YOKOSO Japan

Support for Expats in Japan

YOKOSO Japan Expat & Work Visa Solutions

Embrace the Dream: Turn Your Vision of Living and Working in Japan into Reality

At YOKOSO Japan, we believe that your dream of living and working in Japan should be within reach. With our comprehensive expat programs, expert visa assistance, and holistic support services, we help you not only overcome the logistical challenges but also immerse yourself in the vibrant Japanese lifestyle. Whether you’re planning to work in Japan’s bustling metropolis, explore its rich cultural heritage, or build a long-term career, we are your trusted partner every step of the way.

Are you ready to take the leap into an exciting new chapter of your life? Contact YOKOSO Japan today and let us help you make your vision a reality.

Imagine This: The Perfect Friday Evening in Japan

It’s Friday evening, and you’re strolling home after a productive week. The streets are alive with energy, and as you pass rows of cozy, budget-friendly restaurants, you’re drawn to one serving hot, savory Tonkotsu Ramen. The creamy broth and rich flavors are the perfect end to your week. While savoring your meal, you start planning your weekend: should you dive into the vibrant nightlife and create unforgettable memories, or escape to a serene mountain onsen for ultimate relaxation? Then it hits you—why not do both? In Japan, you can.

Does this lifestyle sound like the dream you’ve been waiting to pursue? If so, you’re not alone—and the good news is, making it a reality just got easier as we got good news for you. Japan has recently introduced two new expat visa categories: the J-Find and J-Skip visas. Whether you’re a recent university graduate searching for your first big opportunity or an experienced professional ready for a fresh challenge, there’s now a visa designed to fit your goals.

Welcome to Your Gateway to Japan: Work Visas and Expat Programs

Japan offers a diverse range of work visas that cater to nearly every career goal and experience level. Whether you’re a recent university graduate ready to embark on your first major career or an experienced professional seeking a fresh challenge, there’s a visa tailored for you. Keep reading for a snapshot of the relevant visa options, one of which could be the key to making your dream of living and working in Japan reality.

Which Work Visa Is Right for You?

Japan offers a diverse range of work visas tailored to nearly every career path, experience level, and personal goal. Below is a structured overview that outlines each visa option, key requirements, and who they best cater to.

1. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Designed for individuals with exceptional academic achievements and specialized skills, this visa operates on a points-based system that evaluates factors like education, work experience, and salary.

Key Requirements:

  • University degree or equivalent professional experience
  • High-income job offer in Japan
  • Sufficient points based on Japan’s scoring system

Who It’s For:

  • Executives, researchers, and specialists seeking accelerated paths to permanent residency

2. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa

Ideal for professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, translation, teaching, and marketing. Applicants must possess a university degree or comparable experience and secure a valid job offer from a Japanese company.

Key Requirements:

  • University degree or equivalent
  • Employment offer in a relevant field

Who It’s For:

  • Recent graduates and mid-career professionals looking for international work experience

3. Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa

Targeted at addressing labor shortages in specific industries, this visa requires applicants to pass skills proficiency and basic Japanese language tests.

Key Requirements:

  • Proficiency in a specific trade or skill
  • Successful completion of relevant tests

Who It’s For:

  • Individuals with specialized skills in sectors like nursing care, construction, food services, or hospitality

4. Technical Intern Training Visa

This visa provides foreign nationals the opportunity to gain technical skills through on-the-job training in designated organizations. It is strictly regulated, with training periods typically lasting up to five years.

Key Requirements:

  • Employment with a designated training organization
  • Adherence to strict training quality standards

Who It’s For:

  • Those looking to acquire technical skills or specialized trade experience in Japan

5. Intra-Company Transferee Visa

This visa facilitates the transfer of employees within multinational companies to branch offices in Japan. Applicants must have worked for the company abroad for a specified period, often at least one year, and hold a role that requires specialized expertise or managerial skills.

Key Requirements:

  • Minimum one year of work experience with the company abroad
  • A role necessitating the transfer of specialized skills or management expertise

Who It’s For:

  • Professionals relocating within their current company to a Japanese office

6. Business Manager Visa

Tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners, this visa is for individuals looking to establish or manage a business in Japan. A detailed business plan, proof of sufficient capital (usually around 5 million yen or more), and a physical office in Japan are required.

Key Requirements:

  • Comprehensive business plan
  • Sufficient capital investment
  • Physical office space in Japan

Who It’s For:

  • Entrepreneurs and business owners aiming to launch or expand a business in Japan

7. Designated Activities Visa

A flexible visa category that covers specific cases not addressed by other visas, granted on a case-by-case basis for special projects, cultural exchanges, or research. Requirements vary according to the nature of the activity.

Key Requirements:

  • Documentation and justification tailored to the specific project or activity
  • Approval from Japanese immigration authorities

Who It’s For:

  • Individuals with unique or niche objectives that fall outside standard visa categories

8. Working Holiday Visa

This visa is popular among young travelers (typically 18-30 years old) from partner countries. It allows you to balance study, work, and travel in Japan. Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds for initial expenses and meet health and character criteria.

Key Requirements:

  • Age requirements (usually 18-30)
  • Proof of funds for living expenses
  • Meeting health and character standards

Who It’s For:

  • Young travelers looking for a flexible, immersive experience that combines work and exploration

9. J-Find Visa

A newly introduced visa aimed at assisting new graduates and early-career professionals in finding employment in Japan. It offers streamlined application processes and support designed to match talent with employer needs.

Key Requirements:

  • Recent graduation or early-career status
  • Ability to meet specific eligibility criteria set out in the program

Who It’s For:

  • Individuals entering the job market with limited experience and looking for a guided transition

10. J-Skip Visa

Designed for experienced professionals, the J-Skip Visa offers greater flexibility by reducing bureaucratic hurdles typically associated with the application process. It caters to those with a proven track record and specialized skills who are looking to advance quickly in their careers.

Key Requirements:

  • Documented professional experience and specialized skills
  • A streamlined application process tailored for higher-level roles

Who It’s For:

  • Seasoned professionals ready for a career leap in Japan

This incredible variety means there’s likely a visa that’s perfect for your unique situation. However, it can also be overwhelming. With differences in duration, application requirements, and the flexibility they offer, choosing the right visa can feel daunting.

Turn Your Dream of Living and Working in Japan into Reality

At YOKOSO Japan, we understand that planning a long-term move to Japan for work can feel overwhelming. But navigating Japan’s visa application process doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. At YOKOSO Japan, we’ve walked this path countless times, overcoming the complexities of different visa types and application processes.

Start your life in Japan with YOKOSO Japan Expat & Work Visa Solutions

As an expat moving to Japan for work, you might feel overwhelmed by the complexities of choosing the right visa, dealing with extensive immigration paperwork and language barriers, navigating the unfamiliar Japanese job-hunting system, securing affordable housing, and understanding financial systems like insurance, taxes, and pensions, all while trying to integrate into a new culture.

Our team of experts at YOKOSO Japan knows exactly how to tackle these issues and is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your journey. Here’s how we can help you overcome these challenges:

  • Expert Visa Guidance:
    We provide personalized assistance in selecting and applying for the visa that best suits your profile—ensuring all documentation is accurately prepared and submitted to avoid delays or rejections.
  • Comprehensive Paperwork and Translation Services:
    Our experienced team handles the intricate details of immigration paperwork and offers professional translation services, so language barriers and bureaucratic complexities become a thing of the past.
  • Tailored Job Placement Support:
    Leveraging our deep understanding of the Japanese shushoku system, we connect you with trusted employers, prepare you for interviews, and offer strategic advice to secure job opportunities that match your expertise and career goals.
  • Housing and Financial Counseling:
    We help you find ideal accommodation in cities that suit your lifestyle and provide expert counseling on navigating Japan’s insurance, tax, and pension systems—ensuring your financial stability and peace of mind.
  • Ongoing Cultural Orientation and Community Building:
    With our extensive cultural orientation resources, regular community events, and continuous on-site support, we make sure you integrate smoothly into Japanese society, build meaningful relationships, and truly thrive in your new environment.

By connecting you with trusted local resources and offering ongoing cultural orientation, we build a strong support network to help you settle in, overcome challenges, and thrive in your new life in Japan.

At YOKOSO Japan, our comprehensive services are designed to turn your dream of living and working in Japan into a reality. Contact us today and let our expert team guide you through every step of your successful transition to Japan.

YOKOSO Japan – Your Trusted Partner

Here’s how we can help you overcome initial challenges on the way towards your future career in Japan:

  • Expert Guidance: We’ve spent years researching the intricacies of Japan’s work visas, including the fine print that often gets overlooked.
  • Tailored Support: Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a corporate professional, or just starting your career, we’ll match you with the visa that maximizes your opportunities.
  • Time-Saving Advice: Avoid common mistakes and streamline your application process with our proven strategies.

Unlike extremely costly legal consultations that can’t guarantee success in getting granted a visa, we offer practical, personalized advice from experts who have been in your shoes. Countless of times.
Tell us about your vision of working in Japan, and together, we’ll make it happen. From selecting the right visa to completing your application, YOKOSO Japan is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to take the leap? Contact us today and start your exciting new chapter in Japan.