2025-06-23

In order for a foreigner to work in Japan, a work visa is required. One of the requirements for obtaining this visa is that the work must be related to specialized knowledge acquired at a university or vocational school. Looking at this requirement alone, it would seem that foreigners who have graduated from high school cannot obtain a work visa, but what is actually the case?

What is a work visa?

Foreigners residing in Japan are granted status of residence according to their purpose. A work visa is a status of residence that allows a foreigner to work in Japan. On the other hand, if a foreigner marries a Japanese national and lives as the spouse of the Japanese national, a status of residence based on status of residence is required.

In other words, the status of residence for foreigners to “work” in Japan is generally called a “work visa. With this status of residence, you are not allowed to work in jobs other than those that are permitted.

Work visa requirements

Work visas are classified into several statuses of residence depending on the type of work to be performed. The following is an explanation of the requirements for the status of residence “Engineer/Humanitarian/International Services” (“Gijin/Kokoku”).

This status is held by about 90% of foreign nationals working for companies in Japan. Therefore, it is the most typical work-related visa status.

There are six requirements to obtain a “Technical, Personal, and National” visa.
　① Relevance of the course of study and job description
There must be a connection between the specialized skills and knowledge acquired at a university, vocational school, etc., and the work to be performed.
　② Background of the applicant
The applicant must have a certain level of academic ability. In addition, the applicant must have at least 10 years of work experience.
　③Business status of the company
The company where the applicant plans to work must have the foundation to accept foreign nationals stably and continuously.
　The company where the foreigner will be working must have the necessity to hire the foreigner and a sufficient amount of work.
　The company must be able to pay the foreigner compensation equal to or greater than that paid to Japanese employees working for the company.
　⑥ His/her background
The foreigner must have no deportation, arrest record, criminal record, or in the case of a foreign student, no overwork, or other problems with his/her background.

Can a high school graduate obtain a work visa?

Now, the main question is, “Can a high school graduate obtain a work visa?

As explained earlier, one of the requirements for the “Skill, Person, or Country” visa is that “the specialized skills and knowledge acquired at a university or vocational school must be related to the work to be performed. In other words, looking at this requirement alone, it would be difficult for a high school graduate to obtain a work visa.

However, even if you are a foreigner with a high school diploma, you can obtain a work visa if you meet the requirement of “at least 3 years or 10 years of work experience.

However, the required number of years of work experience may differ depending on the type of work you wish to do, so you should be aware of this. In addition, documents proving work experience must be requested from the company you worked for in the past. If you cannot obtain such documents, you will not be able to apply for the visa.

Summary

One requirement for obtaining a work visa is to have acquired specialized knowledge at a university or vocational school. However, even high school graduates with a certain amount of work experience may be approved for a work visa.