Japan Sets New Skilled Labor Visa Requirements for Foreigners

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published the official requirements for foreign nationals seeking a skilled labor visa. The visa allows for various lengths of stay, including 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years.

Applicants must submit a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and one passport-sized photograph. Nationals from Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia must provide two copies of the application form and two photographs.

A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is also required, either as an original or a copy, and can be applied for by a proxy in Japan. While not mandatory, lacking a COE necessitates additional supporting documents and may extend processing times significantly.

The COE confirms that the applicant meets the conditions for landing in Japan and that their declared activity is legitimate under Japan's Immigration Control Act. The ministry advises applicants to check specific requirements on the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country.