To work in Japan, foreign nationals must obtain a status of residence that permits employment (a work visa).

Companies that hire foreign nationals should first confirm, as a basic hiring condition, that the individual holds a work visa.

Types of Work Visas

There are currently 19 types of work visas recognized in Japan.

● Diplomat: Members of diplomatic missions, diplomatic couriers, etc.

● Official: Administrative and technical staff and service staff of diplomatic missions, etc.

● Professor: University professors, associate professors, assistants, etc.

● Artist: Composers, lyricists, painters, sculptors, craftspeople, photographers, etc.

● Religious Activities: Monks, bishops, missionaries, and other religious workers, etc.

● Journalist: Newspaper reporters, magazine reporters, editors, news photographers, announcers, etc.

● Highly Skilled Professional: Persons recognized as having advanced qualities and abilities

● Business Manager: Company presidents, executives, etc.

● Legal/Accounting Services: Lawyers, judicial scriveners, certified public accountants, tax accountants, etc.

● Medical Services: Lawyers, judicial scriveners, certified public accountants, tax accountants, etc.

● Researcher: Researchers, investigators, etc.

● Instructor: Teachers at elementary, junior high, and high schools, etc.

● Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: Science and engineering professionals, IT engineers, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers, etc.

● Intra-company Transferee: Persons transferred to a Japanese branch (or head office) of the same company, etc.

● Nursing Care: Care workers holding certified care worker qualifications, etc.

● Entertainer: Musicians, actors, singers, dancers, athletes, models, etc.

● Skilled Labor: Chefs of foreign cuisine, animal trainers, pilots, sports trainers, sommeliers, etc.

● Specified Skilled Worker: Persons engaged in work requiring skills based on knowledge or experience in 14 specified industrial fields / industries requiring proficient skills

● Technical Intern Training: Technical intern trainees accepted from overseas subsidiaries, etc., and technical intern trainees accepted through supervising organizations

Which Work Visas Are Most Common Among Foreign Nationals Working in Japan?

According to figures on foreign workers by status of residence released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as of October 2020, the number of foreign workers was 1,724,328.

This was an increase of 65,524 people (4.0%) compared with the previous year.

Among those holding a status of residence in Japan, the largest group is “Status of Residence Based on Status or Position,” at 546,469 people.

“Status of Residence Based on Status or Position” refers to “Permanent Resident,” “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” and “Long-Term Resident,”

four types in total.

Looking at statuses of residence that permit work (by work visa), “Technical Intern Training” accounts for the largest share at 402,356 people (23.3% of all foreign workers),

followed by “Activities Outside Status” for international students and others at 370,346 people (21.5%), and “Statuses of Residence in Professional or Technical Fields” at

359,520 people (20.8%).

Changing from “Technical Intern Training,” Which Has Large Numbers of Residents, to “Specified Skilled Worker”

“Technical Intern Training,” the most common work visa, has seen frequent issues such as disappearances linked to poor workplace conditions, and the substance of the program itself has come under scrutiny.

Under “Activities Outside Status,” which allows international students to work, there have been cases of illegal employment exceeding the 28-hour work limit, and as the number of foreign residents has grown, problematic cases have also increased.

The “Specified Skilled Worker” work visa was likewise established with the aim of improving problems arising from the Technical Intern Training Program and the acceptance of international students.

At present, due to factors such as travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and inadequate coordination between sending organizations and accepting organizations, “Specified Skilled Worker” has seen a growth rate that was not as expected.

Meanwhile, what is currently drawing attention in foreign talent hiring is the procedure for changing status of residence from “Technical Intern Training” to “Specified Skilled Worker.” With new acceptance of Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals from overseas remaining temporarily on hold, transitions from technical intern trainees account for the current Specified Skilled Worker foreign workforce.

Such changes of work visa status are expected to have a major impact on the hiring of foreign nationals that companies seek.

Matching Work Visas with Your Company’s Work

Which work visa a foreign national under consideration for hire holds is a key point that company HR should confirm first.

It is necessary to select foreign nationals whose work visas align with the hiring plans required for your company’s operations.

Points to confirm when hiring foreign nationals:

・That they hold a work visa, or have obtained permission for activities outside their status of residence.

・That the foreign national’s work visa permits activities suited to the department or duties for which your company wishes to hire.

・That the employment period aligns with the period of stay.

・When long-term employment is expected, confirm the period of stay on the work visa.

・That the foreign national is not an illegal worker.

Employment beyond the scope of activities permitted under a status of residence can result in the crime of promoting illegal employment, punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 3 million yen

, so confirming the status of residence of foreign nationals you hire is important.

Management of Work Visas (Statuses of Residence) Is Required

Companies that employ foreign nationals must continue, even after hiring, to manage matters related to their work visas, including the scope of activities, period of stay, and renewal procedures.

For management of work visas and statuses of residence, proceed with employment management based on the information stated on the residence card held by the foreign national.

In the case of Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals and technical intern trainees, management of status of residence cannot be handled by the individual alone, so it is carried out under the supervision of the employing company, support organizations, and similar bodies.

For foreign nationals with a “Status of Residence Based on Status or Position”—namely “Permanent Resident,” “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” and “Long-Term Resident,”

these four types—there are no work restrictions, making it easier for hiring companies to select foreign nationals who meet their hiring criteria,

and because the foreign nationals themselves can manage their status of residence, handling can be closer to that for Japanese employees.

Summary

We have explained the work visas that allow foreign nationals to work in Japan. When companies hire foreign nationals,

confirm that they hold a work visa and matters such as changes of status of residence, so that foreign nationals and companies can build better employment relationships.