Japan Work Visa from India
Japan’s population is shrinking, and it now recruits abroad more actively than at any time in its history. India and Japan have agreements to support the movement of skilled workers and technical trainees. There are three main routes for Indians: the standard professional visa for graduates, the Specified Skilled Worker visa for trained workers in shortage sectors, and the points-based Highly Skilled Professional visa.
The routes compared
| Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, International Services | Specified Skilled Worker | Highly Skilled Professional | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | Graduates in IT, engineering, business, translation, design and similar roles | Workers in designated sectors such as care, construction, manufacturing, food service, agriculture and hospitality | Researchers, engineers and managers with high points |
| Requirement | A relevant degree, or ten years’ experience, and a job offer | A skills test for the sector and a Japanese language test at basic level, plus a job offer | 70 points for education, experience, salary, age and bonuses, plus a job offer |
| Japanese | Not required by law. Usually needed for the job | Basic level required | Not required. Earns points |
| Family | Allowed | Not at the first level. Allowed at the second | Allowed, with extra privileges |
| Permanent residence | After 10 years as a rule | Time at the first level does not count the same way | After 1 to 3 years |
The process
A Japanese employer offers you a job.
The employer applies in Japan for a Certificate of Eligibility.
With the certificate, you apply for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in India.
You receive a residence card on arrival.
What to know
- Language is the deciding factor. Technology firms hire English speakers, but career progress and daily life depend on Japanese.
- Salaries in technology are lower than in the US or Singapore, and working culture is demanding.
- The technical intern programme is being replaced by a new employment-for-skill-development system. Use only sending organisations approved by the Indian government for trainee and skilled worker placements.
Questions people ask us most
Can I work in Japan without Japanese?
In some IT and research roles, yes.
Is there an age limit?
No formal limit for these visas.
Want advice for your profile?
Tell us your occupation, age and target country. A specialist checks your options before you spend anything.