Working Visa in Japan｜Application Process and Support by Immigration Lawyer in Osaka
Introduction｜What is a Work Visa in Japan?
In order for foreign nationals to work in Japan, it is necessary to obtain a work visa (status of residence).
However, there is no single “work visa.” Instead, there are more than 16 categories depending on the type of activity, such as Professor, Business Manager, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor, and Highly Skilled Professional.
For example, IT engineers generally apply under Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, chefs specializing in foreign cuisine apply under Skilled Labor, and company founders or executives apply under Business Manager.
This page provides an easy-to-understand overview of work visa applications in Japan (with a focus on Osaka), and explains in detail the different procedures such as inviting someone from overseas, changing status of residence, renewal, job change, and re-application after a refusal.
Five Main Routes of Application
The procedure you need to follow depends largely on your current situation.
In general, there are five common routes for obtaining or maintaining a work visa in Japan:
- Inviting someone from overseas (Certificate of Eligibility)
- Changing status of residence within Japan
- Renewing an existing work visa
- Procedures after changing jobs (Certificate of Authorized Employment)
- Re-application after a refusal
Case Guide｜Five Typical Procedures
Inviting someone from overseas (Certificate of Eligibility)
The Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) is required when inviting a foreign national from abroad to work in Japan.
The CoE is issued by the Immigration Bureau in Japan, and then submitted to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate overseas in order to obtain a visa.
This is common when companies hire graduates from overseas universities as engineers or language specialists. During screening, immigration carefully checks whether the applicant’s education and work experience match the job description. If not, the application may be refused.
👉 Guide to Inviting Someone from Overseas
Changing status of residence within Japan
This procedure applies to those already residing in Japan who need to change to a work visa.
Typical examples include changing from a Student Visa to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, or from Dependent Visa to a work visa.
The key point is consistency between the applicant’s educational/work background and the new job description. Even with a formal employment contract, if the work is deemed too close to simple labor, the application will be refused. Supporting documents and detailed explanations are essential.
👉 Guide to Changing Status of Residence
Work Visa Renewal
This is the process of extending an existing work visa before it expires. If you fail to renew in time, your stay will become illegal.
Immigration will carefully check whether the applicant has continued to work properly, and whether taxes and social insurance contributions have been paid. For example, missing tax certificates or errors in year-end adjustment documents can result in refusal. Renewals after changing jobs are particularly scrutinized.
👉 Guide to Work Visa Renewal
Changing jobs (Certificate of Authorized Employment)
When changing jobs, foreign nationals may apply for a Certificate of Authorized Employment.
While not mandatory, it is highly recommended as it reassures new employers that the existing visa covers the new role, and it can be advantageous for future renewals or permanent residency applications.
This is particularly useful for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, which has a broad scope of activities that immigration officers may interpret differently.
👉 Guide to Changing Jobs
Re-application after a refusal
Even if an application is refused, it is possible to reapply after addressing the reasons for refusal.
Typical reasons include a mismatch between job duties and visa category, insufficient documents, or income below the required standard.
A strong re-application requires submitting supplementary evidence, such as a detailed job description from the company or tax payment certificates. With the right preparation, approval is achievable.
👉 Re-application after a refusal
Major Work Visa Categories (Highlights)
Although there are 16 types of work visas, the following are the most common:
| Status of Residence | Activities | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | Work requiring specialized knowledge | IT engineers, translators, international trade staff |
| Business Manager | Managing or operating a company | Company founders, executives |
| Skilled Labor | Work requiring specific skills | Foreign cuisine chefs, jewelers |
| Highly Skilled Professional | Advanced professional activities | Researchers, highly skilled IT professionals |
👉 For details, see our upcoming Work Visa Categories (16 types) page.
▶ For more details on the Business Manager Visa, click here
Common Reasons for Refusal
Applications are often refused for reasons such as:
| Reason | Example |
|---|---|
| Job duties do not match visa type | Applying for Engineer/Specialist while job duties are close to simple labor |
| Insufficient education or experience | Applying for a position requiring a university degree with only a high school diploma |
| Unstable income | Annual income only around ¥2,000,000, judged insufficient for independent living |
| Unpaid taxes or social insurance | Unpaid resident tax or National Pension contributions |
Even minor oversights can lead to refusal. Tax and social insurance payments are particularly important, as they are tied to the “good conduct” requirement.
Support Services by Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office
We provide comprehensive support for all work visa matters:
- Certificate of Eligibility applications
Preparing documents for hiring from abroad, coordinating requirements for both company and applicant. - Status change and renewal applications
From student-to-work visa changes to renewals after job changes, ensuring all supporting documents such as tax and social insurance certificates are complete. - Certificate of Authorized Employment for job changes
Helping applicants prepare explanations to demonstrate that their new duties are covered by their current visa. - Refusal analysis and re-application planning
Analyzing refusal notices, identifying weak points, and preparing strategies for re-application. - Application filing by a licensed immigration lawyer
As a certified Administrative Scrivener with immigration filing rights, we can submit applications on your behalf so you don’t need to visit immigration in person.
👉 From individual job-seekers to corporate employers, we provide total support to ensure smooth work visa applications in Japan.
FAQ｜Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does the work visa process take?
Usually 1–3 months, but it can take longer in busy seasons or if extra documents are required.
Q2. I just got a job offer. When can I start the visa application?
Once you have an employment contract or offer letter. For overseas hires, start preparations at least three months in advance.
Q3. Can I get a work visa for part-time or casual work?
No. Work visas require full-time employment with stable income.
Q4. Can I hold a work visa and student visa at the same time?
No. You can only hold one status of residence at a time. You must change to the appropriate status.
Q5. If my application is refused, can I reapply?
Yes. You must analyze the refusal reason and provide additional documents.
Q6. Do I need a Certificate of Authorized Employment if I change jobs?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended for smooth renewals and employer confidence.
Q7. Does having a work visa mean I can immediately apply for permanent residency?
No. Permanent residency usually requires 10 years of residence, stable income, and proper tax/social insurance payments.
Q8. Can I bring my family to Japan?
Yes. Work visa holders can apply for Dependent Visa for spouses and children, provided income requirements are met.
Q9. How early can I apply for a visa renewal?
Within three months before the expiration date. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
Q10. What are the benefits of hiring an Administrative Scrivener?
Reduced risk of refusal, professional document preparation, and application filing without you needing to go to immigration.
Conclusion
Work visa procedures in Japan differ greatly depending on your occupation and current residence status.
Whether inviting someone from overseas, changing status, renewing, changing jobs, or reapplying after refusal, choosing the correct route is the key to success.
If you want to ensure a smooth and successful work visa application in Osaka, or if you are worried about document preparation or potential refusal, please feel free to contact us.
No Additional Fees – Clear and Transparent Pricing
Our prices are exactly as listed on our website. No hidden costs.
Even in cases with frequent overseas travel history, previous visa denials, or unstable income, we do not charge additional fees. We offer our services under a clear and transparent pricing system.
We provide free re-application support if your application is denied.
If your application submitted by Office Ishinagi is denied, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there is a reasonable chance of approval.
We are committed to helping clients who choose our office obtain their visas as quickly and smoothly as possible.
In the unlikely event of a denial, we will support you until the visa is approved.
Feel Free to Contact Us Anytime
- You’ve found a job but don’t know how to handle the paperwork
- You want to switch to a work visa from your current status
- You want to continue working at the same company but are concerned about renewal or income
Whether it’s before or after employment, if you have any uncertainties, please feel free to reach out.
Please contact us using the inquiry form below.
If you are in a hurry, feel free to call us at
06-7777-3467
(9:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Monday to Friday)
Please note that we may be unable to answer immediately if we are assisting other clients.
In that case, kindly leave a voicemail, and we will call you back as soon as possible.
About Our Privacy Policy
To learn about the privacy policy of “Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office,”
please refer to the link below:
Representative Administrative Scrivener: Takanori Ishinagi
Japan Federation of Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialists (Registration No.: 24260930)
Osaka Administrative Scrivener Association (Membership No.: 008905)
Certified Immigration Agent (Notification No.: Gyō-172025200093)
Neo Heights Shin-Yodogawa Room 406,
1-20-18 Jūsōhigashi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0023, Japan
Feel free to contact us.
We will respond politely and clearly.
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
※ Email and LINE inquiries are accepted 365 days a year.