Work in Japan on a Skilled Worker Visa (HSP & SSW II)

Japan is an advanced East Asian island nation and the world’s 4th-largest economy (GDP approx. USD 4.28 trillion, 2025). Recognized globally for its innovation, precision manufacturing, robotics, and strong technological ecosystem, Japan remains a leading destination for skilled professionals worldwide.

Due to its aging population and shortage of domestic workers, Japan is increasingly opening its doors to international talent through a range of structured work visa programs. High-demand industries include information technology, engineering, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and several specialized technical fields — offering stable job opportunities, competitive salaries, and long-term career growth.

Japan’s highly organized work culture, efficient public systems, and exceptional living standards further enhance its appeal for foreign workers seeking professional development and global exposure.

Japanese language proficiency is not mandatory to apply for a Japan Work Visa, enabling skilled professionals from UAE and around the world to explore career opportunities in one of the world’s strongest economies.

Capital: Tokyo | Population: ~125 million Official Language: Japanese | Currency: Japanese Yen (¥) ≈ ₹0.58

Why Work in Japan?

• Strong economy with high demand for international talent
• Labour shortages across 14+ key sectors like engineering, caregiving, food service, construction, and agriculture
• 2.3 million job openings for foreign workers under SSW and Skilled Professional visas
• Growing foreign workforce, making cultural integration easier
• Clear routes to long-term residency and Japan PR through work visas, HSP visas, or SSW pathways

Benefits of Working in Japan

• Stable jobs & good salaries: Strong demand for foreign talent across IT, engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality.
• Skill growth: Exposure to advanced technology, global work standards, and a disciplined work culture.
• High quality of life: Safe cities, excellent healthcare, strong education system, and efficient transport.
• Family-friendly: Dependents can join you, and spouses can work part-time.
• Pathway to Japan PR: Work visas, HSP, and SSW routes offer long-term residency and PR options.
• Government support: Access to language training, career support, and integration programs.
• Tax advantages: Fair taxation through international tax treaties.
• Global mobility: Long-term residents may later qualify for Japan PR and a strong passport.
• Child allowance: Monthly support of ¥10,000–¥15,000 per child for eligible residents.

Types of Japan Work Visas

Major In-Demand Sectors in Japan

Japan’s labour market is experiencing rapid change due to advanced automation, a declining population, and widespread shortages across its workforce. To address these challenges, employers are increasingly hiring skilled foreign professionals through various Japan work visa programs and Japan work visa sponsorship opportunities.

The table below highlights in-demand occupations in Japan with the average annual salaries:

Top Companies in Japan Hiring Foreign Professionals

Key Tips for Foreign Professionals

• Use Trusted Job Platforms: Explore employer-friendly portals such as JETRO’s “Open for Professionals (OFP)” and other reputable job sites that feature companies actively hiring foreign talent in Japan.
• Confirm Visa Sponsorship: Choose employers that clearly offer Japan work visa sponsorship, relocation support, and an English-friendly work environment—important for professionals applying from UAE or overseas.
• Focus on High-Demand Industries: Prioritise roles in sectors with major workforce shortages, including IT, engineering, manufacturing, global business services, hospitality, and caregiving. These industries offer some of the strongest job opportunities in Japan.
• Apply for English-Friendly Positions: Many multinational organisations and top Japanese IT companies operate in English, making them ideal for foreign candidates who may not be fluent in Japanese yet.
• Build Basic Japanese Skills: While Japanese is not mandatory for many Japan work visa types, learning the language significantly improves your job prospects, earning potential, and ability to integrate into Japanese work culture.
• Emphasize Global Experience: Highlight your international exposure, multicultural communication skills, and technical expertise—attributes that Japanese employers highly value when hiring foreign professionals.
• Prepare Japan-Format Documents:
  Ensure you create a Japan-style resume (rirekisho) and a structured CV to align with local hiring standards and increase your chances of progressing through screenings.

Market Background & Trends in Japan

• Rising Foreign Employment: Japan now employs over 2 million foreign workers, and the number continues to grow each year due to ongoing labour shortages.
• Expanded Skilled Worker Programs: The government has broadened the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program to more sectors, strengthening pathways for international recruitment.
• High-Demand Sectors: Urgent hiring needs exist in IT, engineering, nursing care, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, and logistics.
• Skilled Visa Pathways: Popular work visas include SSW-I & II, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (E/SH/IS), and the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa.
• Migration System Reform: Japan is phasing out the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and replacing it with a more transparent system offering smoother transitions to long-term visas.
• Growing Labour Gaps: Government projections indicate a potential shortfall of 1 million workers by 2040, ensuring long-term demand for global professionals.
• Fast-Track Residency Options: The HSP Visa offers accelerated eligibility for Permanent Residency in as little as 1–3 years for highly skilled applicants

Steps to Apply for a Japan Work Visa

Step 1: Sign Up for Job Search Services
Register with Y-Axis for expert guidance and personalised job search support.

Step 2: Get a Job Offer
Y-Axis connects you with verified Japan employers offering visa-sponsored roles.

Step 3: Employer Applies for CoE
Your employer submits the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) application with documentation support from Y-Axis.

Step 4: Apply for the Visa
Submit your work visa application and required documents through your employer, with end-to-end assistance from Y-Axis.

Step 5: Fly to Japan
After approval, Y-Axis supports your relocation, travel, and post-arrival procedures.

Japan Work Visa Fees

Additional Costs (If Applicable)

While applying for a Japan Work Visa, applicants may incur a few additional or situation-based expenses depending on personal requirements, documentation, and relocation plans. Below is an estimate of common optional costs skilled professionals might encounter:

• Medical Examination: ¥3,000–¥10,000
  (Cost varies by clinic, visa type, and tests required)
• Document Translation & Notarisation: ¥3,000–¥12,000 per document
  (For documents that must be submitted in Japanese during the visa process)
• National Health Insurance (NHI): ¥1,500–¥2,500 per month
  (Approximate contribution after arrival in Japan)
• Airfare to Japan: AUD 350–900 (one-way)
  (Varies based on airline, season, and departure city for relocation)
• Currency Reference: ¥1 = approx. AUD 0.010

Japan Work Visa Processing Time

Note: Processing timelines may vary depending on documentation completeness and the workload of Japan’s immigration authorities.

Factors Affecting Japan Work Visa Processing Time:

• Type of Visa Applied For: Processing times differ across Japan Work Visa categories such as Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (E/SH/IS), and the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa.
• Applicant’s Nationality: Processing duration may vary based on the applicant’s nationality and the depth of background checks required during the immigration process.
• Accuracy & Completeness of Documents: Any missing, incorrect, or inconsistent documents can trigger additional screening, leading to delays in the overall Japan Work Visa timeline.
• Embassy or Consulate Workload: High application volumes or peak travel seasons can slow down processing at the Japan Embassy or Consulate.
• Additional Verification Steps: If immigration authorities need further verification of your job offer, employer credibility, qualifications, or work history, the processing time may extend.

Convert your Japan Work Visa to PR

You can convert your Japan Work Visa to Permanent Residency through the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) route within a year.

Final Recommendations for Professionals Planning to Work in Japan

For Young Skilled Professionals (Ages 25–35)

• High earners in IT, engineering, consulting, or research:
  Apply for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa to access Japan’s fast-track Permanent Residency (PR) pathways and long-term career opportunities.
• Mid-level professionals with a Bachelor’s degree:
  The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (E/SH/IS) visa is the most accessible and widely used route for professionals aiming to secure stable Japan work visa sponsorship and job opportunities in Japan.
• Skilled workers without a degree:
  Start with the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type I visa, and once eligible, transition to SSW Type II to unlock long-term stay options and potential pathways to Japan permanent residence.

Strategic Pathway to PR

• Begin with the Engineer/Specialist visa if you hold a Bachelor’s degree.
• Build professional experience, increase earnings, and accumulate points to qualify for the HSP Visa (70 points or more).
• Apply for Permanent Residency in Japan after completing the required residency duration—options vary from 1 year, 3 years, or 5–10 years depending on your visa type and point score.

How can Y-Axis help you?

As a leading overseas immigration consultancy in the UAE, Y-Axis delivers unbiased, personalised services for 25+ years. Our experts provide end-to-end support to help professionals secure a Japan Work Visa and build their careers in Japan.

Our comprehensive services include:

• Y-Axis Resume Writing Services to help you create a strong, Japan-ready resume.
• Expert guidance for your Japan work visa process.
• Review of all documents and your visa application form.
• Complete support for end-to-end application processing.
• Y-Axis Job Search Services to help you find suitable job opportunities in Japan.