Last updated 20 August 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Work visas to Japan for U.S. citizens
Business visa, Employment visa, SSW visa
Travel purpose:
Business
, work
, long stay
Work visas — what you need to know
Intended for foreign nationals who plan to move to Japan for long-term residence and work. This visa can only be obtained by individuals engaged in certain professions listed by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fees
¥15,000 (~$95)
Which work visas is best suited for you?
Professor visa
Eligible individuals
University professor, postdoctoral researcher, assistant professor
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Artist visa
Eligible individuals
Foreign artist
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Religious visa
Eligible individuals
Missionary, monk, bishop, representative of the clergy
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Journalist visa
Eligible individuals
Journalist, editor, reporter, cameraman, radio/TV announcer
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Business manager visa
Eligible individuals
Entrepreneur, business owner
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Legal and accounting services visa
Eligible individuals
Legal and accounting worker
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Medical services visa
Eligible individuals
Medical worker
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Researcher visa
Eligible individuals
Researcher, scientist
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Instructor visa
Eligible individuals
Instructor, language teacher, education teacher
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Specialist visa for engineering and international services
Eligible individuals
Engineer, specialist in humanities, in international services
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Intra-company transferee visa
Eligible individuals
Employee in transfer
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Nursing care visa
Eligible individuals
Care worker
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Entertainer visa
Eligible individuals
Entertainer, performer, artist
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 15 days to 3 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Skilled labor visa
Eligible individuals
Сhef, animal trainer, pilot, sports trainer, sommelier, etc.
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 5 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Specified skilled worker visa (i)
Eligible individuals
Specialist in industrial field
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 4 months to 1 year
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Specified skilled worker visa (ii)
Eligible individuals
Specialist in industrial field
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 6 months to 3 years
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)
Technical intern training visa
Eligible individuals
Foreign trainee
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
from 3 months to 1 year
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
¥15,000 (~$95)