Japan visas
Japan's immigration is administered by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) under the Ministry of Justice. The system uses 29 residence-status categories. Key routes include the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa with fast-track PR, Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Types 1 and 2 for designated industries, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services for knowledge workers, and Business Manager for entrepreneurs. Major reforms in 2023–24 expanded the SSW system significantly.
5 routes · 1 without a sponsor · 3 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Immigration Services Agency of Japan ↗ · Immigration Services Agency (ISA)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) — Oversees bengoshi (lawyers) authorised to provide immigration legal advice. Certified administrative procedures specialists (gyōsei shoshi) can also handle immigration filings.
Visa routes (5)
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa
Points-based visa for highly skilled foreign professionals — the fastest route to Japanese permanent residence (1–3 years).
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Japan's most common work visa for knowledge workers — engineers, IT professionals, translators, designers, and business staff.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号)
Work visa for skilled workers in designated industries — requires passing a skills test and Japanese language test (JLPT N4+).
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)
Visa for foreign nationals starting or managing a business in Japan — now requires a physical office, at least ¥30 million in capital or business funds, and at least one qualifying full-time employee.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Student Visa (留学)
Visa for international students at Japanese universities, language schools, and vocational institutions — includes part-time work rights.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Japan have?+
We cover 5 Japan visa routes in these categories: skilled migration, sponsored work, entrepreneur, and study. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Japan visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
1 of the 5 Japan routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 4 are employer-sponsored.
Which Japan visas lead to permanent residence?+
3 of the 5 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in Japan