{"id":115618,"date":"2025-09-30T09:36:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T09:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=115618"},"modified":"2025-09-30T09:36:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T09:36:08","slug":"japan-corporate-immigration","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/japan-corporate-immigration\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan: Corporate Immigration"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-115618","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-corporate-immigration","jurisdictions-japan"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">RSM Shiodome Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/09\/RSM-Standard-Logo-RGB_M.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">RSM Shiodome Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/09\/RSM-Standard-Logo-RGB_M.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Corporate Immigration laws and regulations applicable in Japan<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the relevant government entities relating to immigration in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Immigration Services Agency (ISN) under the MOJ administers the entry, exit and other stay permits for foreign workers in Japan.\u00a0 Work visas are issued by overseas missions under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) upon presentation of a certificate issued by ISA.\u00a0 For medium-skilled and training workers, the relevant ministries with jurisdiction over the industry and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) are also involved in screening and managing foreigners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the options available for sponsor-based employment in your jurisdiction and timelines involved in securing a work permit?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The status of residence options available in Japan vary depending on the nature of the activities to be undertaken. For example:<\/p>\n<ol style=\"padding-left: 0\">\n<li>Individuals intending to work as business managers or executives may apply for the status of residence of \u201cBusiness Manager.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Those transferred from a foreign parent company, headquarters, or branch office to a Japanese office for a fixed period may apply for the status of residence of \u201cIntra-Company Transferee.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Foreign nationals who enter into an employment contract directly with a Japanese company to engage in activities such as engineering (e.g., mechanical engineering), interpreting, designing, private-sector language teaching, or marketing may apply for the status of residence of \u201cEngineer\/Specialist in Humanities\/International Services.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Applicants who meet the requirements for one of the above statuses and who also satisfy the point-based criteria established by the Ministry of Justice may be granted the status of residence of \u201cHighly Skilled Professional.\u201d Holders of this status are afforded preferential treatment under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, including relaxed eligibility requirements for permanent residency.<\/p>\n<p>Foreign nationals residing overseas who wish to commence employment activities in Japan are required to complete the following procedures:<\/p>\n<p>1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (CoE):<\/p>\n<p>An application must be submitted to the Immigration Bureau of Japan by the prospective sponsoring organization in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>2. Visa Application:<\/p>\n<p>Upon issuance of the CoE, the Applicant needs to apply for an entry visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate having jurisdiction over the applicant\u2019s place of residence or nationality.<\/p>\n<p>3. Landing Examination:<\/p>\n<p>Upon arrival in Japan, the applicant must undergo a landing examination conducted by an immigration inspector at the port of entry.<\/p>\n<p>The screening period for Step 1 (CoE issuance) varies depending on the size of the sponsoring organization and the type of status of residence applied for. In general, the processing period ranges from one to three months, although in certain cases it may exceed six months.<\/p>\n<p>The standard processing period for Step 2 (Entry visa) is approximately five business days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the primary options available for unsponsored work and investment in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the Designated Activities status known as \u201cJ-Find,\u201d foreign nationals may work\u00a0 without a sponsor for a maximum period of two years while they are &#8220;job hunting&#8221; or &#8220;preparing to start a business&#8221; in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>The Working Holiday program may also be applied for without a sponsor, and it permits employment in Japan after entry.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, the Startup Visa and the four-month Business Manager status of residence allow foreign nationals to prepare for starting a business without a sponsor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the requirements for becoming a sponsor of employment-based migrants and what are the role and reporting duties of sponsors?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Among employment-related statuses, the statuses of Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training impose the most extensive requirements on sponsoring organizations.<\/p>\n<p>For example, requirements applicable to employers of Specified Skilled Worker status include compliance with laws and regulations concerning labor, social insurance, and taxation, as well as a prohibition on dismissing any employees engaged in the same type of work within one year prior to, or after, concluding an employment contract with a foreign worker.<\/p>\n<p>With respect to the \u201cBusiness Manager\u201d status of residence, there are requirements concerning the scale of the enterprise, including that the paid-in capital or total investment must be at least 5 million yen, or, alternatively, that at least two full-time employees residing in Japan who satisfy prescribed conditions must be employed. In addition, the establishment of a physical business office is required; the use of virtual offices or co-working spaces is not accepted as a business office for the Business Manager status generally by the immigration authorities.<\/p>\n<p>On August 26, 2025, a public comment procedure was conducted concerning proposed amendments to the criteria for the \u201cBusiness Manager\u201d status. According to the proposed amendments, the required paid-in capital or total investment shall be increased to 30 million yen or more, together with the employment of at least one full-time employee residing in Japan. Moreover, a requirement concerning the educational background or professional experience of the business manager, which heretofore has not been mandated, shall be introduced. The revised criteria with further details are scheduled to announce when it takes effect in mid-October 2025.<\/p>\n<p>With respect to the \u201cSpecified Skilled Worker\u201d and \u201cTechnical Intern Training\u201d statuses, there are certain notifications that are legally mandated.<\/p>\n<p>For other statuses of residence, no such statutory notification obligations are imposed. However, it should be noted that certain reporting obligations are prescribed under laws other than the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, such as the obligation to submit reports on the employment status of foreign nationals pursuant to the Act on Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Policies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are applications filed electronically, or paper base? Is a physical visa\/work permit document issued or is an electronic approval issued?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Since July 2019, the Ministry of Justice has introduced an online application system the Immigration Bureau of Japan for some application types, and the scope of its use has been gradually expanded to the present. Nevertheless, applications may still be submitted in person at the Immigration Bureau and both methods remain available.<\/p>\n<p>Certificates of Eligibility, which are issued by the Immigration Bureau, were previously issued only in paper form. However, as of March 17, 2023, Certificates of Eligibility may also be issued electronically by email, while Paper-based CoE issuance remains available. For mid- to long-term residents, residence cards are issued in physical form by the Immigration Bureau.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is an in-person attendance\/interview required as part of the visa\/work permit application process? Is an individual required to enrol their biometrics (digital photo, fingerprint scan) as part of the visa\/work permit process?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>When hiring a foreign national residing overseas, an employee of the hiring company shall act as the applicant\u2019s representative and submit the application to the Immigration Bureau of Japan.<\/p>\n<p>In cases where a foreign national already residing in Japan applies for permission to extend their period of stay or for other related procedures, the general rule is that the individual must appear in person at the Immigration bureau having jurisdiction over their place of residence. However, administrative scriveners (gy\u014dsei-shoshi immigration lawyer) or attorneys-at-law (beogoshi lawyer) who are registered as application agents may submit such applications on behalf of the applicant. In such cases, biometric information is not required.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, visa application form to enter Japan submitted at Japanese embassies or consulates abroad following the issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility, an interview is generally required. Applicants are advised to confirm the specific requirements with the embassy or consulate where the application will be filed.<\/p>\n<p>Upon entry into Japan, foreign nationals are subject to landing examination, during which fingerprints and facial photographs are collected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What persons qualify as dependants? Can dependants work based on their dependant visa status? Are there any restrictions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The status of residence of Dependent may be granted to the spouse and children of a foreign national residing in Japan, provided that they reside together with, and are financially supported by, the principal foreign national who is to be employed in Japan, and that their activities in Japan are limited to those appropriate for a spouse or child.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Spouse&#8221; refers to a person who is legally married under applicable laws. This definition does not include common-law partners or same-sex partners whose marriages are legally recognized overseas.<\/p>\n<p>With respect to children, adopted children and children born out of wedlock who have been legally acknowledged are also eligible. Although there is no statutory age limit, eligibility is premised on being under the care and support of the principal resident. Accordingly, in cases where the child has reached an age at which employment is possible, it must be reasonably explained what activities the child will engage in while residing in Japan, since dependency may not be presumed at that stage.<\/p>\n<p>Dependent status holders are not allowed to work, but if they apply additionally for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under their status of residence and the immigration bureau approves it, they can generally work up to 28 hours per week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the general time frame and processes for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship for sponsored and unsponsored business-related immigration?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>It is not eligible to apply for permission for permanent residence in Japan without actual residence within the territory. As a general principle, continuous residence for a period of not less than ten (10) years shall be required. Even in cases where special circumstances are duly recognized, a minimum of one (1) year of continuous residence shall nonetheless be required.<\/p>\n<p>Upon satisfaction of the statutory requirements for permanent residence, the applicant shall file an application for permission for permanent residence with the Regional Immigration Bureau having jurisdiction over the applicant\u2019s place of residence.<\/p>\n<p>As of August 2025, the standard period of examination at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau is approximately one (1) year and eight (8) months from the date of filing. Conversely, according to the \u201cProcessing Period for Residence Examinations\u201d published by the Immigration Services Agency in June 2025, the nationwide average duration for completion of examinations relating to applications for permanent residence is recorded as 265.9 days. A comparison of the foregoing figures evidences the significantly greater caseload borne by the Tokyo Regional Bureau relative to other regional offices.<\/p>\n<p>Unsponsored applications are also accepted, but there are more screening criteria than sponsored applications. Also, approval rates tend to be lower and the screening period longer. To obtain citizenship, an application for naturalization should be filed at a different government office than the Immigration Services Bureau. Additional conditions, such as Japanese language ability and the renunciation of current nationality, are required, and the review period, which depends on the applicant&#8217;s background and residence status, is the same as for permanent residency: 1 year and several months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What productive type activities can a business visitor undertake and for how long?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A Business Visitor Visa (Short-Term Stay)allows individuals to engage in activities such as business meetings, negotiations, contract signings, after-sales service, advertising, market research, and other similar short-term business-related activities while in Japan. However, individuals are not permitted to receive any compensation for these activities while in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>For nationals of countries with visa exemption arrangements, the permitted length of stay upon entry is generally 15, 30, or 90 days, depending on the applicant&#8217;s nationality. In principle, the period of stay cannot be extended. However, Japan has visa waiver agreements allowing stays of up to six months with the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Mexico. Businesspersons from these countries may be granted exceptions.<\/p>\n<p>For more details, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can remote work be carried out from your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, in practice, remote work\u2014including working from home\u2014is allowed under certain types of residence status in Japan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any productive work \/ revenue generating activities that can be carried out as a visitor and without the need for a work permit? If so, what activities and for how long?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the \u201cTemporary visitor\u201d status, engaging in activities that generate revenue or income and any productive work is not permitted.<\/p>\n<p>A temporary visitor status holder can only engage in the activities answered in Q9.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a remote work or nomad visa category in your jurisdiction? If not, how likely is it that this will be implemented in future?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, we have a \u201cDigital Nomad Visa\u201d (Please refer to official sources for detailed information). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moj.go.jp\/isa\/applications\/status\/designatedactivities53_00001.html\">https:\/\/www.moj.go.jp\/isa\/applications\/status\/designatedactivities53_00001.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How easy is it to switch visa categories\/jobs\/employer from within country? And\/or if made redundant, can the individual regularise their stay in another capacity and what is the timeframe allowable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>To change visa status category, a foreign national must apply for a Change of Status of Residence.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if a person currently holds a \u201cStudent\u201d status\u00a0while attending a university in Japan and wishes to work for a Japanese company after graduation, they must change their status of residence to a work-eligible category, such as \u201cEngineer\/Specialist in Humanities\/International Services.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If he or she is changing employers (i.e., switching jobs), the required procedure depends on his or her visa\u2019s remaining validity and the nature of the new job.<\/p>\n<p>If his or her current status has more than three months remaining and the job responsibilities remain the same, he or she is required to notify the Immigration Services Agency of the end of his or her previous contract and the signing of a new one.<\/p>\n<p>However, if his or her status has less than three months remaining, in addition to submitting the notification mentioned above, he or she must apply for an Extension\u00a0of Period of Stay with his or her new employer as his or her sponsor.<\/p>\n<p>Special attention should be given to those holding a Highly Skilled Professional visa. Under this status, the workplace is designated by the Minister of Justice. Therefore, changing employers also means changing the designated workplace, and a Change of Status of Residence application is required.<\/p>\n<p>If the applicant changes his or her job type or field of work, whether he or she needs to change his or her visa status depends on the specifics of the case.<\/p>\n<p>As for the procedures themselves, submitting a notification is a simple process that does not involve screening by immigration authorities. However, both the application to renew his or her period of stay and the application to change his or her status of residence (in the case of a job change) require the same amount of documentation and processing time as applying for a new visa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What common issues or concerns may arise for employers under business immigration in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>According to the 2023 Survey on the Employment Situation of Foreign Workers conducted by Japan\u2019s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the most commonly cited challenge in employing foreign workers was \u201cdifficulty in communication due to limited Japanese language proficiency,\u201d reported by 44.8% of employers.<\/p>\n<p>This was followed by:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCumbersome administrative procedures related to visa applications,\u201d cited by 25.4%,<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLimited period of stay under certain visa statuses,\u201d at 22.2%, and<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConflicts arising from differences in culture, values, and lifestyle,\u201d at 19.6%.<\/p>\n<p>Notably, 16.9% of respondents indicated that they experienced no particular issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a fast track process \/ certification that business can obtain to expedite visa \/ permit processing?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Holders of the Highly Skilled Professional\u00a0 are granted several preferential treatments. One such benefit is priority processing, which ensures that applications are reviewed more quickly than usual.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, Japan\u2019s Immigration Services Agency categorizes sponsoring organizations into four categories based on factors such as the company&#8217;s size and compliance record.<\/p>\n<p>Organizations in higher categories enjoy simplified application procedures and faster processing times during immigration reviews.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the recent trends, both political and social that have impacted (or are anticipated to impact) your jurisdiction with regard to immigration policy and law?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>One of the key issues in the July 2025 House of Councillors election was the question of foreign labor in Japan. A political party advocating a &#8220;Japan First&#8221; approach made significant gains in the election.<\/p>\n<p>Following the election, media reports indicated that the government is considering tightening the requirements for the \u201cBusiness Manager\u201d residence status.<\/p>\n<p>According to these reports, one of the key conditions\u2014the minimum capital investment requirement of JPY 5 million\u2014may be raised to JPY 30 million as part of a policy revision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How has the COVID-19 pandemic shaped current immigration landscape in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In response to the global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), beginning in December 2019, Japan implemented phased border control measures to prevent the entry of infected individuals and to curb the domestic spread of the virus.<\/p>\n<p>Based on multiple decisions made by the Cabinet of Japan since January 31, 2020, and in light of announcements from the Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters, Japan gradually imposed entry restrictions.<\/p>\n<p>For a period of time, foreign nationals who had stayed in areas with a large number of COVID-19 cases within 14 days prior to their intended date of entry were, in principle, denied entry unless there were special circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>Japan has since returned to its pre-pandemic immigration and border control system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any new and \/ or anticipated changes impacting immigration law and \/ or policy in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), which aims to transfer Japanese technology and knowledge to developing countries while supporting the development of human resources who can contribute to their economic growth, is a status of residence that permits engagement in manual labor. However, around 2027, it will be replaced by the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) program, which is intended to foster and secure workers with skills equivalent to those of Specified Skilled Workers (SSW).<\/p>\n<p>One of the criteria for the \u201cBusiness Manager\u201d status of residence, which currently requires a total capital or investment amount of 5 million yen, is being considered for revision to 30 million yen, along with the requirement to employ at least one full-time worker who meets certain conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, for foreign nationals exempt from short-term stay visas, online immigration screening prior to travel is scheduled to begin by the end of fiscal year 2028. This system will be modeled after the United States\u2019 Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and a processing fee will also be collected from travelers to Japan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How do you see technology developing and evolving to support immigration process in the future?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Applications and notifications to the Immigration Bureau are already available online. In addition, the electronic issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) has been in place since March 17, 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, online immigration screening for foreign nationals exempt from short-term stay visas is scheduled to begin in 2028. This system will be modeled after the United States\u2019 Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and a processing fee will be collected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the Right to Work requirements in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Japan, employers are not subject to obligations equivalent to the United Kingdom\u2019s \u201cRight to Work\u201d requirement. However, when employing foreign nationals, they are legally obligated to report the employment status of such individuals under the Act on Comprehensively Advancing Labor Measures.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, when hiring foreign nationals who already possess a Residence Card, it is recommended that employers verify the card to ensure that the person presenting it is indeed the cardholder and that their status of residence permits employment.<\/p>\n<p>If an employer fails to confirm the validity of the Residence Card and hires an individual without a proper work-permitting status or whose period of stay has expired, the company may be subject to penalties for promoting illegal employment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the types of civil and criminal penalties employers may face for non-compliance with immigration rules i.e. employing an individual who does not have the Right to Work?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Organizations found to be employing foreign nationals without the proper status of residence may be subject to imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to 3 million yen, or both.<\/p>\n<p>Starting in June 2025, the maximum penalties has been \u00a0increased to imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to 5 million yen. If the employer is a foreign national, they may also be subject to a deportation order.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there labour market testing requirements in your jurisdiction and if so, what do they involve?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, there is no requirement for labour market testing in the Japanese immigration system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there quota requirements, restrictions or a cap on the numbers of foreign nationals hired per company in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are quotas for employment of SSWs in each of the 16 designated industries that the government has recognized as suffering a serious labor shortage; but the quotas are determined by the total number in each field over a five-year period, instead of a yearly quota.<\/p>\n<p>Generally, there is no limit to the number of foreigners a company may employ. However, exceptional percentage limits may apply to some occupations with low- to medium-skilled workers\u2019 status (SSW, TITP, ESD).<\/p>\n<p>16 industries that the government has recognized as having a labor shortage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any exit procedures in your jurisdiction, if an individual is departing permanently?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>If you are returning to your home country after completing your activities in Japan, it is recommended that you cancel your residence registration at the city\/ward office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence in Japan. This is because, if you are still registered as a resident in Japan as of January 1st, you may be subject to resident tax based on your income from the previous year. At the airport upon departure, you should declare your intention not to return to Japan and surrender your Residence Card.<\/p>\n<p>It should be noted that, if you did not cancel your residence registration at the ward office, your residence record will be automatically deleted after you surrender your Residence Card at the airport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any requirements for medical certificates or vaccinations for your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Foreigners entering Japan with &#8220;Specified Skilled Worker&#8221;, &#8220;Technical Intern Training&#8221; and &#8220;Employment for Skill-Development&#8221; residence status are required to undergo health examination and submit a health certificate.<\/p>\n<p>Starting April 2025, nationals or residents of the Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and China will be required to submit a Tuberculosis-Free certificate when applying for the Certificate of Eligibility.<\/p>\n<p>However, participants in the JET Program, JICA trainees (both long-term and short-term), students under the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), government-sponsored international students recommended by Japanese embassies, foreign students enrolled in educational traning programs, nurses and care workers accepted under EPA, foreigners with Specified Skilled Worker status, those engaged in activities under Designated Activities No. 55 (Preparation for Specified Automobile Transportation Industry) and foreigners conducting housekeeping services admitted under the Act on National Strategic Special Zones (Article 16-4) are temporarily exempt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any language requirements for your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Proof of Japanese proficiency is\u00a0 required by law for holders of &#8220;Specified Skilled Worker&#8221;, &#8220;Technical Intern Training&#8221; and &#8220;Employment for Skill-Development&#8221; status.<\/p>\n<p>In the addition to the above low-middle skill workers, there are Japanese language requirements for the Long Term Resident status of fourth-generation Japanese descendants and for the Designated Activities No 46 status that allows graduates from Japanese universities to engage in a wide range of activities. In the Highly Skilled Professional status with various preferential treatment, points for permission can be added through Japanese language proficiency certification.<\/p>\n<p>Japanese language proficiency is required for naturalization applications to acquire Japanese nationality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the government costs associated with a typical employment based visa?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no fee for the application for Certificate of Eligibility. Visa processing fees vary depending on the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General with jurisdiction. Other fees are listed below.<\/p>\n<table style=\"font-size: 10px\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\" width=\"575\">List of Fees<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" width=\"384\">Procedures<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">Fees<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"255\">Permission to Change<\/p>\n<p>Status of residence<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\">At the office<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">6,000 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"129\">Online<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">5,500 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"255\">Permission to Extend<\/p>\n<p>Period of Stay<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\">At the office<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">6,000 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"129\">Online<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">5,500 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"255\">Permission to Permanent residence<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\">At the office<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">10,000 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"255\">Permission to re-entry(single)<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\">At the office<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">4,000 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"129\">Online<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">3,500 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"255\">Permission to re-entry(multiple)<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\">At the office<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">7,000 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"129\">Online<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">6,500 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"255\">Issuance of certificate of<br \/>\nauthorized employment<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\">At the office<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">2,000 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"129\">Online<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">1,600 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"255\">Issuance of registered used card<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\">At the office<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">4,000 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"255\">Reissuance of registered user card<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\">At the office<\/td>\n<td width=\"192\">2,000 Yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is a local contract of employment required in order to obtain a work based visa or work permit? Are there salary or other thresholds to be met by the migrant?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For working status, an employment contract with an entity in Japan is generally required. For the most common working status &#8220;Engineer\/Specialist in Humanities\/International Services&#8221;, beside employment contracts, subcontracting and service contracts are also accepted.\u00a0 Also, for &#8220;Intra-Company Transferee&#8221; status, a contract with the Japanese entity is not required; a contract with the overseas parent company can be considered equivalent to a contract with the entity in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding the salary, most working visa statuses including &#8220;Engineer\/Specialist in Humanities\/International Services&#8221; and &#8220;Intra-Company Transferee&#8221; require applicant to receive remuneration equal to or greater than that of a Japanese national engaged in similar work\u200b. Furthermore, there are also other criteria specified in detail for each status of residence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the maximum periods of stay for individuals on an employment based visa \/ work permit?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The max period of stay granted is five years. The primary factor determining the period of stay is the scale of the accepting company. However, a five-years period of stay is granted as a preferential treatment of Highly Skilled Professional visa. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a five-year period of stay even when employed by a smaller company.<\/p>\n<p>Most work permits are initially granted for periods of 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, or 3 months, and they can be extended an unlimited number of times at the immigration services bureau in Japan, allowing for a stay of more than 5 years in the country.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the Special Highly Skilled Professional Program (J-Skip) was established in April 2023. This is a status of residence that can be obtained by meeting certain educational background, work experience and annual income requirements other than calculating the points for highly skilled professional. J-Skip also grants a 5-year period of stay and allows access to preferential treatments added for highly specialized professionals, such as the use of priority lanes in airports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction allow dual nationality?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In general, Japan does not allow dual citizenship and the Nationality Act provides a\u00a0 mechanism that requires individuals to renounce one nationality in case of dual citizenship. However, this system does not guarantee complete resolution; and as of 2019, it is estimated that approximately 890,000 individuals hold dual nationalities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the most positive aspects of your immigration system compared to the rest of the world?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The fact that there is no fee for the application for Certificate of Eligibility, and that the minimum period of stay before applying for permanent residency from a work visa status, is likely appealing compared to other countries. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of work status, each with detailed definitions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are you facing any challenges resulting from a shortage of skills. If yes, which skills?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Working in Japan requires meeting certain criteria such as educational background and work experience, so issues like a lack of skills directly relevant to the job are less likely to arise. However, challenges in communication due to language barrier do exist.<\/p>\n<p>Under the current legal framework, the Technical Intern Training program is intended to transfer Japanese technology and knowledge to developing countries and support the development of human resources who will drive their economic growth. Therefore, it is fundamentally a status of residence for foreign nationals with limited skills. It has been decided that this system will be restructured into the Employment for Skill-Development program by 2027 with a revised purpose. The purpose of the new program is to secure and develop specified skilled workers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any plans in place to address green skills and\/or to support transition to green economies\u2019?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>While there are nationwide initiatives in place, there are none specifically related to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. One example is the Green Innovation Fund project, which is considered &#8220;cutting-edge industries in fields expected to grow and develop in the future,&#8221; and is eligible for additional points under the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points-based system. If a sponsoring company is meeting this criteria, their employee will be granted addional points when applying for the HSP status.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">5027<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/115618","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115618"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}