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What are my work visa options?
Work and Residence Permit Card.
What are the most common visa types?
Work and Residence Permit Card.
What is the typical timeline for the immigration process?
1-5 months.
How long does it take to collect information and submit the application?
1-2 months.
What is the application processing time?
3-4 months.
What is my duration of stay?
The Intra-Company Transferee Entry Visa and residence permit are typically issued for up to 5 years and may be renewed indefinitely.
How soon can employees start working?
Immediately after arrival in Japan.
Is there a quota for the number of transferees that can apply?
No.
Is there expedited processing available for applications? Are there extra fees?
No express service available.
What are the requirements for permanent residency?
Permanent residence may be possible after 10 years of consecutive temporary residence.
What documents are required from the employee?
  • Passport
  • CV
  • Photographs
  • Application form
  • Clear copy of degree certificates
  • Clear copy of assignment letter in Japan
Will documents require translation, apostilles, and/or legalization?
All documents should be in English.
What is the requirement for the application location?
  • Pre-Arrival – COE application in Japan
  • Visa Application – Need to apply at the Japan consulate in home country.
  • Post Arrival – RP application/Address registration
Is set-up/sponsorship registration needed for transferees by their employers?
Yes.
What documents are required from employers?
  • Job description
  • Certificate of eligibility application form
  • Company registration certificate
  • Profit and loss statement
  • Company profile
  • Evidence of common ownership between entities
  • Assignment letter
  • Employment certificate
When do I renew my work visa?

Around 5-6 months prior to visa and residence permit expiration to ensure enough room for possible delays. If the issuance was for five years, then renewal should occur around the 4.5-year mark. It may be renewed indefinitely.

 

Can dependents work under the registration process? If so, do they have limitations and requirements to do so?

Spouses or partners can access employment but with some restrictions. There are conditions which need to be met in order to access employment.

Family members other than the partner or spouse have access to employment via their dependent pass as well with some restrictions/limited access.

Are same-sex spouses considered dependents?
Same-sex spouses or partners are not recognized as dependents in Japan.
Are unmarried partners considered dependents?
Unmarried partners are not considered dependents.
What, if any, deregistration requirements are required?
Work and residence permits must be formally canceled prior to the employee’s final departure from Japan.
What are the red flags and/or special criteria?
  • Minimum of 12 months’ experience with home entity required.
  • Non-client sitework not permitted.
  • Registration is required within 14 days of entrance.
  • University degree and/or extensive professional experience in a specific field with high annual income required.
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) may be simplified for stock exchange listed companies or companies who have paid over JPY 15M in total income withholding tax in the most recent fiscal year.
  • Employment contract must remain outside of Japan.
  • Payroll can be in any location, subject to Japanese tax regulations.
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