Residence in Japan: permits and requirements
Living legally in Japan is possible through 6 permit types: work, permanent, family, study, other. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Residence type #1 of 6
Work permit for foreign professionals in engineering, the humanities or international commerce. The most common residence status for skilled workers.
Requirements
- University degree or at least 10 years of relevant professional experience
- Employment contract with a registered Japanese company
- Salary comparable to that of a Japanese worker in the same position
- No criminal record in Japan
- The company must show the need to hire a foreigner
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Application for a change of residence status (in Japan) or COE (from abroad)
- Job offer letter and employment contract
- University degree or work-experience certificates
- Financial statements of the employing company
- Photos (4x3 cm)
- Company registration certificate
Frequently asked questions about residence in Japan
How many types of residence permits are there in Japan?
Japan offers 6 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, permanent, family, study, other. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Japan last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 year, 3 years or 5 years; 5 years (HSP Type 1 standard); after 3 years you may apply for HSP Type 2 (permanent with simplified renewal); Indefinite (residence document renewed every 7 years); 6 months, 1 year, 2 years 3 months or 4 years 3 months (per the study program). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Japan be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Japan (6 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Japan?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport; Formulario de solicitud; Passport-size photos. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Japan lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Japan.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Japan?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about residence pathways in Japan, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.