Visa Options for Living in Tokyo Long-Term

Moving to Tokyo isn’t just a geographical transition—it’s a legal one. Your ability to live, work, study, or even open a business in Tokyo hinges on having the correct visa. Japan’s immigration system is structured and precise, with clearly defined visa categories depending on your purpose of stay.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a skilled professional, a student, or planning to join a loved one already in Japan, understanding your visa options is critical. The right visa not only determines how long you can stay and what activities you’re allowed to pursue—it can also influence your path to long-term residency or even Japanese citizenship.

In this guide, we’ll explore the major long-term visa categories relevant to foreigners relocating to Tokyo, along with eligibility requirements, practical tips, and common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Work Visas: For Professionals Employed in Japan

If you’re planning to work in Tokyo, your first step is securing a job offer. Unlike tourist or student visas, work visas require a Japanese employer to act as your sponsor. Your visa type will depend on the nature of your job.

1.1. Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務)

This is one of the most common visa categories for foreign professionals in Japan. It covers:

• IT engineers, software developers

• Financial analysts, consultants

• Marketing, HR, sales

• Translators, interpreters

• English teachers at private institutions

Key requirements:

• A university degree or equivalent experience (usually 10+ years)

• Job relevance to your academic or professional background

• A sponsoring company in Japan

This visa is typically valid for 1, 3, or 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as employment continues.

1.2. Skilled Labor Visa (技能)

This visa is for individuals with specialized vocational skills, such as:

• Chefs (especially in foreign cuisine)

• Architects, jewelers, furniture makers

• Construction workers

• Animal trainers

You must demonstrate several years of professional experience in the field, and the visa is tied directly to your trade.

1.3. Intra-company Transferee (企業内転勤)

This applies to foreign employees of multinational companies being relocated to a Japanese branch. You must have worked at the overseas office for at least one year before the transfer. It’s common among IT and finance professionals.

1.4. Highly Skilled Professional Visa (高度専門職)

This point-based system gives preferential treatment to highly skilled foreign workers. Benefits include:

• Fast-tracked permanent residency (as little as 1–3 years)

• Permission to bring parents or housekeepers

• Longer visa validity and multiple work types under one status

Points are calculated based on education, income, experience, and Japanese language ability.

2. Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)

If you want to start or manage a business in Tokyo, this visa is your gateway. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs, company directors, and investors.

2.1. Basic Requirements:

• You must open a registered company in Japan

• Rent a physical office space (co-working spaces may be accepted if private and permanent)

• Show capital of at least ¥5 million, or employ two full-time staff

• Submit a comprehensive business plan in Japanese

2.2. Benefits:

• Renewable 1–5 year visa

• Eligible to apply for permanent residency in 1–5 years

• Access to Japan’s financial and legal systems as a resident entrepreneur

2.3. Pitfalls:

• Virtual offices or residential addresses do not qualify

• Startup capital must be verifiable in your personal bank account

• You must engage in real business activity, not just paper operations

If your business fails or goes dormant, your visa may not be renewed. A licensed immigration consultant (行政書士) is essential for navigating this process.

3. Tokyo Startup Visa: A Bridge for New Entrepreneurs

For foreign entrepreneurs who have a great idea but not yet the full infrastructure required for the Business Manager visa, the Tokyo Startup Visa is a game-changer.

3.1. What is it?

It grants you 6 months to 1 year of residence in Tokyo while you prepare your business to meet the full visa requirements.

During this time, you must:

• Develop your business model

• Secure office space

• Incorporate your company

• Obtain the required capital or staff

3.2. Where to Apply?

Tokyo Metropolitan Government runs this program via Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC). You’ll need:

• A sponsor organization in Tokyo (often a startup incubator)

• A viable business idea

• A commitment to launch operations in Japan

This visa is non-renewable but can transition into a Business Manager visa if you meet the criteria within the designated time.

4. Student Visa: For Learning Japanese or Pursuing Higher Education

Planning to attend university or a Japanese language school? The Student Visa lets you stay in Japan legally while enrolled full-time in an accredited institution.

4.1. Requirements:

• Admission to a recognized school or university

• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or sponsor documents)

• Regular class attendance and academic progress

4.2. Work Permissions:

Student visa holders can apply for a “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted”, allowing up to 28 hours/week of part-time work. This is popular among language students working in cafés or convenience stores.

4.3. Transitioning:

After graduation, many students switch to a Work Visa or apply for a Designated Activities visa to seek employment. Some also start businesses and apply for a Business Manager visa.

5. Spouse or Dependent Visa

If you’re married to a foreigner working or studying in Japan, or you’re the child of a visa holder, you may be eligible for:

5.1. Dependent Visa (家族滞在)

• For spouses and children of work visa holders or students

• Typically does not allow full-time work, but part-time work (up to 28 hours/week) is permitted with permission

• Renewable and tied to the sponsoring family member’s visa

5.2. Spouse of Japanese National or Permanent Resident

If you’re married to a Japanese citizen or permanent resident, this visa allows:

• Full work rights

• No restrictions on profession

• Potential fast-track to permanent residency (1–3 years)

Proof of genuine marriage and cohabitation is critical, and immigration officials conduct detailed screenings.

6. Permanent Residency and Naturalization

6.1. Permanent Residency (永住権)

This status grants:

• Unlimited stay in Japan

• Freedom to change jobs or start businesses

• Access to loans and housing

You generally need:

• 10 years of continuous stay (or 5 years with stable income)

• Good behavior (no criminal record or visa violations)

• Financial stability (proof of income and tax compliance)

Highly Skilled Professionals may qualify after 1–3 years.

6.2. Naturalization (帰化)

Becoming a Japanese citizen involves:

• Renouncing your previous nationality (dual citizenship not permitted)

• Living in Japan for 5+ years

• Demonstrating Japanese language proficiency

• Showing integration into Japanese society

This process is rigorous and involves multiple interviews and documentation checks by the Ministry of Justice.

Additional Considerations

Language

While some visa applications can be completed in English, many processes (especially Business Manager and Startup Visa) require fluency in Japanese or the assistance of a Japanese-speaking representative.

Taxes and Residency

Holding a visa doesn’t automatically make you a “tax resident.” Depending on your length of stay and visa type, you may be subject to Japanese income, residence, and consumption taxes. Consult with a tax advisor familiar with expat taxation.

Resources and Support

1. Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC)
   Multilingual support for entrepreneurs
   Website: https://www.startup-support.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/

2. Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
   Business support and information
   https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/

3. Immigration Services Agency of Japan
   Official visa policies and application procedures
   https://www.isa.go.jp/en/

4. Local Immigration Offices in Tokyo
   For in-person application or consultation
   Visit the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau for appointments.

Conclusion

Relocating to Tokyo long-term is not only an exciting opportunity—it’s a legal commitment. Choosing the right visa sets the foundation for your experience in Japan, from finding housing to opening a bank account or enrolling in healthcare.

Take the time to assess your goals, financial position, and long-term plans. If you’re unsure, seek guidance from immigration professionals or local expat communities. With the right preparation and support, your Tokyo journey can be smooth, legal, and rewarding.