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Instructor (教育)
JapanJapan•Asia
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Instructor (教育)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥45,000

Stay Duration

3 months to 5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

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

Renewable work status for qualified teachers and language instructors employed at School Education Act schools in Japan, with family accompaniment options.

The Instructor (教育) visa covers foreign nationals teaching at School Education Act schools in Japan — elementary, junior high, high, and special-needs schools, and certain vocational colleges. Applicants need a bachelor's degree or teacher's licence, or 12 years in the subject language, or 5 years' teaching experience.

Stays of 3 months, 1, 3, or 5 years are granted and renewable. Dependents can accompany; spouses may work up to 28 hours per week with a separate permit. Permanent residence becomes available after 10 years. Fees are ¥15,000 (single-entry) or ¥30,000 (multiple-entry) since 1 July 2026.

This visa is ideal for qualified teachers or language instructors with a job offer from a Japanese school who want a renewable, long-term work status with family accompaniment options.

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Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visaJPY ¥15,000
Multiple-entry visaJPY ¥30,000
TotalJPY ¥45,000

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Resident (永住者)
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Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
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Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a job offer from a Japanese educational institution (e.g., elementary, junior high, high school, vocational school).

Must engage in language instruction or other educational activities.

Must possess a university degree (bachelor's or higher) or equivalent, OR a teacher's license for the subject.

For foreign language instruction without a degree/license, must have 12 years or more of education in that foreign language.

For other subjects without a degree/license, must have 5 years or more of teaching experience in that subject.

Must be sponsored by a Japanese employer who acts as a guarantor.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support oneself during the stay.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Visa application form.

Passport-sized photograph.

Certificate of qualification (COE).

Employment contract or letter of appointment.

Academic and professional CV.

Proof of qualifications (e.g., university degree, teaching certificates).

Additional documents may be required based on nationality or specific school requirements.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows for long-term residency in Japan.
  • Provides a stable path for professional development in the Japanese education sector.
  • Qualifying for renewal of stay.
  • Allows for family accompaniment (spouse and children) under the Dependent visa status.

Worth Knowing

  • Visa is tied to the specific employer; changing jobs requires a new visa or change of status.
  • Strict requirements regarding the type of educational institution.
  • Processing times can vary; applying early is recommended.
  • Must adhere to the specific activities permitted under the visa.

Application Process

1

Secure a job offer from a Japanese educational institution.

2

Employer applies for a Certificate of qualification (COE) at a regional immigration office in Japan.

3

Once the COE is issued, the employer sends it to the applicant.

4

Applicant applies for the visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate using the COE, passport, and application forms.

5

Visa is issued; applicant travels to Japan and receives the Residence Card upon arrival.

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