Hello, this is Hong from IMS Legal Professional Corporation.
According to data published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the number of foreign residents reached a record high of 3,768,977 by the end of 2024. This figure includes both mid-to-long-term residents and special permanent residents. For more details, see the report "Foreign Residents in Japan as of the End of 2024."
With the current Specified Skilled Worker system and the upcoming Development Employment program (which will replace the Technical Intern Training system), combined with Japan’s ongoing labor shortage, the number of foreign nationals living in Japan is expected to grow steadily. In fact, a study by the Japan Research Institute predicts that by the 2040s, Japan could become a society where one in ten people is foreign-born. How Japan adapts to and supports multicultural coexistence will be a major issue moving forward.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the different types of visas (residency statuses) available for those who are considering a long-term stay or permanent relocation to Japan.
If You Want to Work in Japan
To live and work in Japan, you must first obtain a job offer from an employer or organization in Japan. Without a designated host (company, university, or research institution), you cannot apply for a work visa.
There are several types of work visas, and the right one depends on the nature of your employment and your workplace. For example, visas differ for engineers, researchers, language teachers, and intra-company transferees.
The Highly Skilled Professional visa, which operates on a points-based system, is also an option for those with advanced qualifications. However, many mistakenly believe that meeting the points requirement alone qualifies them to apply. Like all work visas, this one still requires a valid job offer in Japan.
Key point: To work in Japan, job hunting or assistance from a recruitment agency will likely be necessary.
If You Want to Start a Business in Japan
If you plan to launch a business, you will generally need to establish a company in Japan and apply for a Business Manager visa (or a Highly Skilled Professional visa). While setting up a company is relatively straightforward, obtaining a Business Manager visa requires fulfilling detailed criteria regarding business plans, funding, office space, and staffing.
You may also be eligible for a Startup Visa or J-Find (Future Creation Talent) program. These allow you to stay in Japan for up to two years to prepare your business. Once the preparatory phase is complete, you can apply to change your status to a Business Manager visa.
If You Are Married to a Japanese National
If you are married to a Japanese citizen or planning to relocate to Japan with your Japanese spouse after an overseas assignment, the applicable visa is Spouse or Child of Japanese National.
There are three main ways to obtain this visa:
Your Japanese spouse returns to Japan first and applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
A relative living in Japan applies for the COE on your behalf.
You enter Japan together on a short-term (tourist) visa and then apply for a change of status while in Japan.
Note: Citizens of visa-exempt or non-exempt countries must enter on a 90-day Short-Term Stay visa for this option.
What About Permanent Residency or Naturalization?
Some people contact us from overseas saying they want to apply for Japanese permanent residency or even acquire Japanese nationality. However, neither of these options is available to individuals who have not yet lived in Japan.
You must first live in Japan on a mid- to long-term visa for a certain period, meet stability and contribution requirements, and only then apply for permanent residency or naturalization.
Conclusion
Japan does not have a general immigration visa or investment-based citizenship system. To move here long-term, your activities must match an existing visa category. If you're unsure which visa is right for you, or if you need assistance with applications for a work visa, business visa, permanent residency, or naturalization, feel free to contact IMS. Our experienced team is here to help.
