Processing Time to Get Your Japan Work Visa from India
It will take 1-3 months to get your Japanese Work Visa from India. 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. All International talents looking to work in Japan for more than 90 days (3 months) need a Japan Work Visa before entering Japan. [1]
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 Indians: 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 Indian in our comprehensive guide.
With some Japanese companies that are highly experienced with taking in foreign talents, they might do the whole process 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 Japan Work Visa as a Indian
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 typically applies for the COE on your behalf from the 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 need at least an e-mailed copy of this document by your scheduled visa appointment. [4]
Required documents you need to submit to your company for your Certificate of Eligibility (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 or your future employer may provide the right one to you.
- A scanned copy of your passport. (Make sure your passport is valid for the next 6 months)
- 3×4 cm photo taken within the past three months. Make sure you are not wearing glasses!
- Signed Work Contract with your Japanese Company indicating salary, position, contract length
- 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 you get a copy of your COE right away each time you change employers.
Step 3: Japan Work Visa Application from India
- Processing Time: Requires minimum 4 working days (excluding the day of application submission) to complete the visa process.[5]
Japan Work Visa Fee in India [6]
Japanese Work Visa Fee: INR 500 Visa Fee + INR 800 (Optional) VFS Global Service charge + INR 500-550 (Optional) Passport Return Courier Service
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 method of payment accepted varies according to the consulate of embassy which is detailed in the directory in the next section.
Japanese Work Visa Fee
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 be refunded if your visa is rejected.
VFS Global Service Charge
The Consulate of Japan, Bengaluru and Consulates General of Japan in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata will continue to receive applications from their respective regions, as usual. For everyone not under these embassies’ jurisdiction, you will have to go through official third-party agency, VFS Global.
You will also have to pay VFS Global, the official third-party agency used by the Japanese Embassy, their non-refundable agency fee. [7] This is inclusive of Goods & Service Tax – SGST @ 9% AND CGST @ 9% ) levied per application over and above the visa fees.
Optional Passport Return Courier Service [8]
All documents submitted will not be returned except for your passport. Once a decision has been made, you can pick it up at the Visa Application Centre you went to during their work hours. During the application process, you can also avail yourself of the optional courier service for an additional non-refundable fee. If permitted you may be able to send a representative to collect your passport; they will need to present a letter of authorization signed by you, bring the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre and their Government identification.
Beware of scams![9]
The Embassy themself will NEVER ask for payment outside of official routes, If you receive a telephone call, an e-mail to verify your documents or expedite the process, this may be a fraudulent attempt. Do not respond to the request and instead report to the police and inform the embassy.
Required Documents for your Japanese Work Visa as an Indian [10]
- Original or Electronic COE and a copy. (Sample of Electronic COE)
- Passport valid for 6 months from point of entry with at least two blank pages. Submit old passports as well.
- A photocopy of the bio data page of the current passport (first and last page)
- Two photographs taken within the last 6 months. (Some agencies only require 1 piece)
- The photograph should be of size 2 x 2 inches,
- Colored with white background
- Taken looking straight forward and face seen clearly
- Printed on good quality paper
- Covering letter stating the purpose of visit
- Original Certificate of Eligibility and one copy
- Experience Certificate
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Including all educational history to the highest, name, address and telephone number of institutions / professional record indicating names of companies or departments, address, telephone numbers, duration, position, and work details)
- Copy of contract between the applicant and Japanese Employer.
- A filled-out and signed visa application form for Long Term Stay with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Reminders for your Document Requirements [11]
Here are a few technical things to remember when gathering the required documents for visa application:
- Kindly arrange the documents in the same order as outlined in Document Checklist and attach a copy of it along with your visa application form.
- Please note all photocopies should be on A4 size only
- 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.
A Directory of Where to Apply for Your Japan Work Visa [12]
Once you receive your COE, you can apply for a work visa. Visa applications must be applied through the Visa Agency (VFS).
Things to remember when you go to the Visa Application Centre [13]
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
- Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate mode
- Photography, filming or audio recording is NOT permitted.
- Only a plastic bag containing your application-related papers would be permitted.
- You may use our cloaking facility to store your items. You may ask the guards and receptionists regarding the cost of the facility.
Visa Application Centre Prohibited Items:
- All bags such as travel bags, back packs, briefcases, suitcases, leather, jute or cloth bags and zip folders. Only a plastic bag containing your application related papers would be permitted. (You may use our cloaking facility to store your items. You may ask the guards and receptionists regarding the cost of the facility).
- All battery operated or electronic items such as cameras, tablets, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, floppies, laptops, or portable music players, hard disk drive (HDDs), spy devices, audio recorders, or other devices which can hinder the centre’s functioning.
- Sealed envelopes or packages.
- Any inflammable item such as matchboxes/ lighters/ electric cigarettes /fuel.
- Any sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail filers.
- Weapons, weapon – like objects or explosive material of any kind.
List of Japanese Embassies and Consulates in India and their Jurisdictions[14]
Embassy of Japan, New Delhi[15]
- Jurisdiction: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh
- Visa Fee Payment Method: All charges (Visa Fee, Service charges and other optional charges) are to be paid in cash only in INR in New Delhi.
- Processing Time: Minimum 5 working days from the day it is submitted at Embassy of Japan.
- Optional Courier Service: For Gurgaon, Chandigarh and Lucknow Drop Off office the Visa Fee and Service Charge in addition to courier charge needs to be submitted by way of separate Demand Drafts in favour of “VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.” This demand draft shall be for the return service charges (Optional) INR 550 per application inclusive of taxes. This is non-refundable.
Consulate General of Japan Offices
Mumbai [16]
- Jurisdiction: Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Visa Fee Payment Method: All fees are paid in Cash & Credit/Debit card for all applications submitted at Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad & Goa.
- Processing Time: Minimum 10 working days from the day it is submitted at Consulate General of Japan, Mumbai.
- Optional Courier Service: Applicants submitting their application in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune and Goa may opt to receive their passport by courier to an office / residence address. This mandatory courier return service can be availed at a nominal additional cost of INR 550 per application.
Kolkata [17]
- Jurisdiction: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.
- Visa Fee Payment Method: All charges (Visa Fee, Service charges and other optional charges) are to be paid in cash only in INR in Kolkata.
- Processing Time: Minimum 5 working days from the day it is submitted at The Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata. If any additional document asked by The Consulate General of Japan, Kolkata then at least minimum 3-4 working days required for visa processing from the date of additional documents submission.
- Additional Document Required: The Consulate General of Japan, Kolkata requires an authorization letter required for Visa Application Submission and Counter collection is required if any agent/relative /representative submits the visa application.
- Optional Courier Service: Applicants from Kolkata, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha submitting their application at Japan Visa Application Centre in Kolkata may opt to receive their passport by courier to an office / residence address. You can avail the optional courier return service at a nominal additional cost of INR 500 per application.
Chennai[18]
- Jurisdiction: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Pondicherry.
- Visa Fee Payment Method: All charges (Visa Fee, Service charges and other optional charges) must be paid in cash.
- Processing Time: Minimum 3 working days from the day of submission at The Consulate General of Japan
- Optional Courier Service: Applicants submitting their application at Japan centre in Chennai, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Cochin and Trivandrum may opt to receive their passport by courier to an office / residence address. You can avail of the optional courier return service at a nominal additional cost of INR 550 per application.
Bengaluru
- Jurisdiction: Karnataka.
- Visa Fee Payment Method: All charges (Visa Fee, Service charges and other optional charges) are to be paid in cash only in INR in Bengaluru.
- Processing Time: Minimum 5 working days from the day it is submitted at The Consulate General of Japan.
- Optional Courier service: Applicants submitting their application at Japan Centres in Bengaluru may opt to receive their passport by courier to an office / residence address. This optional courier return service can be availed at a nominal additional cost of INR 550 (inclusive of taxes) per application.
- Additional Documents Required: Declaration for employment, and Declaration for residence
VFS Global Visa Application Centres in India Where You Can Apply[19]
You need to book an appointment in case you are submitting your visa application at VFS Japan Visa application centre Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad & Puducherry. While booking appointment the first appointment available date will be displayed after required details are filled by the applicant. [20]
Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment and bring all your supporting documents!
Ahmedabad
- Open: Monday – Friday | 09:00 – 13:00
- Address: Ground Floor, Shree Balaji Agora Mall, Between Tapovan & Bhat Circle, 200 Ft, Sardar Patel Ring Road, Motera, Ahmedabad – 382424
Bangalore
- Open: Monday to Friday | 09:00 – 13:00 (Except for public holidays & Closures)
- Address: 22, Gopalan Innovation Mall, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Sarakki Industrial Layout, 3rd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076.
Chandigarh
- Open: Monday to Friday (Except for public holidays & Closures) | 09:00 – 15:00
- Address: Elante Offices, Entry from Gate No. 3 ,Unit no. B 208, Second Floor,Office Block B, Plot no. 178- 178A, Industrial & Business Park, Phase – I, Chandigarh (U T) 160002, India
Chennai
- Open: Monday to Friday (Except holidays prescribed) | 09:00 – 13:00
- Address: Japan Visa Application Centre Ramee Mall, 2nd Floor, No. 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600018, Tamil Nadu, India.
Cochin
- Open: Monday to Friday | 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
- Address: VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd First Floor, Coastal Chambers, MG Road, Ravipuram, Cochin, Kerala – 682015, India
Goa
- Open: Monday – Friday | 09:00 – 13:00
- Address: Gera Imperium Grand, 6th Floor, Office No. 619-621, Behind Ginger Hotel, Patto Plaza, Panaji- Goa 403001 India.
Gurgaon
- Open: Monday to Friday | 09:00 – 15:00
- Address: Centrum Plaza, Office No-312, 3rd Floor, Golf Course Rd, near IILM Institute, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
Hyderabad
- Open: Monday to Friday | 08:00 – 15:00 (Except for public holidays & Closures)
- Address: VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd Unit 1, Lower Concourse, Punjagutta Metro Station, 8-2-340/1, Punjagutta Rd, Punjagutta Officers Colony, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 India
Jaipur
- Open: Monday – Wednesday – Friday | Temporary closed
- Address: Mangalam Ambition Tower, 1st Floor, 106-114,Subhash marg(Malan Ka Chauraha)C Scheme, Jaipur-302001, Rajasthan, India
Jalandhar
- Open: Monday – Wednesday – Friday | Temporary closed
- Address: 3rd floor, Aman Plaza, Plot No 310, Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Nakodar Chowk, (opposite to lovely autos), Jalandhar Punjab – 144001
Kolkata
- Open: Monday to Friday | 09:00 – 17:00
- Address: 6th Floor, Rene Tower, Plot No. AA-I, 1842 Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, Kolkata-700107. India.
Lucknow
- Open: Monday to Friday | 09:00 – 14:00
- Address: 1st Floor, Alambagh Bus Terminal, Alambagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226005
Mumbai
- Open: Monday – Friday | 08:00 – 17:00
- Address: Urmi Axis Building, 03rd Floor, Behind Famous Studio, Opp. E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi (West) Mumbai 400011
New Delhi
- Open: Monday – Friday | 09:00 – 15:00 (Token for submission will be issued till 1400 hrs. only)
- Address: Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Concourse Level Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place New Delhi- 110001
Puducherry
- Open: Monday to Friday | 08:00 – 15:00 (Except holidays prescribed)
- Address: Good Shepherd Square, I Floor, No.33, East Coast Road, Elaipillaichavady, (Opposite to Rajiv Gandhi Govt Hospital), Puducherry-605 005, India
Pune
- Open: Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 17:00
- Address: 93 Avenue Mall,4th Floor, Kalubai Chowk, Near Fatima Nagar Junction, Wanowarie, Pune-411022
Track Your Japanese Work Visa Application [21]
After you’ve submitted your application, you can track your visa application status online through your Reference Number and last name on your receipt. You will be sent an e-mail once the Visa Application Centre has the decision, but you can also opt to get updates via SMS to your phone.
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: [22]
- 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 [23]
- Processing Time: same day, or a few weeks
When and how to get your Japanese residence card
After obtaining your visa, 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.[24]
Step 5: Register at Your Local City/Ward/Town Office [25]
Registration deadlines and penalties
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 Your Japanese Work Visa
After completing the necessary registrations, you can legally start working in Japan. Following these steps will help Indians successfully obtain a work visa and embark on their careers in Japan.
Renewing Japanese Work Visas [26]
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. [27]
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!