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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.
Types of Japan Work Visas
| Criteria | SSW (i) | SSW (ii) | E/SH/IS (Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Specified Skilled Worker (Basic Level) | Specified Skilled Worker (Advanced Level) | Professional / Specialist Visa |
| Skill Level | Semi-skilled (blue-collar) | Advanced or supervisory technical skills | Professional or technical expertise |
| Job Type | Blue-collar (semi-skilled) | Skilled technical roles, supervisory level | White-collar professional or specialist |
| Basis of Eligibility | Skill & Japanese language test-based (JLPT N4 / JFT-Basic + Skill Test) | Higher skill proficiency in designated SSW fields (promotion from SSW-I) | Qualification-based (degree or 10 years of experience) |
| Educational Qualification | No degree required (10th / 12th + NSDC training acceptable) | Technical diploma or proven advanced skill experience | Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field or 3+ years of relevant professional experience |
| Japanese Language Requirement | Mandatory: JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic | Recommended: JLPT N3 or higher | Basic proficiency recommended – JLPT N4–N3 preferred |
| Skills Test Requirement | Mandatory – sector-specific exam | Mandatory – Must pass advanced-level skills test in the same sector | Not required – based on qualification and job relevance |
| Work Sectors (Industries) | 16 sectors (Nursing, Construction, Agriculture, Food, Manufacturing, etc.) | Construction and Shipbuilding/Marine industries (expected to expand) | IT, Engineering, Business, Marketing, Finance, HR, Design, Translation, International Sales, Consultancy |
| Experience Requirement | — | Prior work experience under SSW (i) or equivalent advanced skill certification | Minimum 3 years’ experience if no degree; recent graduates accepted with degree |
| Job Offer | Mandatory – Must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed Japanese employer | Mandatory – Must have job offer from employer certified to hire SSW (ii) workers | Mandatory – Must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed Japanese employer |
| Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) | Applied by the Japanese employer at the regional Immigration Bureau | Applied by the Japanese employer at the regional Immigration Bureau | Applied by the Japanese employer at the regional Immigration Bureau |
| Visa Duration | Up to 5 years (non-renewable) | Renewable indefinitely (no upper limit) | 1, 3, or 5 years – renewable |
| Dependents (Spouse / Children) | Not allowed | Permitted – spouse and children can live in Japan | Permitted – spouse and children can live and study in Japan; spouse may apply for a work permit |
| Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) | Not allowed | Eligible for PR after long-term residence | Eligible after 5 years of continuous residence and employment |
| Financial Requirement | — | Proof of stable income through employment contract | Proof of income or employment from a Japanese employer |
| Age Requirement | Minimum 18 years | Minimum 18 years | Minimum 18 years |
| Mode of Application | Directly via Japanese employer or recruitment agency; CoE sponsorship by company | Transition from SSW (i) or direct employer sponsorship | Directly via Japanese employer or recruitment agency; CoE sponsorship by company |
| Average Monthly Salary | ¥180,000 – ¥250,000 (₹1.0–₹1.4 lakh) | ¥250,000 – ¥350,000 (₹1.4–₹1.9 lakh) | ¥300,000 – ¥450,000 (₹1.7–₹2.6 lakh) |
| Best Fit For | Skilled / Semi-skilled Indian workers under NSDC | Experienced technicians & supervisors | Degree-holders in IT, business, or engineering |
Key Benefits of Japan Work Visas
| Visa Category | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| SSW (ii) – Skilled / Advanced Worker |
|
| E/SH/IS – Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services |
|
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.
Japan’s evolving immigration and workforce policies make it one of Asia’s most promising destinations for skilled foreign workers seeking stability, growth, and global exposure.
Average Annual Salary Paid for Indians in Japan
- Entry-Level (SSW-I): ¥180,000 – ¥250,000 ≈ ₹1.0 – ₹1.45 lakh/month
- Skilled/Advanced (SSW-II): ¥250,000 – ¥350,000 ≈ ₹1.45 – ₹2.00 lakh/month
These salaries include base pay; overtime, benefits (insurance, housing, transport), and bonuses vary by employer and prefecture.
Steps to Apply for a Japan Work Visa
Step 1: Signup for Evaluation
Start your journey by signing up for a profile evaluation. Y-Axis helps assess your eligibility for Japan migration based on your skills, education, and experience.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Get your eligibility checked through expert analysis. Y-Axis immigration consultants use official guidelines to determine your chances of qualifying for Japan opportunities.
Step 3: Signup for Job Search Services
Register for personalized job search assistance. Y-Axis connects you with reputed Japanese employers through its global network and dedicated placement services.
Step 4: Get a Job Offer
Receive a job offer from an authorized employer. Y-Axis guides you through the offer process, ensuring your employment terms meet Japan’s visa and labor standards.
Step 5: Employer Issues COE
Your employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Y-Axis assists in coordinating documentation and communication with the employer for timely COE issuance.
Step 6: Apply for a Visa
Once you receive the COE, proceed to apply for your Japan work visa. Y-Axis provides complete visa filing support, ensuring accuracy and compliance with embassy requirements.
Step 7: Fly to Japan
After visa approval, you’re ready to begin your new life in Japan. Y-Axis offers pre-departure guidance to help you settle smoothly in your new job and environment.
Japan Work Visa Fees
- Visa issuance fee: ¥3,000 for single-entry; ¥6,000 for multiple entry.
- Status change / extension (residence card) fee: ¥6,000, online application possible at ¥5,500 (from Apr 1, 2025).
Note: Certain nationalities may be exempt from visa fees. Please refer to the official website of the Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the most accurate and updated information.
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)
Japan Work Visa Processing Time
Standard Processing Time:
The typical processing time for a Japan Work Visa is 10 to 15 working days after submitting the complete application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate.
If Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) is Required:
The total process may take 1 to 3 months, as the employer in Japan must first obtain the CoE from the Immigration Services Agency before the visa can be issued.
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.
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