Visa Tips for Working in Japan – What You Should Know Before You Apply

Planning to work in Japan?

Getting a job is exciting—but the visa process can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.

Many people ask:

“Which visa do I need?”
“Can I apply from overseas?”
“How long does it take?”

At GreenNest, we meet many people who dream of working in Japan but feel unsure about the paperwork, process, and rules.

That’s why we created this simple guide—so you can feel more confident before you apply.

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🗂️ Common Types of Work Visas in Japan

Here are three popular visa types for people who want to work in Japan:

1. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

• For most office jobs, English teaching, translation, marketing, and IT
• Requires a university degree or work experience in a related field

2. Instructor Visa

• For people teaching at public schools (often via ALT programs)
• Usually sponsored by dispatch companies or school boards

3. Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou)

• For jobs in fields like caregiving, food service, or construction
• Requires a skills test and basic Japanese level (N4 or above)

➡ Tip: Always check the latest visa types and eligibility on Japan’s Immigration Bureau website or consult with your future employer.

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📝 Important Things to Know Before You Apply

✔️ You usually need a job offer first

In most cases, you cannot get a visa without a sponsor. A company in Japan needs to hire you and provide the documents.

✔️ Japanese language helps a lot

Even for jobs that require English, knowing some Japanese can make your life easier, both during the process and after arrival.

✔️ The paperwork can be slow

It may take 1–3 months to get your visa approved. Be patient, and make sure your documents are complete.

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💡 GreenNest Tip: Prepare beyond paperwork

Getting a visa is just the beginning.
Living and working in a new country also means handling stress, adapting to a new culture, and sometimes… feeling lost.

That’s why at GreenNest, we support not only your career path—but also your mental and emotional well-being.

• Not sure how to talk to your boss?
• Feeling overwhelmed by cultural differences?
• Want to build confidence in Japanese conversations?

We’re here to help—with casual counseling, easy Japanese lessons, and friendly local support.

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✅ You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

The visa process can feel cold and official.
But behind it is a personal journey—and that’s where GreenNest comes in.

If you’re thinking about working in Japan, let’s talk.
We’re happy to guide you gently, step by step, toward a life that feels good—not just possible.

→ Ask for help
→ Counseling