Explanation of All 16 Work Visa Types in Japan

To work in Japan, you need a Work Visa.

However, Japan has many different visa categories, and it can be difficult to understand which one is right for you.

In this article, we will explain the main types of work visas available in Japan in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

We hope this guide helps you find the visa that best matches your situation.

① Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)

The Specified Skilled Worker visa is a work visa for designated industries that are experiencing labor shortages in Japan.

This visa was created to help solve Japan’s labor shortage by allowing companies to hire foreign workers.

There are currently 12 eligible industries, including nursing care, cleaning services, and manufacturing.

② Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

This visa category includes engineers, IT professionals, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers, and similar occupations.

It is one of the most common work visas in Japan.

③ Skilled Labor

The Skilled Labor visa is intended for jobs that require specialized skills and expertise in specific industrial fields.

Examples include foreign cuisine chefs, animal trainers, pilots, sports trainers, and sommeliers.

④ Intra-Company Transferee

This visa is for employees who are transferred to a Japanese branch or office of the same company.

For example, employees temporarily assigned from an overseas parent company or subsidiary may qualify for this visa.

⑤ Business Manager

This visa is for foreigners who establish a company in Japan or engage in management and executive-level business activities.

There are generally no restrictions on the type of business, as long as it operates legally in Japan.

⑥ Professor

This residence status is for individuals engaged in research, teaching, or educational activities at universities and other higher educational institutions.

Examples include professors, associate professors, and teaching assistants.

⑦ Artist

The Artist visa is required for foreigners engaging in artistic activities in Japan.

Eligible occupations include composers, lyricists, painters, sculptors, artisans, and photographers.

⑧ Religious Activities

This visa is intended for religious workers such as monks, bishops, and missionaries.

For example, missionaries sent by overseas religious organizations typically obtain this visa.

⑨ Journalist

The Journalist visa is for newspaper reporters, magazine journalists, editors, news photographers, and broadcasters.

It also covers directors, camera operators, and other professionals involved in news reporting activities.

⑩ Legal and Accounting Services

This visa is for individuals engaged in legal or accounting work that requires professional qualifications under Japanese law.

Examples include lawyers, judicial scriveners, certified public accountants, and tax accountants licensed in Japan.

⑪ Medical Services

The Medical Services visa is for individuals who possess professional qualifications required to work in Japanese medical institutions.

Eligible professions include doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses licensed in Japan.

⑫ Researcher

This visa is granted to foreigners who conduct research activities in Japan while receiving compensation.

Researchers and research assistants at research institutes are typical examples.

⑬ Instructor

The Instructor visa is mainly for teachers at elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools.

It also covers foreign nationals engaged in language education and other teaching activities at educational institutions in Japan.

⑭ Nursing Care

This visa is for certified care workers who hold the Japanese Care Worker qualification.

The period of stay may be 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months.

Previously, graduates of approved care worker training institutions could obtain certification without taking the national examination. However, from 2027, passing the examination will become mandatory.

⑮ Entertainer

The Entertainer visa applies to musicians, actors, singers, dancers, athletes, and models.

For example, individuals who come to Japan to perform on television programs or stage productions generally obtain this visa.

⑯ Technical Intern Training

The Technical Intern Training visa is for technical interns accepted through overseas subsidiaries or supervising organizations.

The Technical Intern Training Program was originally established to allow foreigners to learn skills and technologies in Japan.

Therefore, its primary purpose is the transfer of skills to developing countries rather than increasing Japan’s labor force.