To work at a Japanese company, foreign nationals are required to obtain a work visa. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the work visa system in Japan, along with a detailed explanation of the application procedures that follow the acquisition of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
There are various types of work visas in Japan, depending on the job category and the applicant’s skill level.
In total, there are 16 different types of work visas.
For more details on the different types and examples of applicable industries, please refer to [this article].
Below, we will explain the process you need to follow after determining the specific type of work visa you will apply for, from application to issuance.
After obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), the following documents need to be prepared and submitted by the foreign worker to the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country:
Passport
Original Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Visa application form (available for download from the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate)
Photo (4 cm x 3 cm, taken within the last 6 months)
Visa application fee
The process of applying for a work visa follows the steps below.
For more information about how to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), please refer to [this article].
In this article, we’ll focus on Step ⑤ — what happens after the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) has been sent.
Prepare the required documents and submit the application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is valid for three months from the date of issuance. After receiving the COE, you must promptly apply for your work visa and enter Japan within the validity period.
Additionally, immigration laws and regulations are subject to frequent changes. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or the Ministry of Justice.
Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a work visa involves numerous procedures and documents.
U-Match matches talented professionals with the needs of Japanese companies and provides comprehensive support—from COE and work visa applications to follow-up after employment.
For more details, please visit our “Services” page or contact us through the inquiry form.
