Hiring Foreign Employees in Japan: Visa and Work Permit Requirements

Application Process for Work Permits and Visas

Once the employer has secured the COE, the foreign worker can proceed with the work visa application. This involves submitting the COE along with other required documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate.

Step-by-Step Guide for Applying for Work Visas

1. Obtain a Job Offer:

   The first step is for the foreign employee to secure a job offer from a Japanese employer. The employer will then begin the process of obtaining the COE.

2. Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE):

   The employer submits the COE application to the Immigration Bureau in Japan. This document certifies that the foreign employee meets the requirements for working in Japan.

3. Submit the Visa Application:

   Once the COE is issued, the foreign employee submits their visa application to the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country. The COE must be included along with other documents such as a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and passport-sized photos.

4. Receive the Work Visa:

   After the application is processed, the foreign employee will receive the work visa, allowing them to travel to Japan and begin working.

Processing Time, Fees, and Supporting Documents Required

• Processing Time:

  The total processing time for obtaining a work visa in Japan, including the COE, can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the specific visa category.

• Fees:

  The cost of applying for a work visa in Japan ranges from JPY 3,000 to JPY 6,000 (USD 25-50), depending on the type of visa and whether it allows single or multiple entries.

• Required Documents:

  In addition to the COE, the applicant must provide:

  • A valid passport
  • Completed visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Employment contract or job offer letter
  • Academic qualifications and relevant certifications

Compliance with Japanese Labor and Immigration Laws

Employers must ensure that they comply with Japanese labor laws and immigration regulations when hiring foreign workers. This includes adhering to employment quotas, providing equal treatment to foreign employees, and ensuring that the company meets its legal obligations.

Labor Market Testing and Other Legal Obligations for Employers

While Japan does not require formal labor market testing (proving that no local worker can fill the job), employers must demonstrate that the role requires the specific skills and qualifications of the foreign employee. This is particularly important for positions involving specialized knowledge or expertise.

• Compliance with Immigration Laws:

  Employers must monitor the visa status of their foreign employees and ensure that all work permits are up-to-date. Failure to comply with immigration laws can result in penalties, fines, or the cancellation of the employee’s visa.

• Equal Treatment of Foreign Workers:

  Employers are legally required to provide foreign employees with the same working conditions and benefits as their Japanese counterparts, including fair wages, safe working environments, and access to social security and health benefits.

How AYP Can Help

Navigating Japan’s complex visa and work permit regulations can be daunting for businesses. AYP offers comprehensive Professional Employer Organisation (PEO) and Employer of Record (EOR) services in Japan to help companies simplify the process of hiring foreign employees.

AYP’s services include managing the work permit and visa application process, ensuring compliance with Japanese immigration and labor laws, and handling payroll and benefits for foreign employees. With AYP’s expert support, businesses can focus on growing their operations while we handle the administrative complexities of hiring foreign talent in Japan.