Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (EHS/IS)
Who is this for?
This is the classic “white-collar” visa for foreign professionals. It's for engineers, IT professionals, designers, marketers, teachers (except language teachers at public schools), translators, and international business specialists.
Key Requirements:
- Must have a university degree or at least ten years of professional experience in the field (some categories, like IT, allow certain certifications as substitutes)
- Employment contract with a company in Japan
- Activities must match the visa status (e.g., a marketing specialist cannot work as a chef under this visa)
Specifics for 2025:
Japan continues to refine the points system, giving more weight to advanced IT professionals and those with international business experience. Language skills in Japanese are an advantage, but not always required if the company can sponsor you and operate in English.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Renewable indefinitely, allows family sponsorship, flexible within permitted fields
- Cons: You cannot easily switch professions; changes require immigration notification and, sometimes, new applications
Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSPV)
Who is this for?
Individuals with advanced expertise, high academic qualifications, or significant research or business achievements. The HSPV is point-based, with points awarded for academic background, professional experience, income, Japanese language skills, and other factors.
Key Requirements:
- Achieve at least 70 points on the HSPV system
- Recognized professional or academic track record
- Job offer in Japan that matches your specialty
- Valid university degree or proven expertise
Specifics for 2025:
The HSPV offers fast-tracked permanent residency after 1-3 years (shortest of all categories), permission for your spouse to work full-time, and the ability to sponsor parents under certain conditions.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Fast track to PR, maximum flexibility, work permission for spouse, broader activities allowed
- Cons: High bar for entry, strict documentation, and points must be maintained for renewals
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Types 1 & 2
Who is this for?
Introduced to address labor shortages in specific industries, the SSW is ideal for non-degree holders who have technical skills or experience.
Key Requirements:
- Pass skills and Japanese language exams (JLPT N4 or higher for Type 1)
- Offer of employment in one of 12+ designated sectors (nursing care, construction, food service, agriculture, etc.)
SSW Type 1:
- 5-year stay, no family sponsorship, can only work in your sector
- Transition to SSW Type 2 is possible after years of experience
SSW Type 2:
- For more advanced workers
- Indefinite renewal, family sponsorship allowed
- Only available in a handful of sectors
Specifics for 2025:
There is continued expansion of eligible sectors, and a growing push for SSW Type 2. More skills and language testing centers have opened outside Japan, making application easier for foreign workers.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Accessible for those without degrees, clear pathway for skilled trades, less competition for entry
- Cons: Limited to certain industries, less flexibility, limited family rights unless promoted to Type 2
Intra-Company Transferee Visa
Who is this for?
Employees of multinational corporations who are transferred from an overseas branch to a Japanese office.
Key Requirements:
- Must have worked at least 1 year in the overseas office
- Transfer must be within the same company group
- No academic degree required, but must match company’s role
Specifics for 2025:
Digitalization has streamlined the process for large companies. Intra-company transferees are exempt from many traditional visa hurdles but are not permitted to change employers while in Japan under this status.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Streamlined process, no need for Japanese language, allows managers and technical roles
- Cons: No path to PR unless status is changed, tied closely to employer
Instructor Visa
Who is this for?
For teachers at public schools, local governments, and sometimes at certain private institutions (not for eikaiwa or language schools—those are covered under EHS/IS).
Key Requirements:
- Job offer from a recognized educational institution
- Bachelor’s degree or teaching qualification
- Activities must be strictly teaching-related
Specifics for 2025:
There is an increased demand for foreign STEM instructors and teachers for regional revitalization programs. Opportunities are wider outside Tokyo and Osaka.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: High demand in rural areas, steady public-sector jobs
- Cons: Strictly tied to education sector, limited mobility if changing fields
Business Manager Visa
Who is this for?
Entrepreneurs, business founders, and investors who plan to start or manage a business in Japan.
Key Requirements:
- Must have a physical office in Japan
- Investment of at least 5 million yen (~$33,000 USD)
- Solid business plan and proof of funds
- Can also be used for managing an existing business
Specifics for 2025:
Japan is actively courting foreign entrepreneurs, especially in tech, biotech, and green energy. Some prefectures offer startup visas with support for obtaining a full Business Manager Visa.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Path to long-term stay, bring key staff, eventual eligibility for PR
- Cons: High upfront costs, business must remain viable, complex reporting requirements
