1. Types of work visas in Japan

Japan offers nearly 30 different types of work permits and long-term visas, depending on the nature of a foreigner's work in Japan and their reasons for moving there. Specific work visas for various professions include artists, lecturers, journalists, professors, skilled workers, etc. The type of permit an employee applies for will determine how long they can stay in Japan, which can generally range from three months to five years.

In addition to professional work permits, Japan has recently introduced visas for professional skills, including:

• Specified Skilled Worker Visa: This visa is offered to foreign workers who come to Japan for employment and is intended to fill gaps in certain labor sectors. Japan hopes it will be able to bring in about 500,000 new foreign workers by 2025.

• Professional Skilled Visa 1-SSV1:  Only skilled workers in specific industries (such as shipbuilding, agriculture, nursing, etc.) can apply for this visa. You need to pass a Japanese language test and a technical test. The certificate is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years. If job seekers want to stay for more than five years, they need to apply for a 2-SSV2 visa.

• Specialized Skills Visa 2-SSV2:  Job seekers can renew this visa indefinitely and bring their family members to Japan. Individuals currently living and working in Japan on a 1-SSV1 visa can apply for this specific visa only if they have acquired a more advanced specialized skill.

2. Requirements for obtaining a Japanese work visa

For individuals entering Japan for any reason other than tourism, they must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before obtaining a work permit or visa. This COE will clearly state that the job seeker can legally enter Japan for work, family, or other qualifying reasons. This certificate is required during the visa application process, so employees must first obtain this certificate before taking any further steps.

It is important to note that different visa types have different specific requirements. For example, individuals seeking to obtain a work visa in Japan may need to provide a resume as well as original copies of their university degree certificates. Other common requirements include:

• Job opportunities provided by Japanese companies

• passport

• visa application

• photo

III. Application Process

The first step in applying for a work permit in Japan is to find a sponsor, usually an employer. An individual or a local sponsoring agency needs to submit an application to the regional immigration office to obtain a COE. The COE application process includes:

• Submit a completed job application form

• Submit a 4 cm x 3 cm photo

• Provide a reply envelope with a 392 yen stamp

• Prepare all supporting documents

• Submit a letter of guarantee

If your employees intend to apply for a skilled professional visa, they will also need to submit a points calculation form. The points system assesses applicants based on their skills, and a cumulative score of 70 points or more is a requirement for obtaining a visa. At the same time, as an employer, you will also need to prepare some documents for the visa application process, including:

• Guarantee

• Invitation card

• Visa applicant list

• Details of your company or organization

• Travel itineraries in Japan

IV. Other important considerations

Applicants will need to pay a fee for the type of Japanese work visa they are applying for. The amount of the fee depends on the type of visa, the applicant's nationality, and whether they choose a single or multiple entry visa. Generally speaking, the fee for a single entry visa is 3,000 yen or 30 US dollars, and the fee for a multiple entry visa is 6,000 yen, or 60 US dollars.