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Designated Activities (Housekeeper / Domestic Helper)
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

Designated Activities (Housekeeper / Domestic Helper)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥50,500–¥51,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year (renewable)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

This visa allows foreign housekeepers, nannies, or domestic helpers to be privately employed by qualifying foreign residents in Japan (such as diplomats, business managers, or highly skilled professionals).

This is a Japan Designated Activities visa for domestic helpers (housekeepers, nannies) privately employed by qualifying foreign residents, including highly skilled professionals, business managers, and diplomats. The employer must hold specific residence status and have a household income of at least 10 million yen.

The helper receives up to 1 year of stay (renewable), must earn at least 200,000 yen per month, and must be able to converse in the employer's daily language. The visa is tied directly to the employer's residence status and offers no PR pathway; dependents are not permitted.

This visa is ideal for experienced domestic workers seeking employment with high-income foreign professionals or diplomats in Japan who need live-in household support.

Japan

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Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visaJPY ¥15,000
Multiple-entry visaJPY ¥30,000
Change of Status (In-person)JPY ¥6,000
Change of Status (Online)JPY ¥5,500
TotalJPY ¥50,500–¥51,000

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Employer must hold specific status (HSP, Business Manager, Diplomat)

Employer household income must be at least ¥10 million

Helper must be at least 18 years old

Helper must receive a monthly salary of at least ¥200,000

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

200,000 JPY/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport and Visa Application Form

Certificate of qualification (COE)

Employment contract (min ¥200k/month)

Proof of employer status and income (¥10M+)

Proof of family circumstances or prior employment

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows domestic support for high-income foreign professionals
  • No formal Japanese language test required

Worth Knowing

  • Visa is tied to employer's status; if employer leaves, visa is invalidated
  • No pathway to PR
  • Dependents not allowed
  • Employer income below ¥10 million
  • Employer does not hold qualifying status
  • Helper unable to communicate in employer's language

Application Process

1

Conclude employment contract

2

Employer applies for COE in Japan

3

Send COE to helper

4

Helper applies for visa at Embassy

5

Enter Japan and receive Residence Card

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Visa Application Form
Visa Application Form (General) — MOFA standard entry visa application
Fill online
COE Application Form
Certificate of qualification Application Form — filed with Immigration Services Agency
Fill online

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