🇯🇵 Japan visas: requirements, costs, and processing times
Last verified: September 2, 2026
We track 3 Japan visa routes: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa, Highly Skilled Professional Visa, and Specified Skilled Worker Visa. Each is verified against the official government source for Indians, Indonesians, Filipinos, and Vietnamese citizens.
Compare Japan visa costs and processing times
| Visa | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Job offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visawork | $0–$30 | 6–16 weeks | — | Required |
| Highly Skilled Professional Visawork | $0 | 6–12 weeks | $20,400/year | Required |
| Specified Skilled Worker Visawork | $20–$30 | 8–20 weeks | — | Required |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents. A range means the figure differs by nationality.
Japan visa types
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 Visa (HSP)
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.
Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW)
workJapan's main skilled-work route for non-degree holders, covering 16 sectors including caregiving, food service, construction, agriculture and manufacturing. You must be 18 or over, pass a sector skills test and a Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 and above), then be sponsored by a Japanese employer. Exams run four to six times a year in Indonesia. On the Indonesian side you also need IPKOL registration and a SISKOP2MI/E-KTKLN migrant worker record — skipping this is what stops otherwise-qualified candidates at departure. Type 1 lasts up to five years with no family; Type 2 removes the cap, allows family and leads to permanent residence, but is not offered in every sector, so check before you commit to one.
Japan visa guides by nationality
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How much does a Japan work visa cost?
- Government fees are about $0–$30 for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa, $0 for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa, and $20–$30 for the Specified Skilled Worker Visa (USD equivalents; fees can differ by nationality). Translations, medicals, and courier costs come on top.
- How long does a Japan visa take to process?
- Typical processing is 6–16 weeks for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa, 6–12 weeks for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa, and 8–20 weeks for the Specified Skilled Worker Visa, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Can I move to Japan without a job offer?
- Every Japan route we track requires a job offer from an employer in Japan.
- What income do I need for a Japan visa?
- Minimum income is about $20,400 a year for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa (USD equivalents of thresholds set in local currency).
- Which Japan visas lead to permanent residency?
- The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa and Highly Skilled Professional Visa offer a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
Always confirm requirements with the official government source linked on each visa page. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Browse visas for other countries.