Skilled Labor Visa
Skilled Labor is the status of residence for foreign nationals who work in jobs requiring skills in special industrial fields, built on many years of experience, such as chefs of foreign cuisine and sports coaches. Many fields require at least 10 years of practical experience.
Main fields and experience requirements
Time spent majoring in the field at a foreign educational institution can be counted toward the years of experience.
Main requirements
- Pay must be at least equal to that of a Japanese national doing the same work
- The work must use the skill in question (for example, someone permitted to work as a chef may not mainly serve customers or work the register)
- The period of stay is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Experience is proven with certificates of employment issued by previous employers, and the examination checks closely whether they reflect the facts.
We can review the documents proving experience, prepare the statement of reasons for employment and file the application on your behalf. Please feel free to contact us.
Main fields and experience requirements
| Field | Typical work | Experience required |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign cuisine | Chefs of Chinese, French, Indian and other cuisines | 10 years or more (5 years for Thai cuisine if conditions are met) |
| Foreign-style construction | Architecture and civil engineering technicians in foreign styles | 10 years or more |
| Products particular to foreign countries | Manufacture and repair of, e.g., European glassware | 10 years or more |
| Gems, precious metals and furs | Gem cutters and similar craftspeople | 10 years or more |
| Animal training | Animal trainers | 10 years or more |
| Drilling for oil, geothermal energy, etc. | Drilling survey technicians | 10 years or more |
| Aircraft piloting | Airline pilots | 1,000 or more flight hours |
| Sports instruction | Sports coaches and trainers | 3 years or more (or competition at the Olympics, world championships, etc.) |
| Wine appraisal | Sommeliers | 5 years or more plus, e.g., a prize at an international competition |
Main requirements
- Pay must be at least equal to that of a Japanese national doing the same work
- The work must use the skill in question (for example, someone permitted to work as a chef may not mainly serve customers or work the register)
- The period of stay is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
Experience is proven with certificates of employment issued by previous employers, and the examination checks closely whether they reflect the facts.
We can review the documents proving experience, prepare the statement of reasons for employment and file the application on your behalf. Please feel free to contact us.