🇯🇵 Japan work visas for Indians 2026
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Indians moving to Japan from India have 2 main visa routes: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa and Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa. The fastest is the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa at 6–12 weeks. Every requirement below links to the official government source.
Just visiting? Japan tourist visa for Indians covers tourism, family visits, conferences and business trips.
Compare Japan visas for Indians: cost, processing time, and requirements
| Visa | Processing | Gov. fee | Job offer | Family | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visawork | 8–16 weeks | $0 | Required | Yes | Yes |
| Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visawork | 6–12 weeks | $0 | Required | Yes | Yes |
Japan visa guides for Indians
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa
workThe main work visa for IT, engineering, and business roles. The employer obtains a Certificate of Eligibility first (1–3 months; recent average ~7 weeks). No statutory minimum salary, but pay must match what a Japanese national would earn in the role; a degree or 10 years' experience is required. Both the CoE and the visa are free for Indian nationals.
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa
workPoints-based status scored on education, income, age, experience, and Japanese ability. 70+ points unlocks fast-track permanent residency in 3 years, 80+ in just 1 year. Annual income below ¥3 million disqualifies regardless of points, and higher salary bands earn more points. Free for Indian nationals under the reciprocal fee exemption.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- Can India citizens move to Japan?
- Yes. India citizens have 2 main routes into Japan: the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa and the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa. Each has its own requirements, fees, and processing time, compared on this page.
- What is the fastest Japan visa for Indians?
- The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa typically processes in 6–12 weeks, the shortest of the 2 routes we track. Add time for gathering documents, translations, and apostilles.
- Can Indians move to Japan without a job offer?
- Every Japan route we track for Indians currently requires a job offer from an employer in Japan.
- What is the cheapest Japan visa for Indians?
- The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa has the lowest government fee at about $0. Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- Which Japan visas let Indians bring family?
- The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa and the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa allow accompanying family members with additional documentation.
- Which Japan visas lead to permanent residency for Indians?
- The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa and the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa offer a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- How much does a Japan work visa cost for Indians?
- Government fees for Indians are about $0 for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa and $0 for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa (USD equivalents). Translations, apostilles, medicals, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- How long does a Japan work visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing is 8–16 weeks for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa and 6–12 weeks for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa, counted from the date you apply. Add time for gathering documents.