Japan offers 14 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Manager Visa | N/A | €176,471 | 120-210d | 9/10 | Yes |
| Freelance/Self-Employed Visa | €58,824/mo | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Highly Skilled Professional Visa (Category 1) | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Highly Skilled Professional Visa (Category 2) | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Intra-Company Transfer Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Skilled Worker Visa (Tokutei Gino) | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Teaching Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | N/A | N/A | 30-90d | 4.5/10 | Yes |
| Investor Visa (Business Manager Route) | N/A | €176,471 | 120-210d | 7.5/10 | Yes |
| Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities) | €58,824/mo | N/A | 30-90d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Working Holiday Visa | N/A | €2,059 | 14-30d | 3.5/10 | No |
| Dependent Visa (Family) | €17,647/mo | N/A | 30-90d | 5.2/10 | Yes |
| Student Visa (Ryugaku) | N/A | €11,765 | 60-180d | 5.5/10 | No |
| Long-Term Resident Visa | €17,647/mo | N/A | 60-180d | 6.0/10 | Yes |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Japan offer?
Japan offers 14 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Japan?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Japan?
The path to permanent residency in Japan typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Japan?
Most long-term visa categories in Japan allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Japan?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Japan may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: Japan Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries