ItinerariesWorking in Japan: Visa Types, Job Search, and Work Culture
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japan needs foreign workers more than ever. Here's how to find work, get a visa, and navigate Japanese work culture.
Japan needs foreign workers more than ever. Here's how to find work, get a visa, and navigate Japanese work culture.
Work Visa Types
| Visa | Duration | Who It's For |
|---|
| Specialist in Humanities | 1 year, renewable | Teachers, writers, translators |
| Engineer/Specialist | 1 year, renewable | IT, engineers, designers |
| Intra-company Transfer | 1 year, renewable | Employees transferring to Japan branch |
| Working Holiday | 1 year | Ages 18–30 (select countries) |
| Highly Skilled | 5 years | Points-based, fast-track to PR |
| Student | Duration of study | Part-time work allowed (28 hrs/week) |
| Business Manager | 1 year, renewable | Entrepreneurs, business owners |
How to Get a Work Visa
Step 1: Job Offer
- Must have a job offer from a Japanese company
- Company sponsors your visa
Step 2: Documents
- [ ] Valid passport
- [ ] Visa application form
- [ ] Photo (4x3cm)
- [ ] Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — employer applies
- [ ] Job contract
- [ ] Academic transcripts
- [ ] Resume
Step 3: Apply at Embassy/Consulate
- Submit documents
- Processing: 5 business days to 1 month
- Receive visa in passport
Step 4: Arrive in Japan
- Apply for residence card at airport
- Register at city hall within 14 days
Job Search Resources
Online
| Site | Type |
|---|
| LinkedIn | International companies |
| GaijinPot Jobs | English-speaking jobs |
| Daijob | Bilingual jobs |
| Indeed Japan | General |
| CareerCross | English-speaking positions |
Recruitment Agencies
| Agency | Specialization |
|---|
| Robert Walters | International companies |
| Michael Page | Mid-senior positions |
| Hays | Various industries |
| Persol Career | Japanese companies |
Japanese Work Culture
The Basics
| Aspect | What to Expect |
|---|
| Hours | Long (40–60+ hours/week) |
| Overtime | Common, sometimes unpaid |
| Meetings | Frequent, consensus-driven |
| Hierarchy | Seniority matters |
| After-work drinking | Nomikai (飲み会) — expected |
| Vacation | 10–20 days/year (often unused) |
Etiquette
| Rule | Details |
|---|
| Punctuality | 5–10 minutes early |
| Business cards | Exchange with both hands |
| Bowing | Slight bow when greeting |
| Dress code | Conservative, formal |
| Language | Keigo (honorific Japanese) |
| Email | Formal, structured |
Tips for Foreigners
- Learn Japanese — essential for most jobs
- Be patient — building trust takes time
- Follow hierarchy — respect seniority
- Join nomikai — networking happens after work
- Document everything — Japanese business values records
- Don't say "no" directly — use indirect language
- Be punctual — being late is very disrespectful
Salary Ranges
| Position | Monthly Salary |
|---|
| English teacher | ¥250,000–350,000 |
| IT engineer | ¥300,000–600,000 |
| Business analyst | ¥300,000–500,000 |
| Marketing | ¥250,000–450,000 |
| Finance | ¥300,000–500,000 |
| Manager | ¥500,000–1,000,000+ |
Tips
- Working Holiday — easiest way to try living in Japan
- Learn Japanese — opens 10x more job opportunities
- Network — many jobs are through connections
- Be flexible — first job may not be ideal
- Understand labor laws — overtime, vacation, benefits
- Join unions — if you have concerns about working conditions
- Consider English teaching — easiest entry point for many
📱Stay Connected in Japan
Yesim eSIMs work on arrival — no physical SIM needed. Japan data plans from $5.
