Last Updated: May 28, 2026

Japan Work Visa - Requirements, Eligibility & Process

Japan is one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced economies. Known for its innovation, discipline, and rich culture, the country offers excellent career opportunities for skilled professionals. With a rapidly ageing population and workforce shortages, Japan actively invites foreign workers across sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.

Capital: Tokyo | Currency: Japanese Yen (¥) | Language: Japanese | Work Hours: 40 hours per week

Why Work in Japan?

Japan is a hub for international professionals seeking career growth, stability, and cultural diversity. Its robust economy and need for skilled talent make it a top destination for overseas workers.

Top Reasons to Work in Japan:

• High demand for skilled professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare
• Excellent infrastructure and global business environment
• Opportunity for long-term residence and permanent settlement
• Dependents allowed under most work visa categories
• Exposure to advanced technologies and international corporate culture

Benefits of Working in Japan

• Attractive Salaries: Competitive pay for skilled professionals, especially in IT and engineering
• Career Growth:  Opportunities in globally reputed Japanese and multinational companies
• Quality Lifestyle: Clean cities, world-class healthcare, and excellent education facilities
• Family Inclusion: Dependents can accompany you; spouses can work under certain permissions
• Path to PR: Permanent Residence eligibility after 1–3 years under certain visa types

Types of Japan Work Visas

Particulars	SSW (ii)	HSP	E/SH/IS
Visa Type	Specified Skilled Worker (Advanced Level)	Highly Skilled Professional	Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Education	No specific degree; skill-based eligibility	Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD with 70+ points (education, salary, experience)	Degree or 10 years of relevant experience
Japanese Language	Not required	Not mandatory (JLPT N1/N2 gives extra points)	May be needed for client-facing roles
Eligibility	Skill test & job offer in designated field	70+ points on HSP scale	Job offer matching your academic qualifications
Typical Professions	Supervisors, skilled technicians	Engineers, researchers, business managers	Developers, translators, analysts
Visa Fees (Embassy)	¥3,000 (single entry), ¥6,000 (multiple entry)	¥3,000 / ¥6,000	¥3,000 / ¥6,000

Major In-Demand Sectors in Japan

Occupation	Average Annual Salary (¥)
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 UK Professionals

S.No.	Company	Industry	Why It’s Great for Global Talent
1	Rakuten Group, Inc.	E-commerce / Tech	English-friendly teams, visa sponsorship
2	Toyota Motor Corporation	Automotive / Manufacturing	Global R&D and engineering roles
3	Sony Group Corporation	Electronics / Entertainment	International hiring in multiple divisions
4	Amazon Japan G.K.	E-commerce / Tech	Global roles in operations, logistics, and data
5	LINE Corporation	Communications	Expanding workforce, hiring international talent
6	Fujitsu Limited	IT / Consulting	Global projects, system design, and consulting
7	Panasonic Holdings	Electronics / Energy	Hiring in IoT, renewable energy, and innovation
8	Nintendo Co., Ltd.	Gaming / Entertainment	Creative and technical development opportunities
9	Shiseido Co., Ltd.	Cosmetics / Retail	Roles in marketing, data, and brand management
10	Apple Japan G.K.	Tech / Consumer Goods	Product, marketing, and retail roles
11	Uniqlo (Fast Retailing)	Retail / Fashion	Multilingual environment and training programs
12	IBM Japan	IT / Consulting	Demand in AI, cloud, and enterprise solutions
13	Microsoft Japan	Software / Cloud	Opportunities in software development and PM
14	Tata Consultancy Services Japan	IT / Consulting	Global projects, strong India–Japan synergy
15	Accenture Japan	Consulting	Global consulting and transformation projects

 

Japan Labour Market Overview

• Severe talent shortage due to ageing demographics
• Expanding foreign workforce initiatives by the government
• SSW and HSP programs designed to fill labour gaps
• Employers increasingly open to hiring English-speaking professionals

Steps to Apply for a Japan Work Visa (From the UK)

1. Check Eligibility – Choose the correct visa type based on your education and job field.
2. Get a Job Offer – Secure employment from a Japan-based company.
3. Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) – Employer applies for this document in Japan.
4. Apply for Visa – Once CoE is issued, apply at the Japanese Embassy in the UK.
5. Visa Approval & Travel – Upon approval, travel to Japan and begin employment.
6. Post-Arrival Formalities – Register residence, join national insurance, open a bank account.

Japan Work Visa Fees

	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: ¥3,000–¥8,000
• Translation & Notarisation: ¥5,000–¥15,000
• National Health Insurance (NHI): ¥1,500–¥2,500 / month
• Airfare to Japan: varies by season and UK departure city
  (GBP equivalents can be added at publish time per current FX.)

Japan Work Visa Processing Time

Process Step	Estimated Duration
Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)	1–3 months
Visa Stamping	5–10 working days
Total Processing Time	1.5–3.5 months

Pathway to Japan Permanent Residency

Points	Eligibility for PR
80+ points	Eligible after 1 year of residence
70+ points	Eligible after 3 years of residence

Points are calculated based on your education, experience, income, and achievements.

How Y-Axis UK Can Help You?

Y-Axis UK provides end-to-end assistance to help you work in Japan successfully. Our experienced consultants guide you from eligibility assessment to job search and visa application.

Our Services Include:

• Profile evaluation and visa guidance
• Assistance in job search with Japan-based employers
• Documentation and CoE support
• Interview preparation and skill evaluation
• Post-arrival guidance and settlement support