Are you dreaming of building your career as a software engineer in Japan? The first step is obtaining the right work visa for you. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of visa types IT professionals should know, eligibility requirements, and key information about the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa—your potential fast track to permanent residency.
Main Work Visa Types for IT Professionals
1. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
This is the most standard work visa that the majority of software engineers obtain.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | "Engineer Visa", "Tech Visa" |
| Period of Stay | 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years |
| Basic Requirements | Bachelor's degree in a related field or 10+ years of relevant work experience |
| Processing Time | Approximately 1-3 months |
| Sponsor | Required (employing company) |
2. Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa
A points-based visa that converts education, experience, salary, and other factors into points and offers special benefits to highly qualified talent.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Points Required | 70 points or more |
| Period of Stay | 5 years |
| Path to Permanent Residency | Minimum 1 year with 80+ points, minimum 3 years with 70+ points |
| Key Benefits | Spouse can work full-time, parents can accompany, priority immigration screening, etc. |
3. Business Manager Visa (Startup Visa)
A visa for entrepreneurs who want to establish their own company in Japan.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital Requirement | 5 million yen or more |
| Office | Physical office space required |
| Business Plan | Detailed business plan submission required |
| Initial Period of Stay | 1 year |
4. Specified Skilled Worker Visa
A visa for specific industries experiencing labor shortages; still limited for the IT field.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Fields | Some IT fields included (gradually expanding) |
| Japanese Requirement | JLPT N4 level or above |
| Maximum Stay Period | Total of 5 years |
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa Points Calculator
You qualify to apply for the HSP visa if your total score is 70 points or more. Use the table below to calculate your estimated score.
Education
| Highest Education | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 30 |
| Master's degree (including MBA) | 25 |
| Bachelor's degree | 20 |
Work Experience
| Work Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 10+ years | 25 |
| 7+ years | 20 |
| 5+ years | 15 |
| 3+ years | 10 |
Annual Salary (Yen)
| Age | 10M+ | 9M+ | 8M+ | 7M+ | 6M+ | 5M+ | 4M+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~29 | 40 | 35 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| 30-34 | 40 | 35 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| 35-39 | 40 | 35 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| 40+ | 40 | 35 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bonus Points
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Japanese university degree | +10 |
| JLPT N1 | +15 |
| JLPT N2 | +10 |
| Under 30 years old (separate from salary points) | +5 |
| Working in government-supported projects | +10 |
| IT-related national certifications | +5 |
| Japanese degree + N1 or N2 | +5 additional |
3-Step Visa Application Process
Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Issuance
The most important and time-consuming step, usually applied for by your employing company in Japan.
- Processing Time: Approximately 1-3 months
- Required Documents: Employment contract, company registration certificate, your degree/work experience certificates, etc.
Step 2: Visa Issuance
After receiving the COE, convert it to a visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country.
- Processing Time: Approximately 3-10 business days
- Application Location: Japanese embassy or consulate general in your country of residence
- Required Documents: Original COE, passport, photo, visa application form
Step 3: Entry to Japan and Registration
After arriving in Japan, receive your residence card at the airport and complete the following procedures.
- Register your address at the local city/ward office within 14 days
- Enroll in National Health Insurance
- Open a bank account
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I live in Japan while working remotely from overseas?
A. In principle, no. Most work visas require a Japanese employer (sponsor). Although a Digital Nomad visa was introduced in March 2024, it is limited to 6 months and does not permit employment activities in Japan.
Q. Can I get a visa without a degree?
A. Yes, if you have 10+ years of work experience related to the position you're applying for, it can substitute for the degree requirement. However, having a relevant degree makes the process much smoother.
Q. Can I bring my family?
A. Yes, you can bring your spouse and children under the "Dependent" visa. However, your spouse needs separate permission for activities outside their status if they want to work.
Q. Can I change jobs?
A. Yes, you can. The visa is tied to a job category like "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" rather than a specific company. You must report to the Immigration Bureau within 14 days after changing jobs.
Roadmap to Permanent Residency
Japan offers one of the fastest paths to permanent residency in the world for highly qualified talent.
| Visa Type | Minimum Time to PR Application |
|---|---|
| HSP (80+ points) | 1 year |
| HSP (70+ points) | 3 years |
| General work visa | 10 years |
Key Takeaways
- Systematic preparation is essential: Start your visa process at least 3-4 months before your expected start date.
- Aim for Highly Skilled Professional (HSP): If possible, calculate your points to enjoy faster permanent residency and various benefits.
- Prepare required documents in advance: Have original documents like degree certificates, work experience certificates, and certifications ready.
- Company cooperation is crucial: Since COE application is entirely the employer's responsibility, clearly confirm the visa support process during recruitment.
Note: Visa regulations may change from time to time. For the most accurate information, please check the official Immigration Services Agency of Japan website or consult with professionals.