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Medical Services Visa
JapanJapan•Asia
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Medical Services Visa

Work 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 ¥15,000

Stay Duration

5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months

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

Work visa for qualified healthcare professionals. For doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other medical specialists. Requires relevant professional license.

The Medical Services Visa is Japan's work residence status for licensed healthcare professionals — including physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health practitioners — who have obtained the relevant Japanese professional license.

Stay periods of 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months are issued and renewable as long as employment and licensure continue. Dependents may join on Family Stay status and can work up to 28 hours per week with permission. Medical Services holders can pursue permanent residence through standard or high-skills pathways.

This visa is ideal for foreign-trained healthcare professionals who have passed Japan's national licensing examinations and hold a confirmed employment contract at a Japanese medical institution.

Japan

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Japan flagJapan

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details
Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must hold a valid Japanese medical license (e.g., doctor, dentist, nurse).

Must have a confirmed employment contract with a medical institution in Japan.

Must be engaged in professional medical services that require these specific qualifications under Japanese law.

Must meet the criteria for the specific medical profession as defined by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Certificate of qualification

Professional license

Employment contract

Educational credentials

License verification

Medical institution registration (sponsor)

Employment contract (sponsor)

Position description (sponsor)

Financial documentation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows qualified professionals to practice medicine legally in Japan.
  • Provides a stable, long-term work status (up to 5 years).
  • Facilitates integration into the Japanese healthcare system.

Worth Knowing

  • Foreign medical licenses are generally not recognized; passing the Japanese national medical licensing examination is mandatory.
  • The visa is strictly tied to the professional qualification; it cannot be used for general hospital management or non-clinical roles without specific authorization.
  • High level of Japanese language proficiency is typically required for clinical practice.

Application Process

1

Verify license acceptance

Confirm medical credentials accepted in Japan

2

Secure medical position

Receive employment offer from Japanese medical institution

3

Institution applies for COE

Medical organization submits Certificate of qualification application

4

Receive COE

Immigration Services Agency approves COE

5

Apply for visa

Submit visa application at embassy with COE

6

Pay visa fee

Pay 3,000 JPY

7

Receive visa

Visa stamped in passport

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Medical Services—

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