How to Move to Japan? Here are 7 Visa Options

Sio
Jul 31
1 min read

Updated: Oct 19

I came to Japan on a work visa. Most people get 1 yr at first; I got 3 yrs. The longer the period, the more trust from immigration, making renewals and PR easier. But I feel it’s fate giving me more time to write my story with Japan.

If you’re planning to move to Japan, see which visa below might fit you:

1）Student Visa

University, vocational school, language school. Usually 1–4 yrs. After graduation, you must switch to any visa below to qualify for PR or naturalization.

2）Work Visa*

For white-collar jobs, teachers, researchers, healthcare. Usually requires degree or experiences.

3）Business Manager Visa*

For running a business in Japan. Requires investment and stable revenue.

*Usually 1 yr first, then 3 or 5 yrs. After 10 yrs residency, eligible for PR; 5 yrs for naturalization.

4）Spouse Visa

Married to a Japanese or PR for 3 yrs and living in Japan for 1 yr allows PR/naturalization.

5）Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Academic, technical, or business managers. Point-based system by degree, salary, experience. 3–5 yr visas. PR after 1–3 yrs; naturalization after 5 yrs.

6）J-Skip (Exceptional Talent Visa)

Master+3 yrs experience, Bachelor+5 yrs experience, or annual income over ¥20M, plus hired by a Jap company. 3–5 yr visas. PR after 1 yr; naturalization after 5 yrs.

7) J-Start (Startup Visa)

For startups. No fixed capital required but needs local government approval. Max 2 yrs. Must switch to Business Manager Visa to continue staying.