Japan, read "How to Start a Business in Japan".
>> Application for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility
Hiring Foreign Workers in Japan
If you are planning to employ a foreigner who does not yet have a work visa in Japan, you need to obtain the certificate of Eligibility and necessary visa for them. The employer should check that the job description, educational background and work experience of the person you are about to hire match the visa category you are applying for.
Please note that even if the above conditions are met, the application may not be approved if the employer does not have the financial ability to hire the person, if the salary is not equal to or higher than that of a Japanese national doing the same work, or if the person does not meet the visa eligibility requirements, etc. Therefore, prior investigation should be carefully carried out.
Working Visa Categories
The working visa categories are divided into these types. For more information, see the website from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The required documents depend on the type of visa. Please check their website for details.
Immigration / Working Visa Attorneys and Lawyers
Getting all the visa application documents in order can be a daunting task. In addition, if there are any deficiencies, you will have to go through the process all over again. We recommend to consult a specialist in order to facilitate the visa application process. Below is a list of law firms where you can consult in English.
BEYOND (Tokyo)
A: Korakuen Bld. 501, 1-33-15 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
T: 03-6902-9334
W: https://www.watabe-visa-tokyo.com/english/
Fukasawa Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office (Tokyo)
A: Room No. 305, 3 floor, Higashigotanda 1-9-7, Sinagawa-ku, Tokyo
T: 050-5534-0807
W: https://visa-fukasawa.com/
Mori＆Niitsu Legal Visa Office (Tokyo)
A: DOT4F 1-7-20 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
T: 03-3443-5112
W: http://www.niitsu-law.jp/index.html
Minato Immigration Law office (Kanagawa)
A: #3F, 2-11 Higashidacho Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa
T: 044-272-6080
W: https://english.3710law.com/
Saito Immigration Lawyer Office (Kanagawa)
A: Skymanor Yokohama 523, Takashima 2-11-2, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
T: 045-453-0182
W: http://saito-immigration-lawyer.com/
Administrative Lawyer YUGE Office (Osaka)
A: Sanwa bldg.3F, 1-2-3, Shima-machi Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
T: 06-6948-6969
W: https://www.office-yuge.info/landing
Frontier Immigration Law Firm (Osaka)
A: 1-4-17,Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
T: 06-6375-2313
W: https://www.immigration-lawyers.jp/
If you are looking for more law firms, please refer to these articles:
Free Legal Consultation in English for Foreign Residents in Japan
Employee Benefits in Japan: Understanding the Fukuri Kosei System
Knowing what employee benefits companies are required to provide is important when working in Japan. Find out if you are getting what you are entitled to.
Culinary Schools (Professional Training Colleges) in Japan
In this article, we feature culinary schools specializing in traditional Japanese cuisine (washoku), sushi, and cooking from among the numerous vocational schools in Japan. In culinary schools, you can receive training and study to become a sushi chef, French chef, pastry chef, and more. Most culinary schools have a 1-year or 2-year curriculum. We list some culinary schools that accept foreign students.
How to Get More Freelance Work in Japan
This article discusses the growing opportunities for freelancers in Japan, particularly in fields such as English teaching, marketing, tourist guiding, creative professions like photography and videography, and modeling. It provides insights into where to find freelance work and offers tips for success in these roles.
How to Find English-Speaking Jobs for Foreigners in Japan
Find out what type of jobs Japanese companies are looking to fill, the top recruiters for foreigners in Japan, and the most popular job search sites.
How to Get a Part-Time Job for Foreigners and Students in Japan
It is not difficult to find a part-time job in Japan, but it is important to understand the part-time Job rules, working hours, and what you should prepare to find a part-time job in Japan.
Fashion Design Colleges ( vocational schools) in Japan
In this article, from among the numerous vocational schools in Japan, we feature Fashion Design Schools. Fashion design vocational schools are institutions aimed at preparing students for careers in fashion-related professions such as fashion designers, pattern makers, stylists, and more. Most design schools have a 2 year curriculum. We list fashion design schools that accept foreign students.
