List of All Visa Options to Migrate to Japan for Work and Stay (2025)

Japan offers a range of visa categories for those seeking to migrate, work, and live in the country. These visas cater to professionals, skilled workers, students, families, and entrepreneurs. Below is a comprehensive guide to the visa options available for living and working in Japan:

1. Work Visa

This is a broad category for professionals employed in Japan.

• Subcategories:
  • Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa: For IT professionals, engineers, and specialists in fields like marketing and translation.
  • Skilled Worker Visa: For professionals in specific industries such as construction, agriculture, or caregiving.
  • Intra-Company Transferee Visa: For employees transferred from a foreign company to its Japanese branch.
  • Business Manager Visa: For entrepreneurs establishing a business in Japan.
• Duration: 1, 3, or 5 years, renewable.
• Eligibility: Requires a job offer, degree, or professional certification relevant to the field.

2. Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW)

Introduced to address labor shortages in specific industries.

• Subcategories:
  • SSW Type 1: For jobs in industries like agriculture, hospitality, and construction (valid for 5 years).
  • SSW Type 2: For skilled workers in fields requiring advanced expertise (allows for permanent residency).
• Eligibility:
  • Pass the skill and Japanese language proficiency tests.
  • Job offer in the approved industry.

3. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

A points-based visa for highly qualified professionals in areas like academia, business, and research.

• Key Features:
  • Fast-track to permanent residency (as short as 1 year).
  • Includes perks like priority processing and spouse work rights.
• Eligibility:
  • Points are awarded based on factors like education, income, and work experience.

4. Student Visa

For international students enrolled in Japanese educational institutions.

• Key Features:
  • Allows part-time work (up to 28 hours per week).
  • Can transition to a work visa after graduation.
• Duration: Matches the length of the study program.
• Eligibility:
  • Proof of admission from a Japanese university, language school, or vocational institution.

5. Dependent Visa

For family members of work or student visa holders.

• Key Features:
  • Dependents can live in Japan and may work part-time with permission.
• Duration: Matches the sponsor’s visa.
• Eligibility:
  • Proof of relationship (spouse or child) and financial support.

6. Permanent Resident Visa

For long-term residents wishing to settle permanently in Japan.

• Key Features:
  • No restrictions on work or activities.
  • Access to social benefits like healthcare.
• Eligibility:
  • Typically requires 10 years of residence, though shorter durations apply for Highly Skilled Professionals or spouses of Japanese citizens.

7. Spouse or Child of a Japanese National Visa

For foreign nationals married to Japanese citizens or their children.

• Key Features:
  • Allows work and long-term residence.
• Eligibility:
  • Proof of marriage or parent-child relationship.

8. Long-Term Resident Visa (Teijusha Visa)

For individuals with unique circumstances, such as descendants of Japanese nationals.

• Key Features:
  • Broad eligibility for work and residence.
• Eligibility:
  • Special ties to Japan (e.g., Nikkei descendants).

9. Working Holiday Visa

For young individuals (usually 18-30 years old) from specific countries with reciprocal agreements.

• Key Features:
  • Combines work and travel opportunities.
  • Valid for up to 1 year.
• Eligibility:
  • Citizens of countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some European nations.

10. Business Manager Visa

For entrepreneurs and business owners.

• Key Features:
  • Establish and operate a business in Japan.
  • Requires investment and a valid business plan.
• Eligibility:
  • Proof of sufficient capital (usually 5 million yen).

11. Temporary Visitor Visa

For short-term stays related to business, tourism, or family visits.

• Key Features:
  • Valid for up to 90 days (depending on nationality).
• Eligibility:
  • Purpose of visit and proof of funds.

12. Investor/Business Visa

For individuals investing in Japanese businesses or starting their own.

• Key Features:
  • Long-term residency based on significant business contributions.
• Eligibility:
  • Proof of financial investment and business operations.

13. Artist Visa

For individuals engaged in cultural, artistic, or creative work.

• Key Features:
  • Supports non-commercial artistic pursuits.
• Eligibility:
  • Proof of artistic activity and sponsorship.

14. Religious Activities Visa

For missionaries or religious workers invited by organizations in Japan.

• Key Features:
  • Allows for long-term residence while conducting religious work.
• Eligibility:
  • Proof of invitation and financial support.

15. Journalist Visa

For foreign correspondents or media representatives.

• Key Features:
  • Allows reporting, media creation, and journalistic activities.
• Eligibility:
  • Accreditation from a media organization.

16. Technical Intern Training Visa

Designed to transfer skills to developing nations through work experience.

• Key Features:
  • Short-term work and training in specific industries.
• Eligibility:
  • Sponsored by an employer under the training program.

17. Startup Visa

For entrepreneurs planning to establish a business in Japan.

• Key Features:
  • 6-month visa (extendable) to set up and test a business idea.
• Eligibility:
  • Approved business plan and financial support.

18. Special Visa Categories

For individuals in unique circumstances, such as refugees or humanitarian cases.

• Key Features:
  • Flexible based on the case.
• Eligibility:
  • Depends on the specific humanitarian need.

How to Choose the Right Visa

1. For Professionals:
   • Consider the Work Visa or Highly Skilled Professional Visa based on qualifications.
2. For Entrepreneurs:
   • The Business Manager Visa or Startup Visa is ideal.
3. For Students:
   • Apply for a Student Visa and transition to a work visa after graduation.
4. For Families:
   • Use the Dependent Visa or Spouse of a Japanese National Visa.
5. For Long-Term Plans:
   • Look into the Permanent Resident Visa after meeting residency requirements.

For official guidelines and the latest updates, visit the Immigration Services Agency of Japan: www.moj.go.jp.