Are you an IT professional land wants to move to Japan? You have clicked on the right article. This page is your ultimate guideline on how to immigrate and work in Japan as an It professional.
What are the requirements to immigrate and work in Japan as an IT professional?
The requirements to immigrate to Japan as an IT professional could change with your conditions. You might need further items not mentioned in this list. But a general list is like this. Remember that you might not need all the options mentioned in this section.
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Immigrate to Japan as an IT Professional
Have a related educational degree.
You often need a related educational degree to qualify to work as an engineer in Japan. Educational requirements are often part of the visa requirements as well. But not having a related degree doesn’t indicate you can not immigrate as an IT professional to Japan.
For instance, if you do not have a degree, you can qualify by having 10 years of work experience. But you must have proof of it and submit the related evidence.
Language proficiency.
This requirement is with the Japanese employer or company you work with. The language they require you to speak is with the job offer you get. You might have to be fluent in Japanese, or being fluent in English will suffice.
However, fluency in Japanese or understanding it will make a huge difference. You will stand out, and your resume will catch the employer’s eyes.
Have work experience
You must have work experience and prove it through documents. It’s part of the visa supporting documents and necessary to demonstrate your ability to work as an IT professional.
Also, you need work experience to get a job offer from a Japanese employer. The first step to applying for a work visa is to get a job offer, as the employer must apply for a work permit. After the work permit is issued, you, as an IT professional, can apply for a work visa to enter Japan. The work permit gets called a Certificate of Eligibility, and it’s more common.
Also, the type of work visa you apply for might be strict over work experience. You can get familiar with the work visa options to immigrate to Japan as an IT professional.
Get a job offer from a Japanese employer.
This is a necessary item, and there is no exception to it. You have to get a job offer from a Japanese employer. There are various ways to get a job offer, and you can learn about them in the below section.
You might be wondering why a job offer is a must. The Japanese government must agree and issue the required certificate that you, as a foreign person, can work in the country. The employer must apply for this permission, and it is only possible after arranging employment with a Japanese employer.
You need a Certificate of Eligibility to work in Japan as a foreign person. The employer applies to government officials. After the certificate is issued, you can apply for a work visa.
The right Japan visa type.
There are various Japanese work visa types. You have to apply for the right type and receive it to enter Japan. The options you have are these ones;
- Japan work visa
- Japan highly skilled work visa.
You will find more information about these visa options, requirements, and how to apply for them.
But remember an essential point. You must be eligible for the visa type you apply for and meet the eligibility principles. It’s essential that you know the visa you are applying for and determine if it’s right for you or not. If yes, what are the steps you have to follow, and if not, what is the alternative option for you?
Pass the IT exam.
If you do not have a related educational degree and 10 years of work experience, you can take the IT exam to become qualified.
The purpose of this exam is to make it easier for international IT professionals to immigrate to Japan.
Also, Japan accepts some of the other countries’ exam results. For instance, the exam results from these countries are accepted by Japanese officials;
- Philippines,
- Thailand,
- Vietnam,
- Myanmar,
- Mongolia,
- Bangladesh
You will find more information about the IT exam in the below section.
But remember that passing the IT exam is not a must. It’s just an alternative to not having a related educational degree or 10 years of work experience.
What is the IT exam that lets you work as an IT professional in Japan?
As explained in the above section, there are two essential requirements to work as an IT professional in Japan; having a related degree and having work experience for 10 years.
If you do not qualify for these two items, there is another way for you; passing the IT exam.
Some approved IT exams permit you to work in Japan as an IT professional without having work experience or an educational degree. The exam is held in several places, and you can take it in one of the locations:
- Japan,
- Taiwan,
- Korea,
- China,
- India,
- Singapore,
- Malaysia,
- Thailand,
- Vietnam,
- the Philippines,
- Myanmar,
- Mongolia,
- Bangladesh,
- Etc.
The exam is offered in Japan, but it’s in Japanese. It’s not in English, and you have to be fluent in Japanese to take it.
The purpose of this exam is to make it easier for IT professionals to immigrate and work in Japan. It’s to facilitate attracting talented and skilled workers to Japan. The Japanese government is aware of the IT experts importance in the country, and they have paved the way for their entrance.
Moreover, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members accept the exam results from each other. Japan recognizes the results, If you take the IT exam in one of the ASEAN members:
- Brunei,
- Cambodia,
- Indonesia,
- Laos,
- Malaysia,
- Myanmar,
- the Philippines,
- Singapore,
- Thailand,
- Vietnam.
The exam results from the countries with free trade agreements with ASEAN are also accepted;
- China
- India
- New Zealand.
- Australia
Moreover, Japanese officials accept the ITPEC exam test result from these countries as well:
- the Philippines,
- Thailand,
- Vietnam,
- Myanmar,
- Mongolia,
- Bangladesh
What does the IT exam contain?
You would better investigate the structure and how it’s held in the country you want to pass it. But there are three sections wit hit in general:
- technology,
- management,
- strategy
You can expect to face some business-related content in the exam as well. It might sound weird, but it’s true. Also, there have been some questions regarding the following sections as well;
- information security,
- algorithms,
- software engineering.
You can find a sample of questions on ITPEC.org and practice for it on the Scribd.com website.
Is there an English version of the IT exam?
If you want to take the IT exam in English, the option is the Philipines and the PhilNITS exam. Applicants from foreign countries can apply for it, and it is in English as well.
The exam is held in April and October; if you want to make arrangements, you can think it through and prepare for it.
You can search to know if other countries hold an English version of the Exam or not. If yes, you can take it and submit the results to Japanese officials. But, the country you take the exam must be accepted by Japanese officials.
Visa options to immigrate and work in Japan as an IT professional
These are some of the visa options you can use to immigrate to Japan as an IT professional. You need to read them and find out which one is appropriate for your conditions.
The highly-skilled professional visa.
This visa allows skilled foreign workers to immigrate and work in Japan, including IT professionals. The Japanese government is willing to bring skilled workers to the country, so they introduced this stream.
The highly-skilled professional visa works on a point system to evaluate applicants and determine whether they are eligible to enter Japan or not. Japan faces a shortage of skilled workers, and the government is trying to fulfill it with the highly-skilled professional visa.
There are two levels to the highly-skilled professional visa:
- Highly-Skilled Foreign Professional (i)
- Highly-Skilled Foreign Professional (ii)
If you are qualified, you receive the (i) visa, and after three years, if you are qualified, you will get the (ii) visa which holds so many benefits;
- Take several activities and academic courses, and start your research-related business.
- Stay for five years and extend your stay.
- Apply for PR after ten years.
- Bring your spouse to Japan, and he/she can work.
- Bring your parents to japan, even non-biological parents.
Who can apply for a highly-skilled professional visa?
As explained, this visa is based on a point-based system. You have to get the required points to be eligible and receive them. The factors that determine your eligibility are as follows;
- Academic background
- Years of professional experience
- Annual salary
- Certifications
- Japanese language ability
Also, you have to fall into one of these categories to be qualified for a highly-skilled professional visa:
Category 1.
The applicants who fall under this group can take part in advanced academic research projects. By the contract they have with a Japanese public or private section, they can take education or help with research projects.
Category 2.
The applicants have a contract with a Japanese public or private section and can take advanced specialized or technical activities. The work they will do requires specialized knowledge or skills.
Category 3.
You can undertake advanced business management activities. For instance, you can take responsibility for the operation or management of a public or private organization.
You can find more information about your points on the Yokoyama Legal service website. You have to get at least 70 scores to be qualified for a highly-skilled professional visa.
How to apply for a highly-skilled professional visa?
You can apply for a highly-skilled professional visa from inside and outside of Japan. This is the application process to apply outside of Japan:
Step 1. Determine if you are eligible for the visa or not.
Step 1. Look for a job offer from a Japanese employer or company.
Step 2. Sign an employment contract with the Japanese employer.
Step 3. Japanese employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility at their local Immigration Bureau in Japan.
You must send the employer the supporting documents and the Point Calculation Form. It proves your qualification and eligibility for the stream.
Step 4. Japanese immigration officials evaluate your case and decide to issue the certificate.
Step 5. After the issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility, you can apply to the Japanese embassy or consulate to receive a work visa. You have to submit the supporting documents to get your visa. Look at the below section to know the supporting documents.
Highly-skilled professional visa supporting documents.
- Your valid passport, along with copies
- Passport-size pictures. They must be 4 by 3cm, taken in the last three months, with a white background. It is crucial that you maintain a neutral facial expression and a fully visible face while staring straight ahead.
- Documents explaining your position in the company, your salary, and the duration of the work
- Proof of your academic qualifications
- Proof of previous professional background
- You’ll need your current Residence Card and proof of previous Tax Payments. If you are applying for a “Change of Status of Residence”:
- Documents related to the organization hiring you, such as company registration, statement of profit and loss, etc.
- And any additional documents supporting your application.
You can find more information about the highly-skilled professional visa from the Visa Library article about it.
General work visa.
Every foreign national who wants to work in Japan needs a visa and the authorities’ permission. This permission gest called a Certificate of Eligibility. This article explains it in the previous section of Japan’s highly skilled work visa. We will explain it a bit in this part as well.
Japan’s General work visa permits you to work as an IT professional in the country. But you must be qualified for it. Here are the eligibility principles;
- Have a job offer
- Get the certificate of eligibility.
- Have a clean record certificate.
- Gather the visa supporting documents.
- Have a valid passport.
How to apply and receive a Japan work visa?
Follow these steps to apply for and receive a Japan work visa:
Step 1. Look for a job offer as an IT professional with a Japanese employer or company.
Step 2. Sign an employment contract with the Japanese employer.
Step 3. The Japanese employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility to the immigration officials.
Step 4. After the certificate is issued, the IT professional gathers the visa supporting documents. Look at the below section to know the visa supporting documents or requirements.
Step 5. The IT professional arranges a meeting with the Japanese embassy or consulate or the nearest one.
Step 6. The Japanese embassy works on the visa and issues it after some time.
Step 7. After the applicant receives the visa label, he/she can move to Japan and begin working as an IT professional.
What is the Japan work visa supporting documents?
These are the supporting documents you have to gather and submit to the Japanese embassy:
- The Eligibility Certificate
- The Japan work visa application form must be completed and signed by the applicant.
- A valid passport with a copy of it
- The photo of the applicant should be 3 * 4 cm in size and should be on a white background. It must have been taken in the last three months. The applicant’s face in the photo must be completely visible.
- Details of the job position, company name, salary, and length of work must be provided.
- Previous academic and work experiences
- Documents related to the company, including company registration, profit, and loss statement
- Artists must show documents that confirm their achievements.
- Religious workers must provide details of their religious organization. Documents related to your religious position must also be provided.
- Researchers must provide academic evidence.
- Researchers, instructors, and teachers must also provide their academic evidence and professional qualifications.
- For intra-company transferees, documents showing the relationship between the two companies should be submitted.
Note: this is a general list of documents, and the embassy could ask for further documents. It’s up to your case, nationality, and the embassy’s decision.
You can find more information about Japan work visa in the Visa Library article about it. You can also watch the video we have prepared about Japan work visa on our YouTube channel.
How to immigrate and work in Japan as an IT professional?
The procedure you have to follow to immigrate to Japan as an IT professional is up to the visa type you pick. You can see the above section to get familiar with the visa options you have. But a general route you have to follow is as comes below;
Step 1. Find the appropriate visa.
There are two visa options to work as an IT professional in Japan:
- Japan general work visa
- Highly-skilled professional visa
You can find more information about each of them in the above section. Determine which one is appropriate for you and permits you to apply through them. You have to pick one of them by your conditions.
Step 2. Look for a job offer in Japan.
It’s a must to look for a job position with a Japanese employer. The employer has to begin the application process, and then you can continue the rest of it.
There are various ways you can find a job in Japan as an IT professional. Look at the below section to know them.
Step 3. Sign an employment contract with the Japanese employer.
After you find a job offer from a Japanese employer, you have to sign an employment contract with him/her. It’s a must, and the contract is part of the supporting documents.
You need to include all terms of employment in the contract. These are some of the items you can include in your contract:
- Employment
- Position
- Compensation
- Benefits
- Probationary Period.
- Paid Time Off
- Termination
- Non-Competition and Confidentiality
- Legal Authorization
- Duration of employment,
- Salary
- Job Responsibilities
- Work schedule
- Benefits
- Severance pay,
Step 4. Japanese employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility.
After signing the contract, the employer applies for the Certificate of Eligibility to the Immigration Bureau.
All foreign employees need this certificate to work in Japan. There might be other supporting documents, and the employer informs you to send him/her them to submit to the Japanese officials.
The Certificate of Eligibility is the permission you can work as an IT professional in Japan. It takes time until the Japanese authorities to decide whether to issue it or not. You have to wait until they announce the final decision.
Step 5. The IT professional gather the visa supporting documents.
After the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, you can apply for a work visa. The IT professional must gather a list of supporting documents to submit to the embassy. The documents you have to submit depend on your visa type. You can get familiar with them in the above section.
Also, you can ask the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country about the full list of documents. It will speed up the process and avoid any trouble with your application.
Step 6. Meeting with the Japanese embassy or consulate.
At this stage, you have to schedule a meeting with the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for visa processing. You have to google and find the nearest one in your home country or a neighboring one.
You have to schedule a meeting with them and attend it on the booked date. Remember to bring all the documents and prepare the extra copies. There is always a fee for visa processing that you have to pay.
Ask the embassy how much the visa costs you and how you have to pay it.
There is often an interview. The embassy officials will ask you questions about your background and the purpose of your visit. Be honest and give true answers.
Step 7. Visa processing.
After the meeting ends, you have to wait for visa processing. When the certificate of Eligibility is issued, your visa will be issued as well unless there is a serious issue with your case. So try to check your documents and look over your case to ensure it’s complete and according to the instructions.
When you get the visa label on your passport, you can move to Japan and begin your work.
How to find a job in Japan as an IT professional?
There are various easy you can look for a job in Japan and get it.
The first one is to look for a position through the websites that advertise job positions in Japan. This is a list of such websites:
- YOLO Japan.
- GaijinPot Jobs.
- Daijob.com.
- WeXpats Jobs
- Career Engine
- Career Cross
- MyNavi
- Wantedly
- NINJA
- en world
- Indeed
Prepare a well-defined resume and look for positions on these websites.
The other way to find a job is to ask for help from recruitment agencies. They access employers and companies and can induce you to them.
This is a list of recruitment agencies to find a job in Japan:
- FAIR Inc.
- ROBERT WALTERS.
- Nippon Shigoto.
- Pasona Global
- RGF Professional Recruitment Japan
- Daijob
- Disco International Inc. (DI).
- Project2
- Recruit Now
- Alberto Recruitment
- Find Chef-Agent
Japan tourist visa.
There is another option for you to find a job in Japan. If you can not use the visa waiver agreement to enter Japan, you can apply for a Japan tourist visa and enter the country.
You have some time to look for a job and pass interviews. You will meet employers face to face and have a better chance to convince them to hire you.
The visa validity is up to your nationality and conditions, but you have no permission to work under a tourist visa.
When you find a job, you have to leave Japan and apply for a work visa from your home country. You can get familiar with the Japan work visa processing from the Visa Library article or watch the video we have prepared on our YouTube channel.
Event participation
There are exhibitions and presentations that Japanese companies take part in them. You can attend such events, talk, and get familiar with the companies and employers.
It’s possible to negotiate employment with them or get the contact details of HR managers.
Although you only have access to the companies that are present in that presentation or exhibition, it’s a way you can meet the managers in person.
Japan training visa.
You also have the option to apply for a Japan training visa. It permits you to take training in Japan and get first-hand experience. It’s likely that the Japanese company is satisfied with the quality of your work and your soft skills and wants to hire you.
If not, with Japanese work experience, you will stand out, and your resume will shine.
You can learn more about Japan training visa by reading the related article on the Visa Library or watching its video on our YouTube channel.
Immigrant IT professional salary in Japan.
Your salary as an IT professional is up to several factors. But according to Salaryexploer, the average salary of a person working in the IT section in Japan is about 517,000 JPY ($4.000) per month. Your salary begins from 268,000 JPY ($2.000), which is the lowest payment and goes up to 842,000 JPY ($6.500), which is the highest payment.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an It professional in Japan is about JPY 3,62,563.
This is while the Salary Expert website indicates that the average salary is JPY 5,730,019.
Best cities to immigrate and work in Japan as an IT professional
The industries are spread across Japan, and you can find a job in various parts of the country. It’s up to the demand, your resume, and which Japanese company requires an IT professional. These are some of the best cities you can find a job as an IT professional:
- Tokyo.
- Yokohama.
- Osaka.
- Nagoya.
- Sapporo.
- Kobe.
- Kyoto.
- Fukuoka.
Is Japan good for IT engineers?
The answer is up to you, your lifestyle, and your perspective. You would better answer what you want from life. Although the cost of living in Japan might be a bit higher than in the US, IT professionals are needed.
The government knows about this demand and have created ways to attract skilled IT professional to the country. For instance, you can take the ITPEC exam in the approved countries to become qualified and work in Japan as an IT professional.
Japan is leading the IT section, and its technologies and advancements are the best in the world. You get to work with the highest skilled IT professional in the world and improve yourself.
Do I need language proficiency to immigrate and work as an IT professional in Japan?
The answer is up to two factors. Read the below section to know whether you need Japanese language proficiency to immigrate and work as an IT professional in Japan or not.
1. Your job offer with a Japanese employer or company.
The company you want to work with might require that you speak Japanese. If it’s so, you need language proficiency to immigrate to Japan as an IT professional.
While you look for a job offer, determine if they need Japanese language proficiency or not. But if you become fluent in Japanese or understand it somehow, your chance of getting picked by employers increases.
2. The Japan work visa you pick to enter Japan as an IT professional.
The second factor that determines whether you need Japanese language proficiency is the Japan work visa you pick. As explained in the above section, there are a few options for you;
- highly-skilled professional visa
- General work visa
- Training visa.
The highly-skilled professional visa needs Japanese language proficiency, and there are scores for it as well. This is the stream in which you need Japanese language proficiency to work as an IT professional in Japan.
Benefits of immigrating and working in Japan as an IT professional
There is no need to explain the benefits of living and working in Japan as an IT professional. The third largest and best economy in the world and the frontier in robotics and technology always has opportunities for IT professionals. But, this section brings you some of the aspects of living in Japan. You will ensure that you have made the right choice.
A well-efficient transportation system.
Japan enjoys one of the best and most efficient public transportation in the world. It can take you from any place in the country and move you to anywhere you want easily. It’s comfortable and friendly-cost as well.
The options are versatile as well; buses, taxis, and trains. You can visit the many tourist attractions by public transport easily. This option is important as you might hear the cost of living in Japan is a bit high.
There is a lot to explore.
Although Japan is a modern technological country, there is a lot to do, see and enjoy. What are your interests? Nature? Mount Fuji is the number one tourist attraction that has its beauty every time of the year. You can try mountain climbing there and enjoy your time.
What about history? Imperial Palace and the architecture of the 17th century surrounded by walls, parks, and the amazing building is a must-see for everyone.
Historic Kyoto, where the imperial family lived the for over a thousand years, will amaze you, and you will just be drawn to it.
You cannot get enough of Japan by visiting the places, and one of the must-see places is Osaka Castle. It once was the strongest and largest castle in the whole of Japan.
Asia is one flight away.
The airport and flight are available across the country, and you can get to any Asian country with one single flight. What about the weekend in China or South Korea? Of course, you have to skip North Korea unless you want to return to the pre-historic era.
You do not have to spend long-tedious flights to enter another country. Take a nap, and you wake up in another culture to explore.
Good salary and in-demand positions.
Japan tries to keep employment opportunities for its people. But IT professionals and a few other occupations are the jobs they need in the country. So they try to bring IT professionals to the country and pay good salaries to them.
Take a look at the above section to know the salary of an IT professional in Japan. It’s high enough to have a good life in the country.
The great Job market for IT professionals.
There are three things that Japan is famous for;
- robotics,
- natural sciences,
- aerospace exploration
- biomedical research areas
Japan is a leading country that news IT professionals and the working culture is great. There is always a desire for progress and development. Just read the book Smarter, faster, better by Charles Duhigg, the section for teams. You will know how the working culture has developed, and psychological safety is rooted in the companies.
Let’s sum up…
If you want to immigrate and work in Japan as an IT professional, you will find the answer to all of your questions here. We brought you the requirements, the visa options, and how you can do it step by step.
This is your ultimate guide to immigrating and working in Japan as an IT professional.
If you have questions, write them down in the comment section. The Visa Librart team will answer them.
Frequently asked questions about immigration and moving to Japan as an IT professional.
Yes, you must be qualified and apply through one of the visa options. Having a job offer from a Japanese employer is a must.
You can get a job offer from a Japanese employer and then apply for a work visa.
Yes, it’s one of the leading countries in the IT section, and they are advancing rapidly. The income and living conditions are great as well.
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