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Covers IT engineers, scientists, and technical specialists. Requires a job offer from a Japanese employer and typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field or 10+ years of practical experience.
Points-based system awarding points for academic background, work experience, salary, and age. A score of 70+ grants HSP-1 status; 80+ grants an accelerated permanent residency pathway (as fast as 1-3 years rather than the usual 10).
For foreign entrepreneurs starting or managing a business in Japan. Requires a physical office address and a minimum capital of JPY 5 million, or hiring at least 2 full-time local employees.
Covers 12 designated labor-shortage sectors (nursing, construction, food service, etc.). Type 1 allows up to 5 years total without family; Type 2 allows indefinite renewal with family reunification rights.
Japan offers a structured visa system with work visas (Engineer/Specialist, Skilled Labor, Business Manager), the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa with a point-based system, and the Specified Skilled Worker visa for labor shortage sectors. The Highly Skilled Professional visa offers an expedited path to permanent residency (as fast as 1 year for top scorers). Japan opened its first digital nomad visa in 2024.
Work visas are employer-sponsored and tied to specific job categories. The most common for white-collar expats is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa. The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is a points-based system rewarding academic background, work experience, and salary, offering greater flexibility.
Spouses and children of most work visa holders can obtain a Dependent visa. Dependent visa holders may work up to 28 hours per week with a separate work permit. The process requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) filed from within Japan by the employer or sponsor.
Japan taxes residents on worldwide income, with rates from 5% to 45% plus a 10% local inhabitant tax. Non-permanent residents (first 5 years) are only taxed on Japan-sourced income plus overseas income remitted to Japan. This creates a significant tax advantage for new arrivals with foreign income. Japan has tax treaties with approximately 80 countries.
Japan requires all residents to enroll in public health insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken or employer-based Shakai Hoken). The system covers 70% of most medical costs. Private supplemental insurance is available and affordable. Japan's healthcare quality is among the best in the world.
Opening a bank account requires residency registration (My Number card) and a valid residence card. Japan Post Bank, Shinsei Bank, and Seven Bank are foreigner-friendly options. SMBC, MUFG, and Mizuho serve larger accounts. Language can be a barrier at traditional banks; Wise and online options are popular alternatives.
Japan does not have a classic golden visa program. The Business Manager visa requires establishing a Japanese company with at least JPY 5 million in capital (approx USD 33,000) and a physical office. The HSP visa offers accelerated permanent residency for high earners and highly qualified professionals.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Manager Visa | $33k+ | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |