For stays in Japan longer than 90 days or any activity involving pay in Japan, a long-term/work visa is required to enter and stay in Japan.

Types of Long-Term Visas

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the main types of long-term visas include:

• Highly skilled professional visa
• Working visa
• General visa
• Specified visa
• Start-up visa

Work Visa Process

Important: U.S. citizens entering either visa-free or with a tourist visa are not allowed to work in Japan. Persons found working illegally are subject to arrest.

Required Documents for Work Visa:
According to the Japanese Embassy:

• Application form completed and signed
• Valid passport (original plus one photocopy)
• Sufficient space in passport for visa
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

A Certificate of Eligibility verifies the activity in which the foreigner wishes to engage while in Japan. Important notes:

• Your Japanese employer must apply for this on your behalf
• To work in Japan, you will need a sponsor — usually your employer
• COE processing can take up to three months
• The certificate is valid for another three months after approval
• Long-Term Stay Requirements

[If you will be staying longer than 90 days with an appropriate visa, you must:

• Register your address with your residence’s municipal office
• Obtain a Resident Card (“Zairyu Card”) from regional immigration offices

Visa Validity

According to the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle:

• A visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue
• Entry into Japan must occur within this timeframe
• Multiple entry visas are valid for 1 to 5 years
• Multiple entry visas are available to citizens of countries with bilateral agreements

Permanent Residency Option

After ten years of continuously living in the country, you can apply for permanent residence in Japan.

Application Process

The Embassy in Washington DC only accepts visa applications and visa inquiries from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia residents. Other residents must apply through their regional Japanese consulate.

Important Notes

1. Requirements for visa applications vary depending on nationality, U.S. immigration status, and other factors

2. For visa inquiries, contact:

   • Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information
   • Japan Visa Information Hotline

3. Working Documents Required:

   • Application form
   • Contract with your employer
   • Letter of appointment
   • Invitation letter
   • Documents proving activities, position, salary, and period of stay

Processing Time

It takes approximately one week to process the application, provided that all necessary requirements are met. Additional documents may be required on a case-by-case basis.

For the most current information, always check the Embassy of Japan website or contact them directly, as visa requirements and processes can change.

New Visa Categories for 2024-2025

Japan has recently introduced several new visa categories to accommodate different types of foreign workers:

1. Digital Nomad Visa
   Launched in March 2024, this visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Japan for up to six months within a one-year period while working remotely for foreign companies. This visa is specifically designed for remote workers from 49 countries that have existing tax treaties or visa-free short-term travel agreements with Japan.

2. Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip)
   This newly introduced visa category is part of Japan’s effort to attract top global talent.

3. Start-up Visa Updates
   Beginning January 2025, the Start-up Visa program will see significant expansion, with the visa duration extending from 6 months to 2 years.

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Program Details

The SSW program has specific requirements for applicants:

• Must be over 18 years old
• Must be in good health
• Must demonstrate necessary occupational skills
• Must show Japanese language ability(https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ca/fna/ssw/us/overview/)

The program is divided into two categories:

• SSW(i): For basic to semi-skilled workers
• SSW(ii): For workers with more advanced skills in specified industry fields

Language and Skills Requirements

To qualify for most work visas in Japan, applicants must:

• Pass either the Japan Foundation Japanese Language Test (JFT) or another approved Japanese language examination
• Complete a skills proficiency test specific to their field
• Note: Those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) may be exempt from these tests](https://immigration-lawyer.co.jp/visa/skill/?language=eng)

2025 Visa Processing Updates

The Embassy of Japan is implementing a new “Visa Center” starting from April 2025 to enhance visa processing efficiency. This development aims to streamline the application process and improve service delivery for visa applicants.

Cost Updates

As of April 1st, 2024, visa fees are as follows:
– Single Entry Visa: $20

• Double and Multiple Entry Visa: $40](https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/travel_and_visa.html)