Japan Work Visa for Egypt: A Step-By-Step Guide

Processing Time to Get Your Japan Work Visa  

It will take 1-3 months to get your Japan Work Visa from Egypt. All International talents looking to work in Japan for more than 90 days (3 months) need a Japan Work Visa before entering Japan. ^[1] It’s essential that you start the process three months from when you need to be in Japan. Too late and you’ll run out of time, but too early and some of your documents’ validity might expire.  Within the 1-3 months time frame, you will be able to process all the requirements needed to apply for a visa, apply for a visa, and receive your approved visa. This time frame, however, does not include the amount of time you need to secure a job offer which is essential for a Japanese Work Visa. You can find out more about that from our complete guide on how to look for a job in Japan as an Egyptian.  

Now, let’s drill down into everything you need to know about Japanese Work Visas! This comprehensive guide will walk you through start to finish—and beyond. We’ll also run you through the vital visa-related actions you need to do upon landing in Japan, renewing your visa, and key factors to know as early as possible if you’re interested in a permanent residence in Japan.  

Without further ado, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a work visa for Japan:  

Step 1: The Main Japanese Work Visa Requirement for Egyptians: Secure a Job Offer 

The first requirement to securing a work visa for Japan is to prove that you have signed an offer with a Japanese company. Your company will be acting as your sponsor guaranteeing that you will be able to afford living in Japan. You can learn more about getting a job in Japan as an Egyptian in our comprehensive guide.   

With some Japanese companies that are highly experienced with taking in foreign talents, including Egyptians, they might do the whole process of securing a Japanese Visa for you.  If not, the job agency (such as FAST OFFER International) you worked with may assist you with the visa application process.  

Typically, after signing your contract with the Japanese company, the HR department will guide you through the process. Your company will also help you get the visa that best fits your job description. There are 16 kinds of Japanese Working Visas based on job type and qualifications.^[2] 

Different kinds of work visas in Japan:  

• Professor (Examples: university professor, assistant professor, assistant, etc.)  
• Artist (Examples: composers, songwriters, artists, sculptors, craftspeople, photographers, etc.)  
• Religious activities (Examples: religious people such as monks, bishops, missionaries, etc.)  
• Journalist (Examples: newspaper journalists, magazine journalists, editors, news camera operators, announcers, etc.)  
• Business manager (Examples: company presidents, directors, etc.)  
• Legal/Accounting services (Examples: attorneys, judicial scriveners, public accountants, tax accountants, etc. certified in Japan)  
• Medical services (Examples: physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, etc. certified in Japan)  
• Researcher (Examples: researchers, investigators, etc. at research institutes, etc.)  
• Instructor (Examples: teachers, etc. at elementary schools, intermediate schools, and high schools)  
• Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services (Examples: scientific engineers, IT engineers, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers, etc.)  
• Intra-company transferee (Examples: people transferred to the Japanese branch (head office of the same company, etc.)  
• Nursing care (Example: certified care worker)  
• Entertainers (Examples: musicians, actors, singers, dancers, sportspeople, models, etc.)  
• Skilled labor (Examples: chefs specializing in the food of a foreign country, animal trainers, pilots, sports trainers, sommeliers, etc.)  
• Specified skilled worker (Work-ready foreign nationals possessing certain expertise and skills in certain industrial fields.)  
• Technical intern training (Examples: Technical intern)  

Step 2: Get Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for your Japanese Work Visa as an Egyptian 

Processing time: 1-3 months.  

As soon as you sign with your company, their HR department will also give you a list of requirements for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Your employer in Japan, as your visa sponsor, will apply for the COE on your behalf. The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau.^[3] It confirms that you meet the entry requirements to land and work in Japan and are not taking part in any fraudulent activity. 

It is important to submit your COE requirements as soon as possible. You can only start the process once you have at least an emailed digital copy of your COE.  

Required documents you need to submit to your company for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE):  ^[4]  

Here are the documents your company will ask from you to process the COE: 

• A completed COE application form. There are different COE forms depending on your purpose. You can download a form for your category from the Japan Immigration Services Agency website. 
• A scanned copy of your passport. (Make sure your passport is valid for the next 6 months) 
• 3×4 cm Passport-size photo of you 
  • Taken within the last three months.  
  • Dimensions: 4cm x 3cm  
  • Taken within the last three months  
  • Plain and light-colored background, without any patterns and shadows  
  • You must be starting straight ahead, with a neutral facial expression  
  • Your face has to be fully visible 
  • The picture must be good quality (focused, clear, and sharp) 
• Signed Work Contract with your Japanese Company indicating salary, position, and employment duration 
• CV Resume 
• Additional documents on a case-to-case basis: 
  • Academic credentials (Transcript of Record, diplomas, and additional certificates mentioned in your resume) 
  • For Mid-career applicants, Certificate of Eligibility from all former employers to prove resume-cited work experience. It’s recommended that after you leave an employer, you get a copy of your COE right away.  

Step 3: Japan Work Visa Application from Egypt^[5]  

• Processing Time: The time to process an application for visa depends on the applicant’s circumstances. In most cases, it takes four business days to a week (including the date of application), if the documentation is in order. 

Where To Apply for Your Japan Work Visa from Egypt 

Once you receive your COE, you can apply for a work visa at the Japanese Embassy in Egypt.   

Embassy of Japan in Cairo ^[6] 

• Address: 81 Corniche El Nil Street, Maadi,  
• Office hours: Sunday through Thursday (except Embassy holidays) | 09:00- 14:00 (09:00-13:00 during Ramadan) 
• Closed: Fridays, Saturdays and Embassy Holidays 
• Please be at the consular section at least 15 minutes before closing time. 

Japan Work Visa Fee in Egypt ^[7]  

Japanese Work Visa Fee: 640 Egyptian Pounds + (Optional) Agency Service Fee  in cash  

The total cost of your “Single-Entry” Japan Work Visa depends on three factors: when you filed your application, if you pass the application process, and if you used a third-party agency.  

The cost for Japanese visas changes with every Japanese fiscal year (April 1 – March 31 of the next year). Thus, the cost of your Japanese work visa will depend on when you start your application. However, you will not have to pay this fee if your visa is rejected. On the other hand, if you use a third-party agency to help you, you’ll have to pay their service fee either way.  

Required Documents for your Japanese Work Visa as an Egyptian ^[8] 

• One filled out and signed visa application form. 
• Recent passport-sized photo (white background). 
• Passport Valid for the Next 6 months  
• Original or Copy of Certificate of eligibility  
  • If you have an electronic Certificate of Eligibility, please present it at the visa application counter or submit a printed copy 
• Note: Expiration date is three months from the date of issue 

Reminders for your Document Requirements   

Here are a few technical things to remember when gathering the required documents for visa application:   

• Additional documentation may be requested with your application, depending on your status or circumstances.  
• Print out a copy of your COE 
• Do not staple documents. 
• Any visa document sending by fax or mail without the Egyptian Embassy’s consent is NOT acceptable. ^[9]  

Possible Work Visa Challenges  

Reasons for Visa Rejection  

Here are some of the possible reasons why a visa application can be rejected according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: ^[10]  

• Applications from persons holding Japanese nationality  
• The application is made to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General outside your country (region) of birth or country (region) of residence.  
• You currently hold a valid visa or re-entry permit.  
• Your previous visa application to visit Japan for a specific purpose was rejected and you reapplied to visit Japan for the same purpose within six months of the rejection.  
• The visa application is already being processed at a different Japanese Embassy / Consulate General.  
• There are some errors or omissions in the submitted documents.  
• The period of validity or the visa attachment space of your passport is insufficient.  
• The application is made by a person without the qualifications to make a proxy application.  
• An application for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility is still pending.  
• The applicant does not qualify for the status of residence due to insufficient income to live independently in Japan.  
• Documents failed verification of the applicant’s identity and the validity of his/ her passport.  
• Certificate of Eligibility was issued based on mistaken or fraudulent information.  
• No university degree or lack of work experience  
• Criminal records that fall within certain categories  
• Report incorrect information  

How to avoid a work visa rejection  

Could you imagine failing at the very last step? After all the effort of securing a job and sending in your requirements, you can still fail to get a visa due to factors out of your hands. There is a way though to lessen that risk dramatically.   

Before securing a job through FAST OFFER International, one of our talents was accepted as a teacher at a language school in Japan. However, the school was unable to help her secure a visa due to some technicalities outside of the talent’s control.   

Smaller companies often need to prove the need for foreign workers more rigorously than established companies. Bigger, more established companies have a better chance of securing a work visa. Working with an experienced agency to find a well-vetted Japanese company can make all the difference.  

Step 4: Travel to Japan & Get Your Residence Card ^[11]  

• Processing Time: same day, or a few weeks   

When and how to get your Japanese residence card  

After obtaining your Japanese work visa from Egypt, you can travel to Japan. Upon arrival, present your visa and COE at immigration, where you’ll receive a Residence Card. It is issued at the airport upon arrival.   

If you do not receive the card at your port of entry, it will be mailed to your permanent address later. 

Reminders About your Residence Card  

The Residence Card serves as your identification in Japan and must always be with you. Failure to present your residency card if asked to be seen by security, police, or immigration officers can lead to a 200,000 yen fine.^[12]  

Step 5: Register at Your Local City/Ward/Town Office ^[13]  

Registration deadlines and penalties  

As an Egyptian with a Japanese Work Visa, there’s one more step you have to do right when you get to Japan: registering your details at the local ward.

Failing to register your local Japanese address in time can have big ramifications. Make sure you secure an address and register as soon as possible. City or ward offices are typically open from 9:00-17:00, Monday through Friday. No appointment is needed.  

Within 14 days (2 weeks) of arriving in Japan, you must register your address at the local ward or city office. Failing to submit your fixed residential address within two weeks can lead to a fine of up to 200,000 yen. Going beyond 90 days (about 3 months) without a valid reason may lead to the revocation of your residence status.   

A fixed address will also help you acquire your social security, SIM card, and bank account.  

Updating your registered details and requesting a new residence card  

You can notify your local immigration office if after registering you have a change of name, date of birth, gender, nationality/religion. This is also where you get your residence card renewed or reissued in case it is lost, stolen, destroyed, severely damaged, or defaced.  

Insurance registration (for those not covered by an employer)  

You can get your insurance registration at the same immigration office. If you are not covered by your employer’s insurance, after getting your residency card, you will also be registering for National Health Insurance. There is no joining fee. The insurance card and charges will be sent to your home later.   

Additional Visa Information You’ll Want to Know: Renewing or Upgrading Japanese Work Visas

After completing the necessary registrations, you can legally start working in Japan. Following these steps will help Egyptians successfully obtain a work visa and embark on their careers in Japan.  

Renewing Japanese Work Visas ^[14]  

Work Visa Validity  

Work visas are valid for 3 months, 1, 3, or 5 years, and can be renewed.  

2-3 months before your work visa expires, you might get a notification from your company that your residence card is about to expire. To extend your stay in Japan by three or five years, you’ll need to renew your visa. If employed at a Japanese company, your employer or a company representative can apply on your behalf.  

When do you renew your Visa?   

You need to renew your work visa before it expires. You can start the renewal process as early as 2 months before your visa expires.  

Required Documents to renew your visa  

• A completed Extension of the Period of Stay Application Form (you can download it from the website of the Japan Immigration Services Agency) or get it here.  
• Your passport  
• Your Residence Card  
• Passport-size picture of yourself, with the following specifications:  
• Dimensions: 4cm x 3cm  
  • Taken within the last three months  
  • Plain and light-colored background, without any patterns and shadows  
  • You must be staring straight ahead, with a neutral facial expression.  
  • Your face must be fully visible.  
  • The picture must be good quality (focused, clear, and sharp)  
• Proof you meet the financial requirements to continue living in Japan.  
• Proof of continued employment which states the details of your employment, such as the salary, position, and duration   
• The company’s registration documents   
• Proof of the annual income and tax payment  

Update related documents before they expire  

When you renew your visa, a new residence card is issued. Avoid getting your bank account locked by updating your details with your bank branch before your old residence card expires. As soon as you get a new residence card, update your bank branch with your new residence card in person.  

Qualifying for Permanent Residency  

Want to work in Japan indefinitely? You might qualify for permanent residency. ^[15]  

Types of visas who can apply for permanent residency:  

• Visa for highly skilled professional sub-categories  
• Visa for the spouse of a Japanese national   
• Long-term visa, or10 years of continuous residency in Japan  

PR Calculator for highly skilled professionals  

For highly skilled professionals, you can use this PR calculator to check if you qualify.   

You’ll be scored based on your age range, academic background, work experience, the organization you work for, annual salary, Japanese language ability, research achievements, and Japanese national qualifications.   

• For those who have worked in Japan for 3 years, you need to score at least 70 points.   
• For those who’ve only worked for a year in Japan, you need to score 80 points.  

You’re all set to go! Start your journey today by learning Japanese or signing up with FAST OFFER International and getting that job offer!   

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