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japan work visa
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japan work visa requirements
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japan work permit visa
apply for japan work visa
Every foreigner who aims to move to Japan to work for a period of time, needs a Japan Work Visa. The validity of the Japan work visa varies from 3 years to 5 years.
About Japan
Japan, an East Asian island nation and the world's 4th-largest economy (GDP ~USD 4.28 trillion, 2025), is a global hub for technology, innovation, and skilled employment. With its aging population and declining local workforce, Japan actively invites foreign professionals through structured work visa programs. Key demand sectors include IT, engineering, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality, offering stable career paths and competitive salaries. The country's disciplined work culture, technological leadership, and high living standards make it a top destination for skilled talent worldwide.
Japanese is not mandatory to apply for a Japan Work Visa, making it easier for skilled professionals to explore opportunities in the world's 4th-largest economy.
Capital: Tokyo | Population: ~125 million | Language: Japanese | Currency: Yen (¥) ≈ ₹0.58.
Japan–India Treaty
Japan and India have entered into a strategic partnership to exchange 500,000 skilled professionals, aiming to address Japan's labor shortages while creating global career opportunities for Indian talent. Under this initiative, professionals from India can work in Japan across key sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. With no mandatory Japanese language requirement for many work visa categories, this treaty paves the way for easier mobility and stronger economic collaboration between the two nations. Y-Axis helps professionals leverage this opportunity through expert evaluation, job search assistance, and end-to-end visa support.
Why Work in Japan?
- World's 4th-largest economy with steady demand for skilled talent.
- High need in IT, engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Access to more than 18 million jobs
- A community of 93 million foreign residents
- Easy pathway for permanent residence in Japan
- Full-time workers can earn up to ¥4.4 million per year
Benefits of Working in Japan
- Stable Jobs & Good Pay: Secure roles with competitive salaries.
- Skill Enhancement: Gain advanced professional and intercultural skills.
- Quality Lifestyle: Access to healthcare, education, and transport.
- Family-Friendly: Dependents allowed; spouses can work part-time.
- Future Settlement: Opportunities for PR and long-term career stability.
- Government Support: Free Japanese classes, job counseling, and settlement assistance.
- Tax Benefits: India–Japan tax treaty ensures fair taxation.
- Global Mobility: Japanese passport offers access to 190+ countries visa-free.
- Child Allowance: Eligible foreign workers can receive ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 per child monthly.
Types of Japan Work Visas
| Particulars | SSW (ii) | HSP | E/SH/IS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Specified Skilled Worker (Advanced Level) | Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) | Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services |
| Education | No fixed degree requirement; based on advanced technical skills proven by exams and experience | Bachelor/Master/PhD preferred; must achieve 70+ points based on degree, experience, salary, etc. | University degree in relevant field or ~10 years professional experience for some roles |
| Japanese Language | No language requirement for SSW (ii) | Not mandatory; JLPT N1/N2 adds extra points toward 70-point threshold | No fixed JLPT requirement; depends on job (client-facing roles often expect it) |
| Eligibility | Pass SSW (ii) skill assessment and secure a job in designated field; typically supervisory/advanced roles | Score 70+ points in HSP system; evaluated on education, experience, income, research, etc. | Job offer in Japan in science/engineering/humanities/international fields; duties must match qualifications |
| Typical Professions | Supervisors, advanced technical roles in skilled industries like construction, shipbuilding, etc. | Researchers, engineers, IT professionals, business managers, financial experts, etc. | Engineers, software developers, analysts, accountants, translators, international marketing, etc. |
| Visa Fees (Embassy) | JPY 3,000 (single-entry), JPY 6,000 (multiple-entry); local rates apply | JPY 3,000 (single-entry), JPY 6,000 (multiple-entry); varies by nationality | JPY 3,000 (single-entry), JPY 6,000 (multiple-entry); varies by nationality |
Major In-Demand Sectors in Japan
The Japanese labor market is defined by high employment rates, which result in excellent labor market performance. However, structural changes like technological progress and an increase in population are transforming the supply and demand for skills. This makes it difficult for employers to find workers with the right skills and for employees to find jobs that match their skills.
The table below shows the list of high-demand jobs in Japan along with the annual average salaries in Japan:
| Occupations | Average Salaries per year in Yen (¥) |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 5,386,800 |
| IT | 4,555,332 |
| Marketing & Sales | 6,155,200 |
| HR | 4,469,804 |
| Healthcare | 2,404,238 |
| Accountants | 3,360,000 |
| Hospitality | 2,535,000 |
| Nursing | 2,160,000 |
Top Companies in Japan Hiring Indian Professionals
| S.No. | Company | Industry | Why It's Good for International Talent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rakuten Group, Inc. | E-commerce / Tech / Fintech | Adopted English as workplace language in many teams; diverse tech roles and strong visa support. |
| 2 | Toyota Motor Corporation | Automotive / Manufacturing | Globally recognised; roles in R&D, systems engineering and global operations for skilled foreigners. |
| 3 | Sony Group Corporation | Technology / Entertainment / Electronics | High-profile global firm; attracts international engineers/designers in electronics, gaming and media. |
| 4 | Amazon Japan G.K. | E-commerce / Tech / Logistics | Branch of global Amazon; tech, operations, data roles with sponsorship for foreign hires. |
| 5 | LINE Corporation | Tech / Mobile / Communications | Japan's major "super-app" player; actively hiring foreign engineers and product professionals. |
| 6 | Fujitsu Limited | IT Services / Systems | Large Japanese IT company with global operations; good for foreign professionals in systems/consulting. |
| 7 | Panasonic Holdings Corporation | Electronics / Technology / Energy | Legacy tech company undergoing transformation; international hiring in IoT/energy/innovation. |
| 8 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Gaming / Entertainment / Tech | Strong brand; foreign-talent friendly environment for design, development and global marketing roles. |
| 9 | Shiseido Company, Limited | Cosmetics / Retail / Tech | Major global cosmetics firm based in Japan; good for international business, marketing, analytics roles. |
| 10 | Apple Japan G.K. | Technology / Consumer Electronics | Global brand's Japanese branch; foreign professionals can join product, retail, marketing and tech teams. |
| 11 | Uniqlo (Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.) | Retail / Fashion / Global Ops | International fashion retailer with strong overseas orientation; multilingual staff and foreign-employee presence. |
| 12 | IBM Japan, Ltd. | IT / Cloud / AI / Consulting | Big international consultancy/tech firm in Japan; strong for Indian professionals in cloud, AI, consulting roles. |
| 13 | Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. | Technology / Software / Cloud | Global tech leader's Japan entity; good for developers, engineers, product managers among foreign talents. |
| 14 | Tata Consultancy Services Japan, Ltd. | IT Services / Consulting | Indian origin company with Japan operations; value for Indian professionals looking to leverage India-Japan link. |
| 15 | Accenture Japan Ltd. | Consulting / IT / Transformation | Global consulting firm; frequently hires abroad-trained professionals with global mobility. |
Key Tips for Indian Professionals
- Use the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) "Open for Professionals – OFP List" portal to identify companies interested in global talent.
- Confirm whether the company offers visa sponsorship and relocation/English-friendly working environment. Many listed companies are explicit about roles.
- Digital/tech, engineering, manufacturing, global business functions are strong demand areas.
- Japanese language skills still help (even if some roles are English-friendly) so consider improving to increase role options.
Market Background & Trends in Japan
- Rising Foreign Workforce: As of Oct 2024, Japan employed ~2.3 million foreign workers, a 12.4% annual increase, driven by severe labour shortages.
- Visa Expansion: The government expanded the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program to 18 industries, targeting 820,000 foreign workers over five years.
- India–Japan Partnership: Bilateral plan for 500,000 personnel exchange, including 50,000 skilled Indian professionals across IT, engineering, manufacturing, and healthcare.
- In-Demand Sectors: High demand in nursing care, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, IT, and logistics.
- Skilled Visa Categories: Key work visas include SSW-I & II, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (E/SH/IS), and Highly Skilled Professional (HSP).
- Policy Reforms: Japan is replacing the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) with a new system that allows smoother transition to long-term skilled visas.
- Growing Opportunity: Government forecasts show a shortfall of 1 million workers by 2040, ensuring continued demand for foreign professionals.
- Fast-Track Residency: HSP visa holders can qualify for Permanent Residency within 1–3 years, reflecting Japan's push to attract global talent.
Steps to Apply for a Japan Work Visa
Step 1: Sign up for Job Search Services: Register with Y-Axis to receive expert guidance and personalized job search assistance for opportunities in Japan.
Step 2: Receive a Job Offer: Y-Axis connects you with verified Japan-based employers offering visa sponsorship and suitable roles.
Step 3: Employer Issues COE: Your employer applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) in Japan, with full documentation support from Y-Axis.
Step 4: Apply for a Visa: Your employer will file your work visa application. Fill out your work visa application and submit your documents to your employer. Y-Axis will provide end-to-end assistance for documentation.
Step 5: Fly to Japan: Once your visa is approved, Y-Axis helps you prepare for relocation, travel, and post-arrival formalities in Japan.
Japan Work Visa Fees
| Cost Summary (Excluding Professional Assistance) | SSW Type II | HSP | Engineer/Specialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Fees | ¥0–10,000 | ¥6,000–10,000 | ¥0–10,000 |
| Optional Professional Help | ¥100,000–200,000 | ¥170,000–400,000 | ¥100,000–300,000 |
Additional Costs (if applicable):
- Medical Examination Fee: ¥3,000–¥8,000 (₹1,600–₹4,500)
- Document Translation & Notarization: ¥5,000–¥15,000 (₹2,800–₹8,500)
- National Health Insurance (NHI): ¥1,500–¥2,500/month (₹825–₹1,375)
- Airfare to Japan: ₹35,000–₹60,000 (one-way average)
1 Japanese Yen equals 0.58 Indian Rupees or 0.0065 United States Dollars. (As of November 2025)
Japan Work Visa Processing Time
| Visa Type | SSW Type II | HSP | Engineer/Specialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| COE Processing | 1–3 months | 10 days – 2 months | 1–3 months |
| Visa Stamp | 5–10 days | 5–10 days | 5–10 days |
| Total Timeline | 1.5–3.5 months | 2 weeks – 2.5 months | 1.5–3.5 months |
Note: Timeline varies based on documentation completeness and immigration office workload.
Factors Affecting Processing Time:
- Visa Type: SSW, E/SH/IS, HSP, etc.
- Applicant's Nationality: Different nationalities may have different processing times.
- Documentation Completeness: Ensure all required documents are submitted accurately.
- Embassy Workload: Processing times may vary based on the current workload of the embassy.
- Verification Requirements: Additional verifications may extend the processing time.
Convert your Japan Work Visa to PR
You can convert your Japan Work Visa to Permanent Residency through the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) route within a year.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Points System | Eligibility is determined through a point-based system evaluating education, work experience, income, and other factors. |
| 1-Year PR Path | Score 80 points or more to qualify for Permanent Residency after 1 year of stay in Japan. |
| 3-Year PR Path | Score 70 points to become eligible for Permanent Residency after 3 years of residency. |
Final Recommendations
For Young Indian Professionals (Age 25–35):
- High-earners in tech/consulting: Target HSP for fast-track PR
- Mid-level professionals with Bachelor's: Engineer/Specialist is most accessible
- Skilled workers without degrees: SSW Type II after completing Type I
Strategic Approach:
- Start with Engineer/Specialist visa if you have a Bachelor's degree
- Accumulate points and switch to HSP if you achieve 70+ points
- Apply for PR after meeting requirements (1–10 years depending on visa type)
How can Y-Axis help you?
As the world's No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, Y-Axis has been providing unbiased, personalized services for 25 years. Our team of experts are here to provide end-to-end assistance to ensure a smooth immigration journey. Our impeccable services include:
- Y-Axis Resume Writing Services to help you create a compelling resume
- Expert assistance with Japan visas
- Review of your documents and visa application form
- Complete Application processing
- Y-Axis Job Search Services to help you find the best jobs for you