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How do foreigners immigrate to Japan? Introduction of required visa status and procedures

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Behind a man who is stepping out to move to Japan.

In recent years, the Internet has become widespread throughout the world, allowing people to work from any location. This has led to an increasing number of people living and working from home in a variety of countries and regions with ease. While Southeast Asia's low cost of living and favorable climate have made it a popular destination, Japan is also gaining attention as a place to emigrate to because of its safety and availability of all the necessities of life.

However, in order for a foreigner to live in Japan, it is essential to go through the procedures to obtain a status of residence (visa). There are various types of status of residence, each with different requirements, so it is important to choose the visa that best suits your needs.

In this issue, we will introduce in detail the types of visas required for foreign residents to move to Japan, the conditions for obtaining such visas, and the flow of procedures. We hope you will find this information useful as a first step toward starting a new life in Japan.

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Types of visas to immigrate to Japan and their respective requirements

There are three main types of visas for medium- to long-term stays in Japan: work visa, general visa, and specific visa. In this section, we will focus on visas for the purpose of long-term stay and employment, excluding short-term stays for travel, stays for medical purposes, and diplomatic stays.

As a rule, visa applications must be made by the applicant himself/herself and can be processed at the Japanese embassy or Japanese consulate in the country of residence, or at the Immigration and Residence Office in Japan. The documents and conditions required for application vary depending on the type of visa, so please check them carefully in advance.

work visa

A work visa is required to work in Japan. The status of residence is divided into several categories depending on the nature of the work to be performed, and the period of stay is different for each category. The period of stay is determined by the Immigration Bureau and can be 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years.

There are a wide variety of work visa categories, including teaching, arts, religion, journalism, business administration/management, legal/accounting services, medical care, research, education, technology, humanities/international services, nursing care, entertainment, skills, specific skills, and technical training. These visas allow the holder to engage only in the work for which he/she has been granted status of residence, and to change or engage in other work, the holder must reapply for a visa.

In addition, since obtaining a work visa also requires documentation from the Japanese employer, such as a company, it is necessary to find a place of employment before applying for the visa. Please note that applying for a visa while seeking employment in Japan is not permitted.

Reference:For the purpose of employment or long-term stay｜Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

General Visa

There are four types of general visas: cultural activities, study abroad, training, and family stay. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of each.

1. cultural activity visa

The Cultural Activities Visa is designed for studying Japanese culture and traditional skills. Unlike a work visa, this visa does not allow the holder to earn income. The period of stay can be selected from 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years. This visa is ideal for those who are interested in Japanese culture and wish to study it in depth.

2. student visa

The college student visa is for students enrolled in Japanese universities, vocational schools, Japanese language schools, etc. In principle, students with this visa are not allowed to work. However, if they obtain permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence from the Immigration Bureau, they can work part-time up to 28 hours per week. The period of stay is granted from 3 months to a maximum of 4 years and 3 months, depending on the length of study. This visa is recommended for those who wish to live in Japan while studying.

The following article explains in detail how to apply for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence and the required documents, so please check it out if you are considering taking a part-time job with a college student visa.
▶︎ What is a Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence for Foreign Workers? Application form, how to apply, and required documents.

3. training visa

The purpose of a training visa is to acquire Japanese technology, skills, or knowledge. When a company invites a trainee to Japan, only classroom training without practical work is allowed. For on-the-job training, an application for a technical training visa is required. However, when public organizations such as the national government, local governments, and independent administrative institutions invite foreign nationals, training that involves practical work is also permitted under the training visa.

A trainee visa does not allow for an employment contract and does not allow for receipt of wages, but does allow for a training allowance within the scope of living expenses. The period of stay can be 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.

4. family residence visa

The Family Visa is granted to spouses and children of foreign nationals who are staying in Japan on a work visa, college student visa, or other visa. However, depending on the status of residence of the dependent foreign national, there may be restrictions on bringing family members.

In addition, as a general rule, working is not permitted on a Family Resident Visa, but part-time work is permitted under certain conditions. The period of stay is determined according to the duration of the dependent's visa.

If you would like to know more about family residence visas, please see the following article, which explains the types of work visas that allow family members to accompany them, how to apply for them, and the required documents.
▶︎ I want to spend time with my family in Japan! Which work visa allows me to bring my family to Japan? How to apply and what documents are required

special visa

There are four types of Specially Designated Visas: Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Temporary Resident, and Specially Designated Activities.

The Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa is granted to a spouse or a special adopted child of a Japanese national, or a person born as a child of a Japanese national. Even if the Japanese national does not have the ability to support the foreign spouse, if the foreign spouse has the financial ability, the visa can be obtained. There are no restrictions on activities in Japan under this visa. The period of stay can be selected from 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years.

The Spouse Visa for Permanent Residents is for spouses who are married to a permanent resident or special permanent resident. Like the Spouse or Child Visa for Japanese nationals, there are no restrictions on activities, and the period of stay can be from 6 months to 5 years.

The permanent resident visa applies to people of Japanese descent, refugees from certain countries, and children of permanent resident couples. There are no restrictions on the scope of activities, and the period of stay is from 6 months to 5 years.

In addition, the "Designated Activities Visa" is issued to foreigners who stay in Japan for various purposes, such as internship, working holiday, amateur athletes and their spouses, support for elderly parents, preparation for departure, refugee application, job hunting, domestic servants for diplomats, and long stay. The scope of activities and period of stay differ depending on each visa status, so it is important to select the visa that best suits your purpose.

What documents are required to apply for a visa to immigrate to Japan?

When applying for a visa to Japan, the first thing you must prepare is the necessary documents. Basically, you will need your passport, one visa application form, one photo (two photos for Russians, CIS countries, and Georgians), and an original and one copy of your Certificate of Eligibility.

A Certificate of Eligibility is an important document issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau and can be applied for by a representative in Japan. However, in the case of working holiday, EPA nurse candidates, etc., this certificate may not be issued, so it is recommended to check with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in advance.

In addition to the above documents, Chinese nationals are required to submit a copy of their household registration and a temporary residence card or certificate of residence. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents such as an employment contract, resume, questionnaire, and graduation certificate may also be required, so please check carefully before applying.

Reference:Work and Long-term Visa Procedures Chart｜Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

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summary

We hope you have learned that there are various types of visas for medium- to long-term stays in Japan, and that the conditions for obtaining each are different. Understanding which visa status you wish to stay in Japan and what is required to obtain that visa will lead to a smooth application process.

Since the documents to be submitted differ depending on nationality, it is also a good idea to consult with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. The websites of the Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also helpful in obtaining detailed information.

The first important step in starting a new life in Japan is to obtain a visa. Please choose the visa status that best suits your purpose, prepare all the necessary documents, and go through the application process. We sincerely wish you a fulfilling life in Japan.

If you are considering moving to Japan, you may be wondering about the costs of immigration. Please check out the following article for a detailed breakdown of the costs of moving to Japan.
▶︎ How much does it cost to move to Japan? Breakdown explained

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