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Japan Working Visa Guide (Engineer / Humanities)
The complete roadmap to getting hired and moving to Japan. Covers the COE process, degree requirements, and Finding a Job.
Last Updated: December 12, 2024
Requirements Checklist
✅ Visa Requirement Checklist
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Process
1
Get Hired.
2
Company applies for COE in Japan (1-3 months).
3
Receive COE by mail/email.
4
Apply for Visa at local Embassy (1 week).
5
Fly to Japan.
TIME
COE: 1-3 Months | Visa: 5 Days
The Golden Ticket: What is a COE?
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is NOT a visa. It is a pre-screening document issued by Japanese Immigration. Your employer MUST apply for this in Japan. Once you have the COE, the actual visa application at your embassy is just a formality and is rarely rejected.
Do I need a Degree?
Generally, YES. A Bachelor's degree (in any subject) is the standard requirement for the "Engineer/Humanities/International Services" visa. If you do not have a degree, you typically need 10 years of documented experience in your field (or 3 years for some IT roles with specific certifications).
Official Resources
Point Calculation Table for High Skilled Professionals: View PDF. Work Visa Categories: MOFA Official.