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Self-Sponsored Visa in Japan
Explore your options for self-sponsorship in Japan.
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- By Saki Nakahara, Immigration Lawyer
- Last Updated:
Topics Covered
First and foremost, there are no self-sponsorship visas in Japan’s current immigration system. However, if you have contracts with clients based in Japan, it is possible to obtain a work visa without being a full-time employee for one client. Here are some options:
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa (EHI Visa)
You could potentially obtain a visa as a freelancer if you can submit documents such as service contracts with Japanese companies securing you an income of at least 200,000 yen per month, ideally 250,000 yen per month (this is just a suggested standard and not an official requirement).
You also still need one of your main employers to sign your application form as your primary visa sponsor. So, while this might resemble a form of self-sponsorship, you are still associated with a client who will be asked to support your application by providing documents such as their financial statements, withholding tax report, and other relevant company information.
Business Manager Visa
If you are interested in starting a business in Japan, you will not need a sponsoring company because you will be running your own company. If you have a client base for your business and are prepared to establish a corporation, make an initial investment, and run the business, then business manager visa could be a viable option for you.
The required documents for the business manager visa might vary depending on the immigration lawyer, but at Small Seasons & Co., we do ask for contracts/purchase orders that can indicate you will generate a certain amount of revenue in the first year.
Artist Visa
If you are an illustrator, painter, creative director, or someone who wants to engage in artistic activity during your stay in Japan, there is a possibility for you to self-sponsor. Applying for an artist visa without a sponsoring company could increase the difficulty of obtaining the visa, but if you meet the requirements and have sufficient income from your projects with proof, this can also serve as your self-sponsorship.
- Application Form
- Your portrait photo (4cm x 3cm)
- Passport
- Copy of your university diploma
- Residence Card
- Your Resume and supporting documents outlining your previous work experience
- Documents regarding your main client/employer (financial documents, withholding tax report, company brochure, sealed service contract)
- Explanation letter
etc.
When putting together documents for the application, it is important that each document actually supports your application, not just being submitted because it was requested. A visa is not guaranteed, and it is up to an immigration officer to decide whether they approve your visa.
At Small Seasons & Co., we help draft the service contract, explanation letter, and other documents to advise you in getting the most convincing documents for your application.
If you were hired by a company as a full-time employee and, without changing the scope or type of work you will engage in, you switch to a service contract to work with other clients, this transition would be easier than if you were to apply as a freelancer from the beginning.
Make sure to submit a notification when you leave the company and to inform them that you have changed your status within 14 days.
Notification of the Contracting Organization:
This is a sample notification form to submit if you have left your company and also have a new contract with another organization.
A lot of people may be aware of the general information that if your freelance work is the same type of work you do for your main company under your current Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa, there isn’t anything you need to do.
However, we recommend double-checking with the immigration bureau to ensure that your freelance work, especially if it involves overseas companies, can indeed be conducted under your current visa because the consequences of inadvertently engaging in work outside the scope of your visa are not trivial.
Obtaining Certificate of Authorized Employment
You could also obtain a Certificate of Authorized Employment, which ensures that the activities at the new workplace align with the permissible activities under the existing residency status when an individual holding a work visa such as Engineering/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, resigns from their current job and moves to another company.
Application Form to Obtain Certificate of Authorized Employment:
It all comes down to having a compelling application, along with consistent and well-prepared materials to convince the Immigration Bureau. Self-sponsorship typically undergoes stricter review by the Immigration Bureau, but it is not impossible.
It allows you to work more like yourself, in the way you prefer, and it could also be a step up for your career.
We are here to support you in navigating the process to ensure you can secure the long-term visa.
References (articles):
- By Saki Nakahara, Immigration Lawyer
- Last Updated:
Topics Covered
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