Diplomat (Ambassador, Minister, Counselor, Secretary, etc.), Consulate (Consul General, Consul, Vice Consul, Representative Consul, etc.), Head of State, Cabinet Members, etc. Family members who belong to the same household as the applicant.

The period required for diplomatic activities

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Not all diplomatic passport holders are eligible for the Diplomatic visa. If the purpose for visiting Japan is not related to public affairs, such as vacation, tourism or transit, then a “Temporary Visitor” visa will be issued and there will be no exemption from the obligation to provide biometric information such as fingerprints at the time of the entry.

(1) The applicant’s family will also be granted diplomatic visas.

(2) Designated activities visas are granted in case of direct hiring of maid, cook or driver. When issued by a Japanese consulate overseas, an “Official Duties” visa is issued.

Persons serving in foreign governments or official business of international organizations. Family members who belong to the same household as the applicant.

5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months, 30 days or 15 days

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It is possible for foreign nationals who already reside in Japan and don’t need to “enter the country” and working at these organizations to obtain an “Official Visa”. It is also called an “Official Visa” when the applicant was hired locally in Japan.

(1) The applicant’s family will also be granted official duty visas.

(2) This visa is normally handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Protocol Office) and is not included in legal services we provide.

Dean, Principal, Head, Vice Dean, Vice Principal, Head Teacher, Professor, Associate Professor, Instructor, Assistant Professor, Assistant

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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In case of part-time employment the applicant is only eligible for periods of stay shorter than one year. In that case it may be better to consider a different residence status such as Research or Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services.

The following universities are not eligible to sponsor professor visas: Official government universities (i.e. National Police Academy), Institute for Small Business Management and Technology, Prefectural agricultural universities, and universities established by businesses (joint-stock companies), vocational training corporations, educational corporations, incorporated foundations and non-profit organizations

(1) Creative artists (painters, lyricists, composers, craftspeople, sculptors, writers, photographers, etc.)

(2) Instructors of the above activities (directors, scriptwriters, choreographers, etc.)

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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A certain amount of income derived in Japan solely from the artist’s craft is required.

When providing instruction at a university, etc., the work may fall under a professor or educational visa.

Shinto priests, monks, priests, bishops, missionaries, preachers, pastors, reverends, etc., belonging to a foreign religious group dispatched to Japan by the group for missionary work, etc.

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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Performing language, medical or social work requires instruction from the affiliated group and must be performed with no monetary compensation.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Religious Activities visas are not granted for summons to Japan by Japanese religious groups.

Foreign nationals seeking a Religious Activities visa must belong to a foreign religious group and be dispatched by that group to Japan. The individual may not apply on their on volition, but only by the volition of the affiliated religious group (Religious Activities visa is applicable when the applicant is compensated for their religious activities in Japan by the religious group).

Applicable to newspaper reporters, magazine reporters, editor-in-chiefs, editors, video journalists, TV and radio announcers, TV lighting technicians, sound technicians, crew, etc.

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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Celebrity gossip, entertainment and sports policies are not eligible. Applicants from national, public or privately-owned media sources based outside of Japan are eligible, but not from media sources based in Japan.

This is a working visa for activities in media reporting based on a contract with the foreign media organization known as a Journalist visa.

Company operators and managers (company president, director, factory head, branch manager)

5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months or 3 months

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For details see https://www.pg-startup.com/english/.

The former Investor/Business manager visa status changed to “Business Manager” in April 2015. It now includes business operation and management activities for companies with Japanese capital (Japanese firms).

Lawyer, Judicial scrivener, Land/house investigator, Public accountant, Certified tax accountant, Labor and social security attorney, Patent attorney, Maritime judicial scrivener, Administrative scrivener

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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There are no compensation restrictions

Eligible foreign national qualifications:　Foreign lawyer registered in Japan, Foreign certified public accountant (it is not enough to just have the qualification, you also need actual experience in the field)

Physician, Dentist, Pharmacist, Public health nurse, Midwife, Nurse, Dental hygienist, Radiographer, Physical therapist, Occupational therapist, Orthoptist, Clinical engineer, Prosthetist

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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This visa requires an invitation to a medical institution or pharmacy in Japan. Compensation equivalent to or greater than that of Japanese employees is required. Assistant nurses are only allowed to stay for four years after obtaining qualification (essentially 3 years).

Dental technician, Licensed masseuse, Acupuncturist, Moxibutionist, Bonesetter, Care workers, Social worker and Home helper are not covered by this visa.

Research work for public national or prefectural public institutions, private companies, etc.

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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Compensation equivalent to or greater than that of Japanese employees is required. When working as a civil servant, researcher visa conditions (educational background, work experience and compensation) are relaxed.

Researchers at educational facilities such as universities are eligible for Professor visas rather than Researcher visas.

Category 1: In case of full-time work at elementary school, junior high school, high school, secondary school or special support school. Requires a teacher’s license
(1) Full-time: Language instructor. Simplified visa application
(2) Part-time: Foreign language instructor/ALT

Category 2: In case of full-time work at educational institution other than those listed in Category 1. Schools that do not require teacher’s license

Category 3: In case of part-time work at educational institution other than those listed in Category 1 and 2. Requires compliance with School Education Law

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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Compensation equivalent to or greater than that of Japanese employees is required. In case of part-time employment the applicant is only eligible for periods of stay shorter than one year.

The applicant must obtain a “Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services” visa in case of working as an instructor for a language school operated by a general company, not an “Instructor” visa. However they must obtain an “Instructor” visa in case of providing instruction at university, junior college, high school, etc.

(1) Individuals involved in tasks that require knowledge related to science fields (mechanical engineering, etc.)

(2) Individuals involved in tasks that require knowledge related to liberal arts fields (marketing, etc.)

(3) Individuals involved in tasks unique to foreigners or utilizing special skills (translators, interpreters, etc.)

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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Compensation equivalent to or greater than that of Japanese employees is required. For (1) and (2), the applicant shall have graduated university majoring in either the skill or in a subject related to the required knowledge, or has undergone the equivalent level of education in the field. The applicant shall have completed a specialized course in a vocational school in Japan, majoring in either the skill or a subject related to knowledge of the field. The applicant shall have 10 years work experience (learning time of related subjects may be included in the work experience period). (3) requires at least three years of work experience. Work experience is not necessary for university graduates applying as translators/interpreters. However, there must be proof of competence in at least two languages.

Types of Applications:
A. Application for Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence (in case of inviting a foreign national to Japan from overseas)
B. Application for change of status of residence (in case of changing current resident status)
C. Application for extension of period of stay (in case of extending period of stay for current resident status)

Cook (restricted to foreign cuisine), Patissier, Jewelry Craftspeople, Animal trainer, Pilot, Sommelier

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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Activities performing tasks that require honed skills belonging to a special field in an industry based on a contract with a public or private organization in Japan.

The requirements for Skilled Labor visas differ depending on the field. Please inquire for more details.

Transferees from overseas office

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

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Activities performed by an employee of a public or private organization, who has been transferred from an overseas location to a headquarters, branch or other place of business in Japan, for a determined amount of time

(1) The employee shall have performed duties related to “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” at the overseas headquarters or branch directly prior to the transfer

(2) The applicant shall do the same work as listed above for at least one consecutive year

Actor, Singer, Dancer, Professional athlete, etc.

3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months or 15 days

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Theater, variety performances, musical performances, sports and other entertainment activities

The Entertainer visa is one type of working visa and is sometimes known by other names such as a Performing Arts visa or Pro Athlete visa. It has one of the most complicated application processes and it is difficult to understand which documents are necessary. Inquire for more details.

All types of employees in the specified industry fields (nursing care, construction, automobile maintenance, etc.)

Specified Skilled Worker #1: Updated every year, 6 months or 4 months. Total allowed period of stay up to 5 years
Specified Skilled Worker #2: Updated every 3 years, 1 year or 6 months. No maximum period of stay restrictions

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Specified Skilled Worker #1: Certain criteria to demonstrate Japanese language ability. Passing of skill test is required. 14 fields are eligible. Dependent accompaniment is not allowed. Not eligible for Permanent Resident application.

Specified Skilled Worker #2: Passing of skill test and work experience as a supervisor are required. Two fields are eligible. Dependent accompaniment is not allowed. Eligible for Permanent Resident application.

When hiring a foreign national under Specified Skilled Worker #2, it is not necessary to create a support plan.

Technical intern

(a) Technical Intern Training #1: Within 1 year, (b) Technical Intern Training #2: Within 2 years, (c) Technical Intern Training #3: Within 2 years (total of up to 5 years)

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No skill criteria. Passing of level 4 of the Japan Language Proficiency Test upon arrival is required only for nursing care work.

The supervisory group will vet the technical intern and perform other supervision tasks.

Advanced Academic Research
Advanced Specialty and Technical Activities
Advanced Business Management Activities

Highly Skilled Professional #1: 5 years
Highly Skilled Professional #2: Unlimited

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Highly Skilled Professional #1: Permission for integral resident activities. Relaxation of permanent resident permission requirements. Spouse may also work. Accompaniment by parents is allowed. Accompaniment by domestic workers is allowed.

Highly Skilled Professional #2: If the applicant performs activities for at least three years under Highly Skilled Professional #1 status, they can switch to #2. Nearly all work activities are permitted. Relaxation of permanent resident permission requirements. Spouse may also work. Accompaniment by parents is allowed. Accompaniment by domestic workers is allowed.

Applicants with more advanced specialized knowledge than that required of normal resident status. Points are awarded for educational history, work history, annual income, etc., and those who reach 70 points are eligible for preferential treatment. Bonus points are also awarded based on Japanese language ability.