Japan

Work in Japan 🇯🇵

A rapidly opening job market with a new points-based immigration system.

Japan japan urban architecture building
Photo by strohmi on Pixabay

Market Signal

Selected pathways

Salary Snapshot

¥4,500,000–7,500,000

Typical Visa

SSW / Engineer Specialist Visa

Process

Competitive

Why work in Japan?

Japan is actively recruiting skilled foreign workers to address significant demographic shortages. The SSW Visa and Highly Skilled Professional system provide structured paths for engineers, healthcare workers, and technical specialists.

Top sectors

EngineeringHealthcareTeachingIT

Market trend

Growing

Jobs abroad

Example role profiles in Japan

Illustrative role patterns to help you prepare. Always confirm live openings, salary, and sponsorship with the employer.

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EngineeringVisa pathway

Civil / Structural Engineer

Sample employer profileJapan

AutoCADJSCEN3 Japanese

¥5,500,000–7,500,000

Typical range, not a live offer

Engineer / Specialist Visa
EducationVisa pathway

English Language Teacher

Sample employer profileJapan

TEFLCELTANative English

¥3,360,000–3,960,000

Typical range, not a live offer

Instructor Visa

Visa pathway

How to get a work visa for Japan

Five steps from research to approval — follow our guide or use Visa1st for the full breakdown

Step 1

Research

Identify the correct work visa category for your profession and destination.

Step 2

Eligibility

Verify you meet the points, salary threshold, or skills criteria required.

Step 3

Documents

Gather your passport, qualifications, contracts, and police clearances.

Step 4

Apply

Submit your application online or at the consulate and pay processing fees.

Step 5

Approval

Await a decision and prepare for relocation once your visa is granted.

Full visa guidance

Get the complete Japan visa breakdown

Visa1st provides step-by-step requirements, documents, fees, and processing timelines for the SSW / Engineer Specialist Visa.

Japan SSW visa guide on Visa1st

Prepare to apply

Get interview-ready for Japan

Landing the job is only half the challenge. Use our AI tools to make sure your resume and interview answers meet Japan's employer expectations.

Optimise your resume

AI-powered feedback tailored for Japan employers — ATS-compatible, correctly formatted, and keyword-matched.

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Practice the interview

AI-generated questions for your role in Japan — covering cultural fit, behavioural, and technical formats.

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Ready to move to Japan?

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