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Work permits in Tokyo, Japan are governed by the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. In Japan, the term "work permit" is often referred to as a work visa or working status of residence. There are various types of work visas depending on the nature of the job and qualifications of the applicant. These include visas for professors, artists, religious activities, journalists, highly skilled professionals, and more. To legally work in Tokyo, foreign nationals must obtain the appropriate work visa that matches the activities they intend to engage in.
While many applicants successfully navigate the work permit process without legal representation, there are common situations where you might require legal help:
In Tokyo, as in the rest of Japan, work visa applications are primarily handled by the Ministry of Justice through its Immigration Services Agency. Key aspects of the relevant local laws include:
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document issued before a visa application that verifies you meet the criteria for the specific status of residence. To obtain a COE, you or a representative in Japan must apply to the regional immigration bureau with jurisdiction over your or your representative's address.
The processing time for a work permit can vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending upon the type of visa and current workload of the Immigration Services Agency.
No, working on a tourist visa is illegal in Japan. You must obtain the appropriate work visa to engage in any paid activities.
Dependents can work in Japan, but they must obtain permission from the Immigration Services Agency and are restricted to a certain number of working hours per week.
You should apply for an extension before your current visa expires. Failing to do so can lead to overstay penalties, including fines and possible deportation.
After living and working in Japan for a certain number of years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, which would allow you to work indefinitely without the need for a specific work visa.
Yes, but if the scope of work is different from what was permitted under your original visa, you will need to apply for a change of status of residence.
This system grants preferential immigration treatment based on a points system that evaluates your skills and contributions in various categories. Achieving a certain number of points can lead to benefits such as longer visa durations and a simpler path to permanent residency.
If you meet the requirements, you can change your status of residence to a work visa from within Tokyo; this is a separate procedure from visa applications made at embassies or consulates outside Japan.
If your application gets denied, consult with an immigration lawyer to understand the reasons for denial and to explore your options for reapplication or appeal.
For further information and assistance, you can refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) also provides guidance for foreign nationals and companies planning to work or establish a business in Japan. Additionally, various non-profit organizations and local international community centers offer support and advice to foreigners in Tokyo.
If you need legal assistance with securing a work permit in Tokyo, the first step is to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer who is well-versed in Japanese immigration laws. They can help you navigate the application process, provide representation if necessary, and offer advice tailored to your specific situation. Ensure that any lawyer you choose is licensed to practice in Japan and has a track record of assisting foreign nationals with immigration matters.
