Business Manager
For foreign nationals starting or managing businesses in Japan. MAJOR 2025-2026 CHANGES: Capital requirement increased from ¥5 million to ¥30 million (~$200,000 USD), and applicants must now employ at least one full-time Japanese national or permanent resident. Requires physical office space (not home office) and detailed business plan. 3+ years management experience or relevant master's degree often expected. Valid for 1, 3, or 5 years. Path to permanent residency after 10 years (or faster via HSP points).
Key Requirements:
- •¥30 million capital investment (increased from ¥5M in 2025)
- •Employ at least 1 full-time Japanese/PR worker
- •Physical office space in Japan
- +2 more requirements
Dependent Visa
For spouses and children of foreign nationals holding work or student visas in Japan. Only immediate family members qualify - parents and siblings are not eligible. Work is limited to 28 hours/week with permission (資格外活動許可). Sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income to support dependents (typically ¥3 million+ annually). Duration tied to sponsor's visa status. Children can attend Japanese public schools free of charge.
Key Requirements:
- •Legal spouse or child of visa holder
- •Sponsor has valid work/student visa
- •Sponsor income to support dependents (¥3M+ typical)
- +2 more requirements
Digital Nomad Visa
Introduced in April 2024, Japan's Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities - Digital Nomad) allows remote workers to stay up to 6 months while working for employers/clients outside Japan. Requires annual income of ¥10 million (~$67,000) and citizenship from one of 49 eligible countries with tax treaties. Private health insurance with ¥10 million coverage is mandatory as holders are not eligible for National Health Insurance. Cannot work for Japanese companies or extend the visa, but may reapply 6 months after departure. No residence card issued, limiting access to bank accounts and long-term rentals.
Key Requirements:
- •Citizenship from one of 49 eligible countries
- •Annual income of ¥10 million or more (~$67,000 USD)
- •Remote work for non-Japanese employers only
- +3 more requirements
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities
The most common work visa for foreign professionals in Japan, covering engineers, IT specialists, interpreters, designers, and business professionals. Requires a university degree (or 10 years experience) in a field related to the job. Employer sponsorship required. Valid for 1, 3, or 5 years depending on the application. Allows job changes within the same visa category but requires notification to immigration. Dual-intent permitted - can pursue permanent residency while on this status.
Key Requirements:
- •University degree related to the job or 10+ years experience
- •Job offer from Japanese employer
- •Salary comparable to Japanese nationals in same role
- +2 more requirements
Highly Skilled Professional
Japan's points-based Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa offers fast-track benefits for qualified workers. Applicants scoring 70+ points (based on education, salary, experience, age, Japanese language ability) receive expedited processing and can bring family. Those with 80+ points can apply for permanent residency after just 1 year. Three categories: HSP(i)a for academic research, HSP(i)b for specialized/technical work, HSP(i)c for business management. J-Skip route available for master's holders with ¥20M+ salary or executives with ¥40M+ salary and 5+ years experience.
Key Requirements:
- •70+ points on HSP points calculation
- •Job offer from Japanese employer
- •Bachelor's degree or higher (more points for masters/PhD)
- +3 more requirements
Intra-company Transferee
For employees transferred from overseas offices to Japanese branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the same company. Requires at least 1 year of continuous employment with the overseas entity prior to transfer. Work activities limited to engineering, humanities, or international services categories. Valid for 1, 3, or 5 years. No education requirements but must have relevant skills. Employer must demonstrate legitimate business relationship between entities.
Key Requirements:
- •1+ year employment with overseas affiliate
- •Transfer to Japanese branch/subsidiary/affiliate
- •Work in specialized knowledge capacity
- +2 more requirements
Naturalization
Japanese citizenship through naturalization currently requires 5+ years continuous residence, but the government is reviewing proposals to extend this to 10 years as of 2026. Must be 18+, demonstrate good conduct, have stable livelihood, and renounce original citizenship (Japan does not allow dual citizenship for naturalized citizens). Japanese language ability required at approximately conversational level. Residency clock resets if abroad for 90+ consecutive days. Stricter screening on tax and social insurance compliance implemented in late 2025.
Key Requirements:
- •5+ years continuous residence (may increase to 10 years)
- •Age 18 or older
- •Good conduct and character
- +4 more requirements
Permanent Residency
Japan permanent residency (永住権) typically requires 10 years of continuous residence, with exceptions for spouses of Japanese nationals (1-3 years), highly skilled professionals with 80+ points (1 year), and refugees. Must demonstrate good conduct, stable income (¥3M+ annually), and tax/pension payment history. No work restrictions and no need to renew visa. Recent scrutiny on tax and social insurance compliance has increased. Immigration fees expected to increase to ~¥100,000 by FY2027. Residence card valid for 7 years but must be renewed.
Key Requirements:
- •10 years continuous residence (exceptions apply)
- •Good conduct and character
- •Stable income (¥3M+ recommended)
- +3 more requirements
Spouse of Japanese National
For foreign spouses of Japanese nationals and children born to Japanese parents. No restrictions on work activities - holders can work in any job without limitations. Requires proof of genuine marriage relationship. Immigration scrutinizes applications for sham marriages. Valid for 6 months to 5 years depending on relationship stability. Provides pathway to permanent residency after 1-3 years depending on circumstances. One of the most flexible visa statuses in Japan.
Key Requirements:
- •Legal marriage to Japanese national
- •Proof of genuine relationship
- •Sponsor (Japanese spouse) with stable income
- +2 more requirements
Startup Visa
Japan's Startup Visa expanded nationwide in January 2025, offering foreign entrepreneurs up to 2 years to establish their businesses before meeting full Business Manager visa requirements. No initial capital or employee requirements during the startup phase. Must apply through approved municipalities with a viable business plan. Serves as a pathway to Business Manager Visa - entrepreneurs must show a realistic path to ¥30M capital. Available in major cities including Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka, and now expanded to all prefectures.
Key Requirements:
- •Bachelor's degree or 1+ year management experience
- •Viable business plan approved by municipality
- •Demonstrate path to ¥30M capital for Business Manager transition
- +2 more requirements
Student Visa
For international students at Japanese universities, language schools, vocational colleges, and other educational institutions. Requires acceptance from a certified institution and proof of financial support (typically ¥2-3 million for first year). Must demonstrate 150+ hours of prior Japanese study for language school applications. Allows part-time work up to 28 hours/week (40 hours during long breaks) with permission. Duration matches study period, up to 4 years 3 months. Can transition to work visa upon graduation with job offer.
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance from certified educational institution
- •Proof of financial support (¥2-3 million)
- •150+ hours Japanese study (for language schools)
- +2 more requirements
Working Holiday
Japan has working holiday agreements with 29 countries including Australia, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and South Korea. Age limit typically 18-30 (some countries 18-25). Valid for 1 year, non-extendable. Allows full work rights but employment should be secondary to travel. Must have sufficient funds (typically ¥200,000-250,000) and return ticket or funds to purchase. Popular for gap years and cultural exchange. Apply through Japanese embassy in home country - no COE required.
Key Requirements:
- •Citizen of participating country
- •Age 18-30 (some countries 18-25)
- •No dependents accompanying
- +4 more requirements
Questions
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