Entering اليابان

How to get a visa

• Temporary visitor visa

  Visit / tourism · Usually 15 / 30 / 90 days

  • File itinerary, funds and employment proof at a Japanese mission or designated agent. Chinese passports are often lodged via appointed travel agencies.
  • Visa-exempt entries receive a period of stay at the border and cannot switch to work status in Japan.

• Engineer / Humanities / International Services, or Highly Skilled Professional

  Work · 1–5 years, renewable

  • The Japanese host applies to Immigration for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
  • Exchange the COE for a work visa at a mission, then collect a residence card on arrival.

• Specified Skilled Worker (i) / (ii)

  Work · SSW (i) up to 5 years; SSW (ii) renewable with family

  • Pass the skills and Japanese tests, then be hired by a registered employer or support organisation.

• Student visa

  Study · Matches the course; part-time work with permission

  • The school obtains a COE; after graduation you may switch to work or a job-hunting designated activity.

Immigration routes

• Highly Skilled Professional points

  Points / invitation

  Points from education, salary and Japanese. 70 or 80 points unlock accelerated PR.

  Leads to PR：HSP is currently the fastest PR track in Japan.

• Ten-year work path

  Skilled work

  Ordinary work status for 10 years, including 5+ years of work, then PR.

  Leads to PR：The standard track: slow, but the criteria are clear.

• Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

  Skilled work

  Upgrade from SSW (i) to (ii) for long-term stay and family, then PR.

  Leads to PR：A skilled-trades route that does not use HSP points.

PR & citizenship