Skilled Labor Visa for Chefs in Japan: How to Prove 10 Years of Experience

“I want to bring in a skilled chef from abroad to recreate authentic flavors.”

For restaurant owners in Japan sharing this sentiment, the biggest hurdle is often obtaining the “Skilled Labor” (調理師 – Chef) visa status.

For chefs, the fundamental requirement is typically 10 years or more of practical experience. Many applications are abandoned simply because proving this experience is too difficult. In this article, we provide an expert perspective on the application process, focusing on the critical issue of “how to prove practical experience.”

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Basic Requirements for the Skilled Labor Visa (Chef): Why 10 Years?

The Skilled Labor visa is intended for foreign nationals possessing “skilled techniques” that are difficult to substitute within Japan. For chefs, this means not just the ability to cook, but long-term professional experience in a specific national cuisine (e.g., Chinese, French, Indian).

Exceptions for Reduced Experience Periods

While 10 years is the rule, there are exceptions where the required period is shortened.

Case	Required Practical Experience
General Foreign Cuisine Chefs	10 years or more
Thai Cuisine Chefs (Japan-Thailand EPA)	5 years or more (+ specific qualifications/track record)
Period specializing at a foreign educational institution	Can be counted towards practical experience

What Counts Towards the 10 Years (and What Doesn’t)

Careful calculation of the 10-year period is crucial.

• Included: Periods spent specializing in that specific type of cuisine at a foreign educational institution (e.g., culinary school).
• Excluded: Part-time work experience, apprenticeship periods (outside of a formal educational curriculum), and periods of illegal employment within Japan.

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The Biggest Challenge: Collecting “Certificates of Employment”

The most important—and often most arduous—documents to prepare for a Skilled Labor visa application are the Certificates of Employment. You must obtain these from every workplace over the past 10 years.

What if a Previous Employer Has Closed Down?

If a certificate cannot be issued because a previous restaurant has gone out of business, scrutiny by immigration authorities becomes extremely strict. However, before giving up, consider these alternative measures:

• Copies of the business permit from that time.
• Corporate registration documents.
• Written statements from former colleagues or owners (objective corroborating evidence is necessary).Note: These are exceptional measures and are assessed on an individual basis.

Key Points for Obtaining Documents from Overseas & Notarization

Documents issued overseas require specific attention to avoid suspicion of forgery.

1. Detailed Information: Clearly state the period of employment, job duties (specifically what type of cuisine), and contact information.
2. Notarization: Getting the document authenticated by a local notary public in the originating country is often recommended.
3. Japanese Translation: Accurate Japanese translations must be attached to all foreign language documents.

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Requirements for the Hiring Restaurant in Japan

Immigration authorities strictly vet not only the chef’s abilities but also whether the hiring restaurant genuinely requires a skilled foreign chef.

Criteria for Menu, Equipment, and Scale

• Menu: Is the level of specialization in foreign cuisine high? (General izakayas or ramen shops face difficulty in obtaining approval).
• Equipment: Is there appropriate kitchen equipment installed for preparing the specialized cuisine?
• Scale: Does the restaurant have a certain number of seats, and is the business stable?

Salary Balance with Japanese Employees

Hiring a foreign national simply to pay them less is not permitted. You are obligated to pay remuneration equal to or greater than that of a Japanese national engaged in the same duties.

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Points for the “Statement of Reason” to Avoid Rejection

The “Statement of Reason” submitted to the Immigration Bureau, explaining why this specific chef is necessary, can determine the success or failure of the application.

1. Proving Specialization: Concretely state how the chef’s specific skills—not just anyone’s—will contribute to your restaurant.
2. Business Continuity: Use recent financial statements and business plans to demonstrate the stability required to continue paying their salary.

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Conclusion: Preparation is 90% of Success for Chef Visas

For Skilled Labor visa applications for foreign chefs, the consistency of documentation is paramount. Once an application is rejected, the hurdle for re-application becomes significantly higher.

If you have concerns about proving 10 years of experience or gathering the necessary documents, please do not hesitate to consult with Ishinagi Office. We will propose the optimal application strategy tailored to your restaurant’s specific situation.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

If you would like to renew or change your work visa quickly and reliably, or if you feel uncertain about the application process, please feel free to consult with our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka. We provide support for clients from all over Japan, making use of our extensive experience in dealing with the Immigration Bureau.

If you wish to proceed with your work visa renewal or change of status smoothly and with confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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