All Japan Visa Types

Professor

For academics engaging in research and teaching at universities or equivalent higher education institutions.

💼 Teaching and research activities at the specified institution; other work would need permission

📅 1-3 months for COE/visa

⏱ Renewable up to 5 years total (in increments of 6 months to 1 year)

Specified Skilled Worker (i)

For foreign workers in designated industries facing labor shortages (entry-level skilled work). See fields below.

💼 Work only in the specific industry and job role of sponsorship

📅 1-3 months for COE/visa (varies by country and scheme)

⏱ 1, 3 or 5 years (indefinitely renewable with no total limit)

Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

For advanced skilled workers in industries with SSW(ii) eligibility (see fields). Allows longer-term stay and family accompaniment.

💼 Work in the designated SSW(ii)-eligible industry/role

📅 1-3 months for COE/visa approval

⏱ 3 months, 1 year or 3 years (renewable)

Artist

For professional artists (musicians, painters, writers, etc.) pursuing paid artistic work in Japan.

💼 Engage in the specified artistic activities (creating art, performances, etc.) for which the visa is granted

📅 1-3 months

Journalist

For foreign correspondents and reporters working for overseas media organizations in Japan.

💼 News gathering and reporting activities for the contracted foreign media. (Not allowed to take unrelated jobs.)

Medical Services

For foreign medical professionals (physicians, dentists, nurses, etc.) practicing in Japan.

💼 Practice the licensed medical profession at the designated institution

📅 2-4 months (often longer due to licensing process)

⏱ 15 days, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year or 3 years (depending on the engagement; renewable if long-term)

Entertainer

For performers, musicians, actors, models, athletes and other entertainment industry professionals coming to Japan for work.

💼 Restricted to the specific performances or activities outlined in the contract (no unrelated work)

📅 1-3 months (shorter for brief performance visas)

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business Visas

1 visa types in this category

Business Manager

For entrepreneurs, investors, and company managers establishing or running a business in Japan.

💼 Manage and operate the business specified. Cannot take unrelated employment outside the business.

📅 2-4 months for COE/visa (can vary depending on business setup)

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elite Visas

2 visa types in this category

⏱ 5 years (max duration given up-front; renewable or can transition to PR quickly)

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)

A fast-track work visa for top talent, assessed via a points-based system rewarding education, experience, salary, and achievements.

💼 Flexible – can engage in multiple approved activities as long as they align with HSP categories.

📅 1-2 months (HSP applications are often fast-tracked)

⏱ Up to 2 years (typically in 6–12 month increments)

J-Find (Future Creation Individual)

Designated Activities program for recent graduates of top-100 global universities to job-hunt or prepare a startup in Japan.

💼 Permitted to work to support job-hunting or business preparation activities

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remote Visas

1 visa types in this category

⏱ 6 months (non-extendable)

Digital Nomad

A 6-month visa for remote workers employed overseas or freelancing for overseas clients, allowing a short-term stay in Japan while working remotely.

💼 Remote work for overseas employer/clients only (no Japanese clients/employers)

📅 2-4 weeks

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study Visas

Education and training visas

⏱ 6 months up to 4 years (extendable until graduation)

Student

For students enrolled in Japanese universities, colleges, language schools, or vocational schools for full-time education.

💼 Part-time up to 28 hours/week with work permit (no full-time employment while studying)

📅 1-3 months for COE, then visa issuance

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family Visas

Visas for family members and spouses

Spouse/Child of Japanese National

For foreign spouses or dependent children of Japanese citizens.

💼 Unlimited – can work in any profession or not work

Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident

For foreign spouses or children of a foreign national who holds Permanent Resident status in Japan.

💼 Unlimited – no restrictions on type of work or industry

⏱ Usually matches the sponsor’s period of stay (up to 5 years, renewable)

Dependent

For the spouse and minor children of foreign nationals residing in Japan under a work/study visa.

💼 Part-time up to 28 hours/week with permission (no full-time work)

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youth Visas

1 visa types in this category

⏱ Generally 1 year (some programs 6 + 6 months)

Working Holiday

A mutual cultural exchange visa for young people (usually 18–30) from partner countries to travel and work in Japan for up to one year.

💼 Broad, casual work permitted (except in adult entertainment/nightlife sectors)

📅 2-4 weeks (varies by embassy/consulate)

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permanent Visas

Long-term and permanent residence visas

⏱ Indefinite (re-entry permit needed if leaving Japan > 1 year)

Permanent Resident

An indefinite residence status allowing the holder to live and work in Japan with no time limit or activity restrictions.

💼 Unrestricted – any lawful activity or employment

📅 4-12 months (varies by case/region)

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culture Visas

1 visa types in this category

⏱ 3, 6 months or 1 year initially (often extendable up to ~3 years)

Cultural Activities

For those coming to Japan to engage in unpaid cultural or artistic activities, or to study Japanese culture in a non-degree capacity.

💼 None – paid work is not allowed

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special Visas

3 visa types in this category

⏱ Varies by sub-type (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, up to 5 years in certain cases)

Designated Activities

A flexible category for specific activities designated by the government that don’t fit other visa types. Each sub-type has its own terms.

💼 Varies by sub-type (some allow full-time, some part-time, some none)

📅 1-3 months

Religious Activities

For foreign religious missionaries or clergy engaged in religious work in Japan, sent by a foreign religious organization.

💼 Limited to religious/missionary work (no secular employment)

⏱ Typically 1, 3 or 5 years (renewable)

Long-Term Resident

Special permission for individuals granted residence due to specific circumstances (e.g., persons of Japanese descent up to 3rd generation, certain humanitarian cases).

💼 Unrestricted – can work in any field

📅 2-6 months