Japan•Asia

Open

Skilled Labor (技能)

Skilled Migration Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥9,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

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

The Skilled Labor (技能) visa is a Japan work visa for foreign nationals with advanced, specialized vocational skills in nine defined occupations — including foreign cuisine chefs, aircraft pilots, sports instructors, wine sommeliers, and jewelry technicians. A job offer from a Japanese employer is mandatory.

Most categories require 10 years of professional experience; sports instructors may qualify with 3 years or proven international competition credentials. Stay periods run up to 5 years and are renewable. Dependents may accompany on a family stay visa and work up to 28 hours/week with separate authorization.

This visa is ideal for highly experienced vocational specialists — chefs, pilots, coaches, sommeliers — who hold a Japanese job offer and want long-term, renewable work status.

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Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visa feeJPY ¥3,000

Multiple-entry visa feeJPY ¥6,000

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applicationJPY ¥0

TotalJPY ¥9,000

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Japan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing4-6 months

View Visa Details

Japan

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years

Processing2–4 weeks

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must possess advanced vocational skills in one of the nine designated categories (e.g., foreign cuisine chef, aircraft pilot, sports coach, etc.).

Must have significant professional experience (typically 10 years, though some categories like Thai cuisine or sports coaching have different requirements).

Must have a valid job offer from a Japanese organization.

Must demonstrate that the skills are unique or specialized and not easily available in the Japanese labor market.

Must meet specific criteria for the chosen category (e.g., flight hours for pilots, international competition experience for coaches).

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

10+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Visa application form.

Passport-sized photograph.

Certificate of qualification (COE).

Employment contract.

Proof of professional experience (e.g., certificates, letters from previous employers, logbooks).

Relevant licenses or qualifications (e.g., pilot license, sommelier certification).

Company registration and financial documents of the hiring organization.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows for long-term residency and renewal.
Allows family members to accompany the visa holder.
Recognizes and utilizes highly specialized, niche professional skills.
Provides a stable career path for experts in specific trades.

Worth Knowing

Strictly limited to the nine defined occupational categories.
High burden of proof for professional experience (documentation must be thorough).
Visa is tied to the specific job and employer.
Does not cover general labor; must be highly specialized.

Application Process

Identify the specific category of skilled labor and ensure all experience requirements are met.

Secure a job offer from a Japanese employer.

Employer applies for a Certificate of qualification (COE) in Japan.

Applicant receives the COE and applies for the visa at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate.

Upon approval, enter Japan and obtain the Residence Card.

Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Identify the specific category of skilled labor and ensure all experience requirements are met.; Sec…

mofa.go.jp

Dependent Visa

Yes, dependents can accompany

jetro.go.jp

Dual Intent

false

mofa.go.jp

Fee Breakdown

Single-entry visa fee: 3000 JPY; Multiple-entry visa fee: 6000 JPY; Certificate of Eligibility (COE)…

mofa.go.jp

Fees

Varies by nationality (typically 3,000 JPY for single entry, 6,000 JPY for multiple entry)

mofa.go.jp

Forms

—

mofa.go.jp

Included Nationalities

—

mofa.go.jp

Job Offer Required

true

mofa.go.jp

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

32% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥3,240,000

Quality of Life

181/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

This visa is ideal for highly experienced vocational specialists — chefs, pilots, coaches, sommeliers — who hold a Japanese job offer and want long-term, renewable work status.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must possess advanced vocational skills in one of the nine designated categories (e.g., foreign cuisine chef, aircraft pilot, sports coach, etc.).

Must have significant professional experience (typically 10 years, though some categories like Thai cuisine or sports coaching have different requirements).

Must have a valid job offer from a Japanese organization.

Must demonstrate that the skills are unique or specialized and not easily available in the Japanese labor market.

Must meet specific criteria for the chosen category (e.g., flight hours for pilots, international competition experience for coaches).

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

10+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Visa application form.

Passport-sized photograph.

Certificate of qualification (COE).

Employment contract.

Proof of professional experience (e.g., certificates, letters from previous employers, logbooks).

Relevant licenses or qualifications (e.g., pilot license, sommelier certification).

Company registration and financial documents of the hiring organization.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows for long-term residency and renewal.
Allows family members to accompany the visa holder.
Recognizes and utilizes highly specialized, niche professional skills.
Provides a stable career path for experts in specific trades.

Worth Knowing

Strictly limited to the nine defined occupational categories.
High burden of proof for professional experience (documentation must be thorough).
Visa is tied to the specific job and employer.
Does not cover general labor; must be highly specialized.

Application Process