Planning to Visit Japan? Everything You Need to Know About Japanese Visas

In 2025, Japan’s visa system is entering a period of major change. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about Japanese visas—from student life on a student visa, to the Business Manager Visa with its increasingly strict requirements, as well as the newly introduced Developmental Employment Program. We also share the latest information, along with helpful resources, for those who want to study or work in Japan.

Have you ever dreamed of living in Japan someday?
Turning that dream into reality begins with one essential element: the correct visa (status of residence).

Let’s take a closer look at the essential basics of Japanese visas and the latest trends in 2025.

Those who wish to study the Japanese language seriously in Japan must first obtain a student visa, which corresponds to the “Student” status of residence.

When attending a Japanese language school such as TCJ, students are generally permitted to stay in Japan for up to two years. This period covers not only classroom study but also preparation for the next stage, such as entering a university or seeking employment, as well as time to become familiar with daily life in Japan.

One of the notable features of a student visa is the permission to engage in part-time work. With authorization to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence (Shikakugai Katsudō Kyoka), students may work up to 28 hours per week. Such employment, including work at convenience stores or restaurants, allows students to develop practical Japanese language skills while covering part of their living expenses.
However, it should be noted that the visa status is that of a student. A low attendance rate may adversely affect visa renewal. Academic study must remain the primary purpose of stay.

For the application process, applicants are required to obtain a Certificate of Admission from a Japanese language school, as well as a Certificate of Eligibility, which is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

In addition, proof of financial capability is one of the most important requirements. This demonstrates the ability to cover tuition fees and living expenses while studying in Japan. Applicants are typically asked to submit documents such as bank balance certificates. 

At TCJ, comprehensive support is provided throughout the application process, including assistance with the preparation of all required documents.

After graduating from a Japanese language school, the next step for many students is to change their status of residence to a work visa, which allows them to seek employment in Japan.

One of the most common work visas is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESHIS) Visa. This status is designed for individuals who make use of the knowledge and skills acquired at a university or vocational school to work in office-based positions, such as corporate roles, interpretation and translation, or as IT engineers.

To obtain this visa, applicants are generally required to hold a relevant academic degree (such as a bachelor’s degree) or possess appropriate professional experience, as well as demonstrate Japanese language proficiency at JLPT N2 level or higher.

The most significant change to work visas in 2025 concerns the tightening of requirements for the Business Manager Visa. In the past, a capital investment of 5 million yen was sufficient, which made this visa relatively accessible. However, from October 2025, the required capital amount has been substantially increased to 30 million yen.

In addition, requirements such as the employment of full-time staff and demonstrated Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 have become mandatory. These changes have made it considerably more difficult for international students to establish a company and obtain a visa immediately after graduation.

As a result, the previously common approach of “simply setting up a company for now” is no longer viable. Instead, it has become increasingly important for graduates to aim for employment with established companies and to build their careers steadily as the next step.

Furthermore, the former Technical Intern Training Program, which was primarily associated with on-site manual work, is no longer available. In its place, the newly introduced Developmental Employment Program has been established. This program is designed with a clear focus on human resource development and workforce retention,and it sets explicit requirements for Japanese language proficiency; JLPT N5–N4.

Students often ask whether they can bring family members, such as a spouse or children, to Japan. In these situations, the Dependent Visa is often considered. However, as a general rule, students enrolled in Japanese language schools are not permitted to be accompanied by their family members.

A Dependent Visa may be granted to family members, such as a spouse or children, of individuals who are studying at a university, graduate school, or vocational school, or who are residing in Japan under a work visa. For this reason, students who initially come to Japan to attend a Japanese language school are generally required to enter the country on their own and focus on learning Japanese first. After changing their status of residence through further education or employment, they may then apply to bring their family members to Japan.

In principle, if a spouse also enters Japan under a student visa, it is possible for both individuals to obtain separate student visas and come to Japan together.

In addition, the recently established Future Creation Individual Program (J-Find) allows graduates of universities ranked within the top 100 of major global university rankings to remain in Japan for purposes such as job hunting or preparation for entrepreneurship, while being accompanied by family members. It is important to select the route that best suits one’s academic background and personal circumstances.

Finally, we introduce the most familiar status of residence: the Temporary Visitor Visa, commonly known as a tourist visa.

Depending on nationality, some individuals may enter Japan without obtaining a visa and are permitted to stay for 15, 30, or 90 days. This status is intended for purposes such as tourism, visiting acquaintances, or short-term business activities. Employment is strictly prohibited under this visa, including paid internships or part-time work.

In addition, the Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) status, established in 2024, may be an option for those who wish to work remotely for employers or clients in their home country while staying in Japan for a longer period. Although certain conditions apply—such as an annual income requirement of at least 10 million yen—this status allows remote work while residing in Japan for up to six months.

By selecting the status of residence that best suits one’s purpose and needs, it is possible to enjoy life in Japan smoothly and without unnecessary complications.

TCJ is a Japanese language school that offers a truly international environment, welcoming students from over 80 countries worldwide. Certified career support professionals provide dedicated guidance to help students achieve career success in Japan. TCJ also offers hybrid classes, combining in-person and online learning, making it possible to study Japanese from anywhere in the world.

From visa-related concerns to Japanese language learning itself, TCJ supports every step of the journey—turning dreams of life in Japan into reality.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2025). About Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Status of Residence.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2025). Amendments to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Standards for the “Business Manager” Status of Residence.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2025). Overview of the Developmental Employment Program.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2023). About the Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) and Future Creation Individual Program (J-Find).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (2025). Visa Exemption Countries and Regions (Temporary Visitor).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (2024). Specific Visas: Designated Activities (Digital Nomad / Spouses of Digital Nomads).