Japan · long-stay visa routes and official sources
5 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Japan: Medium (49/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Language school/student visa / Specified Skilled Worker.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Japan?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Language school/student visa / Specified Skilled Worker. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (49/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Japan without a local job offer?
Yes — 2 of the 5 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student / language school; Specified visa: Designated Activities (Digital Nomad). Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
General visa: Student / Status of Residence: Student
A study-based route requiring admission to an eligible education provider.
Typical timeline / duration: Period of stay is granted by immigration/status of residence, commonly according to study programme.
Acceptance by Japanese school/university/language institution; school normally obtains Certificate of Eligibility; applicant submits passport, visa application, photo, COE or copy, and any consulate-specific documents.
Proof of ability to pay tuition/living costs or financial supporter evidence may be requested; exact documents vary by consulate/nationality.
Employer-linked work route for approved Specified Skilled Worker fields.
Typical timeline / duration: SSW(i) is normally limited to five years in total; SSW(ii) can be renewed. Work is limited to the approved field and employer.
A job in an eligible Specified Skilled Worker field with a Japanese accepting organisation.
Pass the relevant field skills test and Japanese-language test, generally JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher, subject to field exceptions.
Employment contract, passport, application documents, and the Certificate of Eligibility or other consular evidence required for the status.
The employer must meet the accepting-organisation and support obligations for the relevant SSW category.
For white-collar roles such as IT, operations, translation, and sales.
Typical timeline / duration: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months, as granted by immigration
Have a contract with a Japanese public or private organisation for professional work requiring science or engineering knowledge, humanities knowledge, or foreign-culture-based skills.
Usually show a relevant university qualification or sufficient relevant experience; translation, interpreting, and similar roles also need evidence that the language and duties match.
The duties, remuneration, and employer must satisfy the status-of-residence criteria, with remuneration generally no less favourable than that paid to a Japanese worker in comparable work.
The Japanese employer or representative normally applies for a Certificate of Eligibility before the applicant applies for the visa and enters Japan.
Eligible nationality/region; intends to work remotely in Japan for a period not exceeding six months; application form/photo, passport, activity/period documents, proof of annual income, and insurance covering death/injury/illness.
Typical timeline / duration: 6 months; no extension granted.
Eligible nationality/region; intends to work remotely in Japan for a period not exceeding six months; application form/photo, passport, activity/period documents, proof of annual income, and insurance covering death/injury/illness.
Annual income JPY 10 million or more; insurance medical treatment coverage for injury/illness must be JPY 10 million or more.
Exists for high-net-worth long stay; better fit than generic retirement/passive-income visa.
Typical timeline / duration: Up to 6 months initially; possible extension to maximum 1 year under the long-stay sightseeing/recreation route.
Applicant aged 18+; savings equivalent to more than JPY 30 million; passport; visa form/photo; Certificate of Eligibility or schedule of stay plus documents proving savings and travel medical/death/disability insurance.
JPY 30 million savings threshold.
If spouse accompanies under the related designated activity, couple funds may be considered under the official documentation route.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.