Japan visa types
Explore Japan visa categories — work, study, family, visit, and more. Compare options, check requirements, and find the right visa for your situation.
19 visa types across 7 categories
Browse Japan visas
Japan visa types each have different requirements, timelines, and eligibility rules. Browse by category to find the right option, with processing times and links to official Japan sources.
Not sure which visa you need?
Select your goal and we'll highlight the most relevant visa types.
Showing 19 of 19 visa types
Work visas
Highly Skilled Professional
The Highly Skilled Professional is a residence status administered by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁), or ISA.
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Japan Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: degree or experience rules, 2026 Category 3/4 documents, job changes, fees and processing.
Specified Skilled Worker (i)
This status lets you work in industries identified as facing labor shortages in Japan. You must meet specific skill and language standards.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is for experienced foreign workers who have advanced skills in designated industries.
Intra-company Transferee
The Intra-company Transferee status allows you to work in Japan when your overseas employer sends you to a related entity in Japan.
Technical Intern Training
Japan Technical Intern Training places you with an approved host organization so you can gain practical skills in Japan under a structured training plan.
Working Holiday Visa
Japan’s Working Holiday Visa lets young adults spend up to a year in Japan, working to support their stay.
Skilled Labor
The Japan Skilled Labor visa is an official status handled by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA).
Designated Activities
The Japan Designated Activities visa covers specific activities that don’t fit standard residence statuses.
Family visas
Spouse or Child of Japanese National
This status allows you to live in Japan as the legally recognized spouse or child of a Japanese national.
Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
You use a specific Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) form when applying as the spouse or child of a Permanent Resident.
Dependent
A dependent visa lets you live in Japan with your sponsoring family member while they hold a valid residence status.
Residency & green cards
Long-term Resident
The Long-term Resident is a status managed by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) (ISA).
Permanent Residence
Japan permanent residence gives you an open-ended status with no activity restrictions and no need to renew your period of stay.
Other
Business Manager
This status lets you start or manage a business in Japan. You must show at least ¥5,000,000 in capital and a clear business plan when you apply through the.
Japanese Citizenship (Naturalization)
Japanese citizenship through naturalization is a formal status granted by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA).
Startup Visa
The Japan startup visa allows you to prepare for business establishment in specific government-designated zones.
Tips for choosing a visa type
- Match your purpose of travel to the right visa category before comparing options.
- Check official processing times — they vary by visa type and location.
- Review required documents early; some visas need employer or school sponsorship.
- Understand the difference between nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent) visas.
- Use official government sources to verify eligibility — VisaMind provides guidance, not legal advice.
Looking beyond Japan? Visa requirements vary by destination. Start from the homepage to explore other countries.
More for Japan
Continue exploring Japan immigration resources.
FAQ
Japan immigration FAQ
The questions readers ask most about applying to live, work, study, and visit Japan
HSP scores points across academic background, professional experience, age, salary, Japanese language ability, university quality, and research achievements. Reaching 70 points unlocks the HSP status of residence with multiple advantages: a longer initial period of stay, multiple permitted activities, dependent work permission, and PR eligibility after 3 years. Reaching 80 points cuts that to 1 year on the standard track and ties into the J-Skip route.
J-Skip is a fast-track route for very high-skilled / high-income workers (annual income ≥¥20M or ≥¥40M with an academic background and relevant work experience). J-Find is a job-search route giving up to 2 years of residence to recent graduates from top-200 global universities. Both were introduced in April 2023 to attract globally mobile talent.
Most spouses of Engineer / Specialist visa holders enter on a Dependant status, which does not by default allow work. To work, your spouse must apply for an Activity Outside Status permission, which limits work to 28 hours per week. By contrast, HSP-A/B/C dependants can work full-time once they have applied for a Designated Activities permission, and HSP holders can also bring parents in some circumstances.
Standard permanent residence requires 10 continuous years of residence with at least 5 years on a work or stable status. The HSP fast-track shortens this to 3 years, and J-Skip applicants with sufficient income can qualify in 1 year. Spouses of Japanese nationals/PRs typically qualify after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan.
Yes. Within 14 days of moving in to a Japanese residence, you must register at the local city or ward office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho). The address is recorded on your Residence Card and links you to national health insurance, the My Number tax ID system, and pension enrolment.
Don't guess.
Know exactly what to do.
Start for free.2 minutes. Instant visa match.No credit card.
Not what you needed after unlocking?We'll refund you.