#visa
Visa in Japan
Curious about available visas or dreaming of permanent residency in Japan? Let us help you explore possible options for your situation and needs.
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Japan Visa Categories
When considering a move to Japan, the initial step is obtaining a visa that aligns with the specific activities you plan to pursue and for which you are eligible to apply.
The three primary categories for Japan’s visa types are: Working Visa, Non-Working Visa, and Family-related Visa.
Working Visa
Working visas are granted to those who will engage in income-generating work such as EHI (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa) Visa, Business Manager Visa, etc.
Family-related Visa
Family-related visas are granted based on family status and generally do not have work limitations. Note that Dependent Visa does not fall under this category.
Non-working Visa
Non-Working visas like the Student Visa or Cultural Activities Visa don’t allow you to work in Japan. If you want to work in Japan with one of these visas, you need to separately apply for Permission for Deviation of Visa Status.
Working Visa
For working visas, you typically need to have a sponsoring company/organization to apply for a visa, although there are a few exceptions.
Below is a list of the working visas available in Japan, along with whether we handle cases for these visas at Small Seasons & Co. for specialization reasons.
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Visa Type
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Occupations (Examples)
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Handled at Small Seasons & Co.
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|---|---|---|
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Engineer / Specialist in Humanities/International Services
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Science engineers, software engineers, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers
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Yes
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Business owners, entrepreneurs, directors
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Yes
|
|
|
Professor
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University professor, postdoctoral researcher, assistant professor
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Yes
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Composers, lyricists, painters, sculptors, craftsmen, authors, photographers, professionals providing guidance in arts, literature, theater, dance, film, and other artistic domains
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Yes
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|
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Religious Activities
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Missionaries, monks, bishops
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No
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Journalist
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Journalists, editors, reporters, news cameramen, radio/tv announcers
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Yes
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Legal/Accounting Services
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Registered foreign lawyers, foreign certified public accountants, and other legally qualified individuals certified to practice in Japan
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Yes
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Medical Services
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Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses certified to practice in Japan
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Yes
|
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Researcher
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Researchers at public/private research institutions
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Yes
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Instructor
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Teachers at educational institutions (elementary schools, intermediate schools, and high schools, etc)
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Yes
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Intra-company transferee
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Individuals transferred to the Japanese branch, which may include the head office of the same company
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Yes
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Nursing Care
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Certified care worker (Fukushi Kaigo-shi)
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No
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Entertainer
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Actors, singers, performers
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No
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Diplomat
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Diplomatic agents, diplomatic couriers
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No
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Skilled Labor
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Chefs specializing in the food of a foreign country, sommeliers, sports trainers
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Yes
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Specified Skilled Worker
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Work-ready foreign nationals with expertise and skills in designated industrial fields.
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No
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Family-related Visa
Explore these options if you are the spouse or child of a Japanese national, a permanent resident, or a descendant (2nd or 3rd generation) of a Japanese national. Unlike with working visas, you have no restrictions on the type of work you can engage in. While the Permanent Resident Visa is technically not categorized as a family-related visa by definition, the conditions provided to you are similar, hence it is included in the list here.
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Visa Type
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Occupations (Examples)
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Handled at Small Seasons & Co.
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|---|---|---|
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Spouse or Child of Japanese National
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Spouse of a Japanese national or biological child of a Japanese national
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Yes
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Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
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Spouse of a permanent resident
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Yes
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Long-term Resident
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Descendants of Japanese nationals, refugees, individuals divorced from Japanese nationals, etc
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Yes
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Non-working Visa
Generally you are not allowed to work under the visas listed here except for when you are granted Permission for Status of Deviation by the Immigration Bureau for 28 hours/week.
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Visa Type
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Occupations (Examples)
|
Handled at Small Seasons & Co.
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|---|---|---|
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Cultural Activities
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Individuals engaged in cultural activities that don't generate income, such as foreign university professors conducting research in Japan without earning income, studies or research of Japanese cultures and arts such as tea ceremony and ikebana, etc.
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Yes
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Dependent Visa (Family Stay)
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A spouse and children of a foreign national with working visa
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Yes
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Student
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University /junior college /vocational school students
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No
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Trainee
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Individuals that undergo training in Japan to learn specific skills, knowledge, or technology for the purpose of taking the expertise back to their home country
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No
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Technical Intern
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Technical Intern
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No
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Are you looking for a way to move to Japan and expand your art career within the vibrant landscape of Japanese arts and culture?
If you have a strong artistic background and can secure art projects in Japan to financially support your stay, you might potentially be eligible for an Artist Visa.
Taking on the exciting challenge of being an entrepreneur in Japan? We love that!
The visa process requires a lot of preparation and commitment before the application, and you also need a rock-solid business plan. Get our support to kickstart your journey.
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
We help companies apply for their employees’ work visas. There are multiple factors to consider, including the applicant’s academic/work history, job description, and your explanation to the Immigration Bureau.
If you have a potential candidate, consulting a professional at an early stage of the hiring process can save you time and resources.
The new 6-month visa is set to be launched this Spring.
While details are yet to be confirmed, explore what we know so far to assess your eligibility for this game-changing visa.
A spouse visa application might be more complicated than you expect, but we strive to simplify the process and make it easy for you.
Every couple has a different story, and we will work closely with you to understand your situation and future plans, turning that narrative into a compelling application.
Many individuals pursue permanent residency in Japan for the benefits it offers, such as avoiding the hassle of visa renewal.
However, the process of obtaining it can be extensive and challenging, so save your time and energy by relying on professionals from the start.
What's your visa strategy?
Take the first step of contacting us, and let’s explore the best option for you.
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