Zagdim Reader Desk · Japan work visa
Japan work visaJob requirements and application documents
If you already have an offer of employment in Japan, the first step is to confirm that your actual duties, your education and experience, and your pay meet the requirements of a work status of residence. The Zagdim Reader Desk first establishes your situation and the employer’s details, then shortlists suitable administrative scriveners in Japan.
The consular visa stage varies by country: how a Japanese embassy or consulate accepts applications, and the visa fee and its exceptions by nationality, depend on where you apply and the passport you hold. This page describes the general rule, often written from the position of applicants in Taiwan and Hong Kong; passport holders of the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Australia, Canada and other countries should confirm the position for their own nationality.
Information checked: 29 October 2026
01 · ABOUT
What a work visa depends on: start with your situation
Japan has several statuses of residence for work. This page focuses on Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務, often shortened to gijinkoku). Whether it applies starts from the actual duties of the job, set against your education and experience, your remuneration and the employer’s records.
- Education and experience must match the jobThe usual test is relevant university-level education, or at least 10 years of relevant practical experience; for international services, normally 3 years.
- Pay is measured against Japanese staffIt must be at least equal to what a Japanese national receives for equivalent work.
- Language evidence depends on the jobWhere the work relies on language ability, such as dealing directly with people, evidence equivalent to CEFR B2 is required. JLPT N2 is not required across the board.
Examines status of residence and related applications.
Logos belong to the respective bodies and are shown only to identify where a matter is handled. Zagdim is not affiliated with them.
Start with your current situation
Start with the closest situation:
Overseas, coming to Japan for the first time
- Type of applicationCertificate of Eligibility (COE). Once it is issued, you apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate; how applications are accepted depends on each mission.
- What to prepareOffer letter, job description, degree and employment history certificates, and the employer’s organisational documents.
- What the budget consists ofCOE application ¥0, single-entry visa about ¥15,000 equivalent (about US$95), and professional fees.
Next steps
- Confirm the employer’s organisation category with them and have the job description ready
Graduating in Japan, moving into work
- Type of applicationA change of status of residence made in Japan, from Student to a work status.
- What to prepareGraduation documents, residence card, employment contract and job description, and the employer’s documents.
- What the budget consists ofThe fee for a change of status depends on the period of stay granted (for one year: ¥33,000 at the counter, about US$205, or ¥27,000 online, about US$170), plus professional fees.
Next steps
- Check the expiry date on your residence card, then confirm your start date with the employer
Working in Japan, changing jobs
- Decide firstIf the new job stays within your current status, you file a notification concerning your contracting organisation (所属機関に関する届出). If it falls outside, you must first change your status of residence.
- Notification deadlineChanges such as leaving a job or signing a new contract must, as a rule, be notified within 14 days of the event.
- What the budget consists ofWhere a change is needed, the fee depends on the period of stay granted (for one year: ¥33,000 at the counter or ¥27,000 online). Professional fees are quoted by scope.
Next steps
- Note your leaving date and the date of the new contract, and have the new job description ready
Sources: Immigration Services Agency – Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services page and permission criteria, change of status of residence page, guidance on notifications concerning the contracting organisation / Ministry of Foreign Affairs – visa fees page. Checked 29 October 2026.
07 · EXPERTS & PROFESSIONALS
Who helps with the application?
Depending on the case, different Japanese professionals are involved.
Administrative scrivener
行政書士 · gyōsei shoshiA suitably qualified administrative scrivener can be engaged to prepare documents and submit residence applications on your behalf; where the law requires you to attend in person, you must still do so.
Lawyer
弁護士 · bengoshiGives legal advice on disputes and complex cases; submitting residence applications on your behalf requires separate qualification and notification.
MATCHING
How Zagdim shortlists the right professionals
What you need
Zagdim Reader Desk- Clarifying the need
- Matching providers
- Follow-up at key points
The right professionalZagdim Reader Desk
Free consultation · clarifying the need · matching · follow-up
No charge to readersProfessionals in Japan
Professional advice and handling
Quote · contract · payment · receiptWhether a professional can be arranged
- You tell the Reader DeskYour current situation, the employer’s location and your start date
- The Reader Desk checksWhether an administrative scrivener registered with the immigration authorities can be arranged
- The Reader Desk repliesIf it can be arranged, we say who will take it on. If no suitable provider is available, we say so plainly
08 · CONSULTATION
What happens next?
Four steps after you get in touch
- Contact the Reader DeskExplain your situation by WhatsApp or email and arrange a call.
- A written briefThe Reader Desk sets out your duties, education and experience, remuneration and residence position. Once you confirm it, the introduction is made.
- Introduction to a professionalIntroduction to an administrative scrivener. Before the introduction, the written quote, out-of-pocket costs and conditions for extra charges are confirmed with them.
- Quote and engagementThe professional explains what is missing and quotes; you decide whether to engage, and contract with and pay them directly.
Have the points below ready before you get in touch.
- Whether you are overseas or in Japan, and your current status of residence
- The employer’s name and what the work actually involves
- Your highest qualification and years of relevant experience
- Expected remuneration and start date
The Zagdim Reader Desk handles contact and follow-up.
